Husqvarna YTH1542 XPT

gdrew · Apr 23, 2025

Old fella next door was wondering if I could help him fix a problem he's having with his Husky ride on mower. Its an older model in decent shape with a hydro transmission. The issue is when you step on the pedal to move forward it works normal up until just over half speed. As you apply more pedal to go faster the machine slows down and stops. Reverse works fine from what I can tell.

I pulled the transaxle out today and found the oil level to be a few ounces low so wasn't sure if low oil was the problem. I drained the axle and refilled it with new oil, blead out the air and reinstalled it. This didn't help at all. Just wondering if the transaxle could be shot or if there is something else I could try.

Also wondering if anybody knows what the jam nut and adjuster bolt in the picture with the black felt marker is for?

Thanks

stevem5215 · Apr 24, 2025

No idea what the jam nut is for.

But these things are pretty simple in operation. It just has a tilting plate that forces the pistons as they rotate at a varying angle. That angle determines how fast you go in forward or reverse. For the machine to actually slow down as you are going forward I'd guess that those pistons are worn in the bore most likely and the fluid is leaking around them. A rebuild kit used to be available from Hydro Gear (if that's what it has) and I believe now you have to buy parts separately for it. A full disassemble would be in order would be my guess along with some micing of the bores and pistons to see if there's wear there. You will be torn down for some time. Why not just try and find a blow engine unit and put the trans into his ? That would be easier for you.

RandyT · Apr 24, 2025

Appears to be a tuff-torq unit. And item in the picture appears to be what tuff-torq calls a fulcrum.

gdrew · Apr 24, 2025

Great info guys! I just missed a free complete not working Husky parts mower on Marketplace. It had a seat and a 42" mower deck that looked good and that I also need. If the hydro trans was a match and worked it could have been a lucky day...but not this time.

I looked up what a fulcrum is on google, thanks Rany! I'll have to see if I can figure out what the adjustment does. Perhaps no benefit in my situation.

I ran the tractor today back & forth, round & round up and down for about an hour just trying to flush the new oil through the system. I feel like it made a little improvement on the forward motion not dropping off as much or as soon. I'll give it another go shortly. Thanks Steve!

Cheers!

oldnslo · Apr 24, 2025

What oil did you put in the unit? Sometimes the performance improves a little using 15W-50 or 20W-50 vs 10W-30 or 40.

I suspect their may fulcrum is factory set but could be 100% wrong on that.

gdrew · Apr 24, 2025

oldnslo said:
What oil did you put in the unit? Sometimes the performance improves a little using 15W-50 or 20W-50 vs 10W-30 or 40.

I suspect their may fulcrum is factory set but could be 100% wrong on that.

I used 10w30 as recommended by the manual. I now wished I first did a mineral spirits flush using the drill while it was on the bench. I was feeling optimistic after the oil change so rushed to put it together and give it a go in the mower...now having second thoughts.