Craftsman 42" Hydrostatic Drive 15.5HP Kohler

[chiplarsen]

Craftsman 42\" Hydrostatic Drive 15.5HP Kohler

I suspect that my mower is low on transmission fluid. I stood the mower up to take off one of the blades and now the mower will not move very fast and the transmission is roaring. I would like to check/add some transmission fluid, but I do not know what fluid it uses. I do not have the manual. If anyone could help, please let me know.

Thank you

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Craftsman 42\" Hydrostatic Drive 15.5HP Kohler

I can't help you on this one, and the following advice is for the future. You can order a manual and parts here , all you need is the model number. The manuals are not that expensive and they'll send it right to the house.

 

[frank_f15]

Re: Craftsman 42\" Hydrostatic Drive 15.5HP Kohler

ARE you sure that is a true hydro? but in any event call sears parts 1-800-366-7278 and give them the model # of your tractor and they should be able to tell u or sell you the correct fluid. or go to any lawn mower repair shop and they should be able to sell u the correct fluid.

 

[GerardC]

Re: Craftsman 42\" Hydrostatic Drive 15.5HP Kohler

I have an MTD 16.5 HP with a hydrostatic transmission and my owners manual states that it is sealed so it never needs to be filled. G

 

[AMP762]

Re: Craftsman 42\" Hydrostatic Drive 15.5HP Kohler

There should be a lever that takes it out of gear, mine is just in front of the seat, make sure it's fully engaged. Don't ask how I know this /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[GerardC]

Re: Craftsman 42\" Hydrostatic Drive 15.5HP Kohler

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( There should be a lever that takes it out of gear, mine is just in front of the seat, make sure it's fully engaged. Don't ask how I know this /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif )</font>

You too, LOL. G /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[trkbldr]

Re: Craftsman 42\" Hydrostatic Drive 15.5HP Kohler

I had a Craftsman mower very similar to the one you describe. Mine was a 1993 model, 14 HP, 42" cut. To check the transaxle, either remove the rear drawbar plate (2 bolts on each side), or remove the battery and the plastic battery tray (easier /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif). There should be a reservoir with a screw off top mounted to the transaxle. The correct "hot" and "cold" levels are marked on the side of the reservoir. Make sure you clean around the cap before removing it so you don't get any dirt in the reservoir. The manual specifies 10W30 motor oil be used. The newer transaxles are indeed a sealed system but I suspect yours is not one of them. I hope this is of some help.