Cub Cadet 1000 SERIES Service Manual page 52

Series 1000 and 1500
28.2. Because the transaxle dissipates heat through
air-cooling of the housing, it must be kept clean
of dirt and debris, and the cooling fan should be
replaced immediately if damaged.
28.3. Cleanliness is vitally important when doing any
service work that might expose the fluid or inter-
nal parts to any form of contamination. Clean
thoroughly around any fittings, parts, or seals
that are to be removed prior to removal.
28.4. Pressure washing is not recommended, and
may contaminate the transmission fluid. Dam-
age caused by contaminated fluid is not warrant-
able.
28.5. Before commencing internal repairs, eliminate
all possible external performance issues:
• Dragging brake
• Maladjusted linkage
• Partially open relief valve
• Slipping traction drive belt/ low engine speed
28.6. The transaxle contains .600 to .632 gal of 20W-
50 motor oil with an API classification of SH/CD.
28.7. Fill through the port at the top of the transaxle.
Fluid will spill into the plastic over-flow reservoir
as the fluid capacity is reached. See Figure
28.7.
Over-flow
reservoir
Figure 28.7
NOTE: Some transaxles may be painted black,
depending on the year of production.
NOTE: The plastic over-flow reservoir has a
plastic vent cap at the top. This is strictly a vent
cap. Attempting to add fluid through the vent cap
will fill the over-flow reservoir, but will not add to
the level of fluid in the transaxle.
NOTE: This oil (fluid) should not have to be
changed in the normal service life of the tran-
saxle unless it develops a leak or becomes con-
taminated.
28.8. If the transaxle develops a leak, identify and
repair the leak to prevent further damage.
28.9. To drain the oil, Hydro-Gear recommends
removal of the transaxle, for draining through the
fill port.
28.10. A new addition to the transaxle is a drain plug.
Depending on the date of manufacture, this plug
may or may not be present. See Figure 28.10.
Fill port
28.11. Any time the fluid has been drained from a
hydrostatic transaxle, the air should be purged
from the system on initial start-up.
28.12. To purge the air from the hydraulic system in the
transaxle:
• Open the relief valve.
• Start the engine.
• Slowly cycle the drive pedal from full speed for-
ward to full speed reverse 5 or 6 times, taking
about 10 seconds to complete a single cycle.
• Stop the engine and check the fluid level at the
fluid level port near the back of the right side
axle housing. The plug can be removed with a
1/4" Allen wrench. Top-up as necessary.
• Close the relief valve.
• Start the engine.
48
Drain plug
Figure 28.10