Pump fix Snapper/Simplicity/MF zero turn

lhfarm · Aug 24, 2009

I have a 2004 Snapper ZTR branded mower. Yesterday, the RH pump busted, I'm hoping a seal. Lost power to that side, but limped to the garage where a quart or so of fluid was deposited on the floor. I couldn't see any broken leaking connections and the fluid was running from the drive pulley. Did a part look up via Google and the cheapest replacement is $885!
Dealer is 50 miles away and I'm thinking I'll remove the pump myself and take it to a hydraulic repair shop. Anyway experience a similar failure or have suggestions for a different course of action?

Thanks

lhfarm · Aug 27, 2009

Update. Took a couple of hours to get the pump removed, mainly because of the pulley. I didn't see the two set screws and my puller had bent the pulley before I knew what was happening. Removed the set screws and it still took a great deal of effort/force to finally get the pulley to "pop" free.

Took the pump to the repair shop. Getting a new bearing and a seal kit for $315. Better than almost $900 for a new pump. Also had to order a new pulley for $60 (including shipping).

I hope to get some idea of what caused the failure of the pump. I know what caused the problem with the puller.

I'll report back anything I learn.

tomnky · Aug 27, 2009

Barry
I am certainly interested in this as My Father-in-Law has one of these mowers with the 20 h p Vanguard on it, and it is also a 2004 model. I just had to go through the agony of replacing the oil drain hose on the thing. Needless to say it was a bear to deal with because of being apparently seized in the sump housing and the engineering for clearance isn't the best.

I hope all goes well in Your repair.

lhfarm · Sep 13, 2009

Update. Finally got the pump back Friday. Spent the weekend trying to get the mower working again. Thought I had an air lock, but I've tired every bleeding technique I know. Left side works great. Jacked up, the tire will spin forward and backward, but can stop with every little force.

I've pulled the pump and will take it back for testing. Either I didn't get it bled or it is bad or the drive motor went too. Bummer.

tomnky · Sep 13, 2009

It sure makes one think something is wrong with the wheel motor, seems like I looked the part number up for one and I believe it listed for over $500.00 .

lhfarm · Oct 15, 2009

tomnky said:
It sure makes one think something is wrong with the wheel motor, seems like I looked the part number up for one and I believe it listed for over $500.00 .

Just a quick update. I took the motor and pump back to the hydraulic shop. That took a couple of weeks. They believe it is the wheel motor too. You are correct on the price. Sure would like to find a junked mower that I could pull a motor from.

I've got the mower back together and will install a new pump belt this weekend. May just park it in the barn and spend the winter looking for a wheel motor.

tomnky · Oct 15, 2009

I was talking to a repair tech and he tells me all or most of these pumps and wheel motors are made by Hydro Gear. It might be well worth taking a look into.

http://www.hydro-gear.com/

lhfarm · Oct 15, 2009

tomnky said:
I was talking to a repair tech and he tells me all or most of these pumps and wheel motors are made by Hydro Gear. It might be well worth taking a look into.

Hydro-Gear ? Welcome

Thanks. I'll look for a label (although I don't remember seeing one. I called a couple of local dealers, asking if they ever parted-out these mowers. In both cases, it was a no. Someone must be, I just need to find them.

Or someone to work on the motor. The hydraulic place didn't seem interested.

Iplayfarmer · Oct 15, 2009

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.

tomnky · Oct 16, 2009

I would think finding one being pieced out will be virtually impossible .

The wheel motors may or may not have stickers, but there has to be some kind of identifying marks or numbers somewhere.

Good Luck and please keep us posted as I kind of have a vested interest!

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!