I just bought a 185 hydro. I think it is a late 1980's model. It has lost almost all power. I checked the transmission oil and the level seemed fine. I then tried to drain the oil but when I removed the plug nothing came out. The oil level appears to be full and I cannot add anymore.
185 Hydro looses power
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beenthere
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Yikes! Sounds like a problem on one end or the other. Hard for the level to be fine on the dip stick, yet nothing comes out the drain plug. Not sure what to suggest next. But need to find out for sure why no oil comes out the plug you believe to be the drain.
What happens if you remove the transmission oil filter? (doesn't look like there is one for the tranny oil) ??
Does this look like your tranny case?
Yikes! Sounds like a problem on one end or the other. Hard for the level to be fine on the dip stick, yet nothing comes out the drain plug. Not sure what to suggest next. But need to find out for sure why no oil comes out the plug you believe to be the drain.
What happens if you remove the transmission oil filter? (doesn't look like there is one for the tranny oil) ??
Does this look like your tranny case?
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I am pretty sure that this is what the tranny looks like the one on this link:
John Deere - Parts Catalog
If there is a filter, I'm not sure where to find it? As of now, the mower has very little power forward and a bit more in reverse, but still cant climb even a very slight incline.
John Deere - Parts Catalog
If there is a filter, I'm not sure where to find it? As of now, the mower has very little power forward and a bit more in reverse, but still cant climb even a very slight incline.
oldnslo
Super Member
1) Does this model have the "Tow Valve". If yes make sure it is not stuck in the tow position.
2)Is your tranny the Eaton or Sauer Sunstrand unit?
2a) IF the Eaton unit and this is only going to be used for summer work mowing lawns a possibilty that might buy you some run time is fill the tranny with some thing like Mobil 1 15W-50. I have done this on a couple of mowers with similar trannies and they operate better.
This based on being able to drain the unit.
Sauer Sunstrand unit would definitely have "Tow Valve" option. Do NOT use heavier oil in this model.
2)Is your tranny the Eaton or Sauer Sunstrand unit?
2a) IF the Eaton unit and this is only going to be used for summer work mowing lawns a possibilty that might buy you some run time is fill the tranny with some thing like Mobil 1 15W-50. I have done this on a couple of mowers with similar trannies and they operate better.
This based on being able to drain the unit.
Sauer Sunstrand unit would definitely have "Tow Valve" option. Do NOT use heavier oil in this model.
I tore the mower appart over the weekend and can't find anywhere on the tranny where it says a brand. It is leaking some transmission oil. I was able to use it to mow but just at a snails pace and could not go up even the slightest incline. Probably best at this point that I have a professional look it over. Thanks for the responses!
markerbeacon
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- 185
I've had my 185 for 25 years, and up until a year or so ago it has given me very little grief. That said, about 12 years ago I had a similar problem. One of the axles had stripped it's splines. (My fault, I was pulling stuff I shouldn't have been pulling). I think I was able to trouble shoot this by jacking up the back of the tractor and turning each rear wheel by hand. I think you need to have one person holding one of the wheels still while you try and turn the other. If everything is as it should be, you shouldn't be able to turn either wheel. If you are able to turn one of the wheels with the other being held still, you probably have a stripped axle. It could take considerable force to make it slip if the axle is just sort of stripped and not completely stripped, so don't be afraid to lean on it pretty good. Just offering something else to check. Good luck.
markerbeacon
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- 185
Ok, if you can rotate (several rotations, not just back and forth a few inches) one wheel with the other being held (and of course your by-pass valve isn't open) then it sounds to me as if you have a disconnect in your transmission, quite possible an axle with sheared splines. This requires removal of the transmission. I have average mechanical skills. This was not a hard job. It will take some time though. Then I had to open the transmission. I think mine was an Eaton.That is when I found I had a bad axle. I purchased a John Deere Tech manual for the 130, 160, 165, 175, 180, and 185 Lawn Tractors. Between that and the parts break down available on John Deere's web site, it wasn't too bad of a job as I recall. I don't know what an axle sells for today, but back when I did it, it seems like it was only $45 or so. Needed a seal too.
After 25 years, my 185 runs as good as the day it was new. Other stuff is starting to go though. Replaced the 46" deck a year or two ago with a used one in better shape than the one I had. Just this week had to replace the PTO clutch. Still not bad for 25 years of service.:thumbsup:
After 25 years, my 185 runs as good as the day it was new. Other stuff is starting to go though. Replaced the 46" deck a year or two ago with a used one in better shape than the one I had. Just this week had to replace the PTO clutch. Still not bad for 25 years of service.:thumbsup:
