Cub Cadet 900 Series Professional Shop Manual page 39

7. Check the fluid:
• Unless the fluid gets contaminated, it should last
for many years with no fluid service.
• Check the level and condition of the fluid:
It should be no more than 1-1/4" (3.175 cm)
down from the top of the casting. The fluid level
is generally near the bottom of the threads in the
plug hole.
• Check at the socket-head plug on the casting,
NOT the plastic expansion tank. Remove the
plug using a 1/4" allen wrench. See Figure 5.11.
Figure 5.11
• The transaxle should contain 20W-50 motor oil
having a minimum API classification of SL.
• If there is any reason to suspect that the fluid is
contaminated, replace the fluid and monitor per-
formance. A second fluid change after a brief
period of operation may be necessary to remove
all contaminants.
• If the fluid is low, there is probably a leak that
needs to be found and repaired.
• If the fluid is too full, it will drain into the catch
tank
Expansion
tank
Fill port
HYDRO. DRIVE AND BRAKE SYSTEM
8. Transaxle mounting:
8a. The primary symptoms of a transaxle that is
loose in the frame are that it will lose drive
or throw-off the drive belt in reverse.
8b. Check the torque bracket and the axle
mounting points at the frame.
See Figure 5.12.
Torque bracket mounting points
Torque
bracket
Figure 5.12
9. Eliminate heat factors
• As hydrostatic transaxles wear, they will begin to
lose drive power when they get hot.
• Heat is the enemy of transaxle performance and
longevity.
• If the cooling fan is damaged, replace it.
• Clean any mud and debris from the transaxle so
that it can shed heat properly.
• DO NOT clean the transaxle (or any part of the
tractor) with a pressure washer.
• Do not direct hose water at line pressure at the
transaxle or any bearings on the tractor.
NOTE: It is possible to inject water past seals,
contaminating fluid and ruining bearings.
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