Ford 1210 Hydrostatic Trans problem

Harbruce · May 16, 2010

I own a 1986 2WD, HST Ford 1210 with 550 hours on it. It runs great and has been well maintained.

While cutting grass with a mid mower in high gear at 1560 rpm's on flat ground, the trans suddenly became stuck in "forward fast." The Hydro pedal moves freely from forward, neutral and reverse but has no effect at all. The tractor cannot go in reverse. Neutral can only be obtained using the High/Neutral/Low shifter.

To go forward (my only direction), I have to clutch, select high gear or low gear, and release the clutch to move forward. Speed is controlled by RPM engine speed. Both high and low gear settings still work fine.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what it could be? Hopefully, I won't need to split the tractor to make this repair. After reading numerous threads on HST's, maybe preliminary determinations can be made by removing the inspection cover or the plate underneath the flywheel housing.

I really do appreciate you sharing your knowledge, experience, and expertise with me.

Bruce

Treemonkey1000 · May 17, 2010

Not being familiar with that machine at all is there any sort of linkage that is buggered up? Rocks and grit in it? You said it is well maintained so that includes fluid filters? Just tossing idea's at you right now.

Harbruce · May 18, 2010

Treemonkey1000,
The advice I've received so far seems like that's where this is going and not a total Hydro tear down or replacement.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Thanks,
Bruce

sld · May 18, 2010

Harbruce,

Not to take advantage of your situation, but if you go the replacement route I have a good used 1210 hydro tranny in my garage I want to get rid of for cheap.

Good luck with yours and let me know if you need anything. Hopefully it is an external issue.

Treemonkey1000 · May 18, 2010

sld said:
Harbruce,

Not to take advantage of your situation, but if you go the replacement route I have a good used 1210 hydro tranny in my garage I want to get rid of for cheap.

Good luck with yours and let me know if you need anything. Hopefully it is an external issue.

So what happened to the parts on either side of your transmission sld

Harbruce · May 18, 2010

I'll save your email if I to go in that direction.

Figuring that I'll fix the hydro, I'm looking for a FEL for the 1210. Tough to locate. Any ideas or other makes and models that fit.

sld · May 18, 2010

Treemonkey1000 said:
So what happened to the parts on either side of your transmission sld

Hi Treemonkey,

The parts on either side of the hydro are still bolted to the hydro. My 1210 is gear drive and I have no use for the hydro or the bell housing from this parts tractor. The rear end is common to mine but I don't feel like storing it for a rainy day.

Ideally, someone needs the hydro or the rear end. I just want to get it out of my shop. Problem is that shipping would be expensive. I haven't advertised it locally yet because I have been too busy, but I will shortly.

I parted this tractor out mainly to get the turf wheels and I have kept quite a lot for myself and sold quite a bit too.

sld · May 18, 2010

Harbruce said:
I'll save your email if I to go in that direction.

Figuring that I'll fix the hydro, I'm looking for a FEL for the 1210. Tough to locate. Any ideas or other makes and models that fit.

I found a Westendorf TA-55 loader on eBay a couple of years ago for mine. Super simple to install and easy to use. Problem is buying them brand new they cost almost as much as the tractor is worth.

I still see used ones on craigs list every now and then. If you are real serious, you could buy another 1210 with the loader and install it on yours. Then sell the other 1210 to get some money back. You might get into it for less than 1500 bucks or so this way.