Pump fix Snapper/Simplicity/MF zero turn

lhfarm · Oct 16, 2009

Iplayfarmer said:
Another option if you're considering a total replacement is surplus center. I don't know what pump goes on what mower, but SC has a few...

https://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.asp?UID=2009101517280434&catname=hydraulic&keyword=HPHS

You may be able to make one of the less expensive ones work.

Thanks! I think the pump is working OK. But SC also listed some wheel motors at much better prices. I'm going to try and find some numbers/markings this weekend to identify who makes them for Snapper.

I'll keep reporting back, asking questions.

lhfarm · Oct 17, 2009

I spent a couple of hours replacing the pump drive belt (I ordered it from e-bay at about 1/3 off the dealer price). The manual says replace the belt and doesn't tell you that you have to disassemble the tension arm and the electric PTO clutch. It took 90 minutes and my impact wrench. Those guys assembling these things must have big impact wrenches that they like to use.

The new belt didn't help. BUT the good news is right on the end of the wheel motor was a Hydro-Gear label! Don't know how I missed it when I had the motor out. Surplus Center has them for $189 + shipping. A whole lot better thant he $540 quoted by the dealer!

I have one on the way. Thanks for all the help! Between tomnky and Iplayfarmer, I might get this going! I'll stay in touch.

tomnky · Oct 19, 2009

Good Deal Barry! Let us know how this works out.

lhfarm · Oct 31, 2009

Failure. Yesterday was the first chance to install the new wheel motor. It didn't fix the problem. In fact, I had no movement of the wheel this time. I tried to bleed the system, but either failed or it didn't work.

I'm going to try and find a local shop who can test the pressure of the pump in place. Or trade for another machine. I hate admitting defeat, but that is where I'm at.

I'll post results later.

tomnky · Nov 7, 2009

Barry ,
At this point I am sure You are pretty well frustrated. Myself, I admit being hard-headed enough at this point to be determined to get her going or " Bust a Gut " trying to!

Let us know the outcome Please. Good Luck!

lhfarm · Nov 7, 2009

I was going to have to move the mower while I have a ceiling installed in the garage. I only get a couple of hours per week to work on it. At this point, I would have wanted to buy some gauges to check pressure everywhere. So I loaded it up and took it to the dealer recommended by the hydraulic shop.

This is a small shop in the middle of nowhere. The guy who helped my unload the mower said they had not seen any problems with this mower. That is good news on one hand, but I wonder how much experience they have had working on them.

I'll give you an update when I hear from them.

lhfarm · Nov 12, 2009

The repair shop says the pump has no pressure. Said they could get a new pump for $450 or so. I told them I'd already paid $300 to get it fixed. Called the hydraulic shop and they said it was OK in their shop, but bring it back. The repair shop was the one recommended by the hydraulic shop, so when I said I needed to return the pump, they offered to take the pump out and get it to the hydraulic shop.

So I'm hoping they can help me get some thing resolved with the pump. I might even have a mower by next spring...

Iplayfarmer · Nov 12, 2009

lhfarm said:
The repair shop says the pump has no pressure. Said they could get a new pump for $450 or so. I told them I'd already paid $300 to get it fixed. Called the hydraulic shop and they said it was OK in their shop, but bring it back. The repair shop was the one recommended by the hydraulic shop, so when I said I needed to return the pump, they offered to take the pump out and get it to the hydraulic shop.

So I'm hoping they can help me get some thing resolved with the pump. I might even have a mower by next spring...

I hope somewhere throughout this process you get some good luck for a change. I know I'd be frustrated if I were you.

tomnky · Nov 12, 2009

Hang in there Barry, things have to get better.

At least You have the repair shop behind You now!

Let us know how it plays out. I have have sort of been looking for a new mower myself, what I want and what the C.F.O. approves are two entirely different scenarios! I have a Deere GT242 but she has been around better than 16 years now and has around 16-1700 hours . I have a BX Kubota but never have liked the fact that it rides the grass down and leaves a track where the rear tires run ,so, I stopped using it.

I have looked at the Grasshopper front mounted 725 diesel and the Scag midmounts and have about ruled mid-mounts out simply because of My experience with his Snapper, Just too hard to access the underside of the deck for me ,especially as I am looking at sixty in a couple of years or less.

Good Luck Barry!