I have a 20 hp craftsman lawn( hydro gear transaxle ) tractor in terrific shape that losses drive on a grade. I replaced the worn drive belt and it was good for the first few mows, Now Im right back to where it will not pull up a grade.

I believe this unit has the Hydro Gear K46 transaxle (transmission). Be sure the belt as not slipped out of place from the transaxle (transmission) drive pulley,


If belt is OK, then, possibly the transaxle is low on fluid. Unfortunately the K46btransaxle is a sealed unit. Fluid can be added, but it involves lowering the transaxle. If it is low on fluid then it obviously has leaked out some where, likely a shaft seal. If fluid has leaked from a shaft seal, the seal will need replaced. Or it could just be transaxle is kaput.

See Hydro Gear link for more information. https://www.tufftorqservices.com/instance1EnvEEdefault/FlatHTML/TechInfo/docs/repair/K46_T40_TLT200Axle_Seal_REPLACEMENT.pdf

Question how old is the mower? Drive belt may need to be replaced due to being streched . Also is the clutch fully engaging , are there any worn pulleys?

Sorry to hear about your problem...you aren't the only one having it. Sounds like a hydrostatic problem or a pulley freewheeling on a shaft somewhere. If you bought your tractor at Sears they might could help you---the husky and are the craftsman are the same. Husky uses a little better engine is all. Hope this helps.

Often there is a keeper on the back of the pulley, and the belt must go inside the keeper. Get an inspection mirror up in there to look if necessary. Start by putting the belt on the transaxle pulley, then on the PTO pulley, then on the idler, last have someone sit on the mower and depress the clutch pedal while you put the belt over that pulley.

Check to see if your main drive belt broke, it will be located right underneath your tractor

If you had included model no. I could have been more help but you probably will have to replace drive plate and or more in transmission. If you go to searspartsdirect.com and in model number type in, hopefully you will get parts breakdown of the transmission showing parts.

Have you checked the fluid level in the hydro trans, there is a drive belt from the engine to the hydro trans check and make sure that this is not worn or loose. Make sure that when you check the tension of this belt that you do not have the engine running or the parking brake set, since tension will be released from the belt when parking brake is applied. good Luck

Is the transaxle pulley turning? If so have you removed the rear wheel recently and possibly lost the square key that fits on the axle?check those two items first.If ok it probably has a broken gear or shift key in transaxle.

Hello:

>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of
this Engine at this Site Addy,
http://www.outdoordistributors.com/
and Select the H. Then Select Hydro-
Gear. Then Select Don't have Part
Numbers. Then Enter the Model
Numbers 319-0650. Then Select your
Model and Download the File for
Online Viewing.
From your Description it Sounds like the Internal Pump is Worn and is Loosing Pressure as the Unit Heats Up and the Components Expand from the Heat.
>>To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action?sid=PSHx20080114x00001 and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section Near the Bottom Left.
Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance.
Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Be Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

jbridger (John)

Some of these tractors have a friction wheel that is driven off of a flat wheel on the bottom of the engine drive shaft. The rubber ring on this friction wheel could be worn out, or it could be out of adjustment.