New to forum. Hello. Question about j/d LX173

[sawz all]

Hello, my name is Kevin and this is my first post. I was just given a John Deere LX173 and have a few questions about it and sure I'll have more as time goes on.

This is my first j/d yard tractor and I have to say it is a huge step up from my rear eng mower....that I've since gave to my mother in law.

The old guy who gave it to me gave me the operators manual but it has no information about changing/servicing the trans. I would like to change the trans oil but don't know what to put in it or even where to service it from...first question???

The tractor has five gears and is very notchy going into gears. Is this normal for this model tractor? If not, what can I do to make it shift smoothly

What are peoples thoughts on this model? Was it a good one or a problem child?

Thank You,

Kevin

 

[sawz all]

Is this a rare tractor?

 

[ChuckinNH]

Welcome to the forum! You might get more responses if you post this question in the lawn, and garden section. It's possible that your lawn tractor has a transaxle that can't be serviced. Many are unfortunately made that way these days. The gears are probably not syncro either, so you will have to come to a complete stop to shift gears more smoothly. I'm not too familiar with your tractor, so I hope this helps some.

 

[Bird]

Welcome to Tractorbynet, Kevin. I don't have an answer for you, but I agreed with Chuck so I moved your thread to this forum.

 

[sawz all]

Thanks for the welcome and putting this in the right place .

Dose anyone have a maintenance manual for the lx173 they wouldn't mind sending me....if such a thing exists lol....?

Kevin

 

[shot_gun]

The trans should be filled with grease. The "notchyness" should be the detents for each gear. When you shifting it should get a little stiff between the gears is ok. If you have to force it too bad check the linkage first. It may need a little lubrication. If all that fails you may have to open it up and check the shift keys in the transmission. They may be getting close to being sheared. The good news is while you have it apart you can clean out he old grease and put in new grease.

 

[sawz all]

Do you mean split the gearbox? I never have to force it in gear, it is just very noticable going into the detents. How long can these things go before you should change the grease? Or is it one of those things if it aint broke dont fix it ? I just love this little yard tractor and want to make it last. I pull a log splitter around the yard and I just got one of those tow behind carts so I can move rocks, wood, etc. I hope this little tractor is durable enough (within reason) to do what I'm hoping to ask of it. So far so good. What do you guys think, if I drive it nice should that trans hold up or is that grease gearbox a bad design?

Kevin

 

[shot_gun]

Or is it one of those things if it aint broke dont fix it

You hit the nail on the head. Yes you would have to split the trans to clean it all out. As far as durable they are pretty good. They just don't like to be shocked with a heavy load. Be gentle on the drive line and you'll be fine. No 90mph wheelies and you'll be fine.

 

[sawz all]

Thanks S/G....I'll leave it alone. The one thing I think I will invest in is chains for the rear wheels other than that she's golden, well I have to do a valve cover gasket some time soon . Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

Kevin

 

[TedLaRue]

You might consider wheel weights or "suitcase weights" that hang off the back instead of chains. The weights will give you more traction without tearing up the lawn, and they're easier to put on than chains.

I have weights for my JD mowers, but I've learned how and when to sit on the fenders to give me the traction I need, so I don't use the weights any more.

I'm not sure what you mean by "notchy" going into gears, but I think that would be a good thing (clicking in and staying there). Lack of "notchiness" would indicate worn detents or some other problem.

The John Deere website has a lot of information about your machine for free. Try going here. I'm not sure what you'll find on that website because they want you to register (for free) first. But you should be able to find all kinds of useful information there.