Grasshopper 1822d transmission failure

[Denis But]

I have 1987 Grasshopper 1822D with 1500 hours on it. Now, when transmission(left) gets hot it basically quits, especially on hills. I took the pump apart but there are so few parts inside that I even do not know how it works. What can I do besides buying $700 pump(#391429, was installed in Grasshopper 1212,1622,1822s)? Any rebuilt kits available or machine shop can do something about parts resurfacing? Is there even exploded pump parts diagram? Any cheap source of parts or anyone having parts for sale?
Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

[Ford850]

If you don't get your answer here, check http://www.lawnsite.com . Post your question in either the Commerical Lawn Mowing or the Mechanic And Repair forum. There is a poster there named Mowingman who can probably answer your question.

 

[Denis But]

Thanks! I'm doing it now!

 

[CCWKen]

If you took it apart already and didn't mark the location of the balls, it's probably trash already. Those Eaton trans/pumps are assembled with each ball fitted to it's location with a tolerance of .001" or less. Mixing them results in a very noisy or inoperable pump. There's tests you can do on the pump but since it's apart, that can't happen. On these, it's the rotating cam that normally wears. It's what shifts the plate for forward/reverse and speed. It wears or breaks.

You did check to make sure the fluid was topped up, right? Did you ever change the fluid? The shift plate may just be worn out.

 

[Denis But]

Thank you for repply! I just put pump together and I am sure I did not mix the balls. I think I need to explain the terrain I mow on. Both transmissions, when cold, work fairly well. As transmission gets hot on many passes(10+) on long 20 degree slope left pump gives up. Can it be due to misadjustment? I noticed that pump input lever(small lever on the top of pump) has quite bit of play but so does the the right pums side. Is there any other source of new pump for less than $750?

 

[CCWKen]

I have a Woods 1850 that I believe is a similar machine. I bought it used about 6-7 years ago and did some research on parts just to see if they were still available in case they were needed. The pickings were slim but Eaton still sold rebuilt units. However; the last time I checked, Eaton was bought out so I'm not sure any more. You might try contacting them directly and see if rebuilt or rebuilding services are still available.

This is the last info I have for them:
Eaton Corporation
Hydraulics Division
15151 Highway 5
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
(612) 937-9800

Also, this place offers rebuilt parts on an exchange basis:
Eaton Parts Eaton hydrostatic parts, Eaton hydrostatic repair, Eaton hydrostatic transmission repair

One thing you could check is the dump valves. It should be on the side of each unit. When pushed in, the pump/motor should free-wheel. Release the clip and push them both in then push/tow the unit to force fluid through the check valves. This might clear any dirt or crud that may be clogging the check valves. Pull the dump valves back out and make sure the clip holds them in place.

Over heating could be a problem too. Make sure the body of the pump is clean and that the fans are intact. Missing or broken blades will cause the pump to overheat.

Hope this helps.
Ken

 

[Denis But]

Thank you for response Ken! I will give Eaton the call. Meanwhile, I am looking for the inexpensive unit from the used mower.

 

[nino]

Hi everybody...

I have the 1212 and I was mowing and one of the transmissions suddenly went out... I had a mechanic check it out and when he checked it everything looked good when he opened it up so we really don't know what is wrong with it. Any ideas on what part could have gone bad?? Also where can I look for the gasket kit?

Thanks
Rick