Scotts L17.542 Transmission Problem

BillG_in_TX · Sep 7, 2004

Looking for help in diagnosing a major problem with our lawn tractor. Our church bought a Scotts L17.542 on 8/30/02 and it now has 120 hours on it. After locking it up last week, with no apparent problems after mowing the church lawn, today it wouldn't move.

There is a disconnect lever in back that allows you to push the unit, and it appears to be working fine, with resistance and spring action, and you can see the lever moving under the seat. However, there is no action whatsoever from the hydro pedals when depressed - just as would be the case if the lever in back was pulled out.

The unit starts fine and the PTO works fine and the parking brake is not engaged. Am I missing something, or is the transmission kaput? I read on another post that the transmission is a sealed unit and cannot be serviced. Is this true?

Thanks for any suggestions before I call the local JD dealer, who doesn't even like to sell me tune up parts for a Scotts. I can just imagine his attitude about repairing one.

Onthelake · Sep 8, 2004

I hate to make it sound so simple but did you check the drive belt from the engine to the hydro. I had an older mower that somtimes when you parked it and put on the brake the belt would slip off the idler pully. Then it wouldn't go anywhere. Had to get under it and re-do the belt. Just a thought. I currently have a Scotts simular to yours but never had this happen.

BillG_in_TX · Sep 8, 2004

Onthelake,

Thanks for the suggestion. I stopped by yesterday at lunchtime when I heard about the problem and looked it over. The belts seemed to be in place, but I didn't get under it. Another gentleman is going by this morning (in coveralls) to give it a look. I have passed on your suggestion to the church secretary and will let you know what I find out.

By the way, the secretary called the JD dealer yesterday, who suggested the same thing. Said they would be happy to look at it if we brought it in.

BillG_in_TX · Sep 17, 2004

Replying to my own post, the tractor had to have the "keyway" replaced. I don't have any idea what that is, but the church secretary was told that it was inside the transmission. The part was $3, pickup and delivery $40, and labor and shop supplies $98, for a total of $141. Done at a local lawn equipment dealer (not JD as warranty had expired).

bczoom · Sep 17, 2004

Bill,
Just reading through this thread.
You just found what I was about to say.
Same thing happened on my Simplicity earlier this year (but I lost all hydraulics as well).
Sound like you got charged about right. I have a can of keys and hydraulic oil laying around so I was able to do it myself. I think it took an hour or 2 but 1/2 of that was finding the problem.