I'm glad others are finding this thread useful! There is a lot of good information in it.
The tractor is pretty light, so separating it is easy and doesn't require anything special. Once separated, the HST comes out and apart easily. I would suggesting taking out the HST, opening it up and seeing what it looks like, as a start. Then you can decide if any parts need to purchased or if you could just lap it yourself.
I still have yet to fix my tractor, but it is still usable and has not gotten worse. I never allow it to squeal, so I think as long as the transmission is never loaded too much so the fluid bypasses, it will not get worse.
I guess it should be recommended to anyone who is going to run this tractor (or probably any HST machinery) that under no circumstances should they drive it in such a way that they hear any sort of squeal, and it will probably never fail. The guy who borrowed your tractor probably had it in Mid or High range and had it squealing all the time.
Luke
The tractor is pretty light, so separating it is easy and doesn't require anything special. Once separated, the HST comes out and apart easily. I would suggesting taking out the HST, opening it up and seeing what it looks like, as a start. Then you can decide if any parts need to purchased or if you could just lap it yourself.
I still have yet to fix my tractor, but it is still usable and has not gotten worse. I never allow it to squeal, so I think as long as the transmission is never loaded too much so the fluid bypasses, it will not get worse.
I guess it should be recommended to anyone who is going to run this tractor (or probably any HST machinery) that under no circumstances should they drive it in such a way that they hear any sort of squeal, and it will probably never fail. The guy who borrowed your tractor probably had it in Mid or High range and had it squealing all the time.
Luke
