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This Husky built tractor has a "GT" RS800 transmission which is prone to the smallest accumulation of mowing debris which effects operation of the variator. This component controls the operation of the the transmission in terms of forward and reverse. It can also lock up in either gear, or obstruct neutral. The only access to the transmission is to remove the cumber some fuel tank which fully obstructs access to the transmission. This fuel tank situation is apparently known to Husky, as the replacement tank for the original tank listed in the Sears manual is a under the fender type? It costs about $120.00? In view of the fact that this is a design defect I messaged GT about the continual cleaning requirement, but no reply! I also questioned why, in view of this known and obvious problem why a dust cover was not incorporated into the design? They now offer one, but not as a retrofit!
In view of the fact I was spending 10 hours seasonally cleaning the the "VATIATOR " as it requires about 4.5 hours to access, clean and reassemble the unit. I refitted a 1.5 gal fuel tank from a Sears Suburban on the rear fender, thus eliminating the original monstrosity. Which leaves the transmission open to view under the movable seat. I made a hinged cover to cover the now "access hole", gasketed the edges and installed a 1/4" winged screw down bolt to hold the cover down. Painted it to match the rear. Now to clean it I open the access door, blown down the small amount of cuttings and in 5 minutes the cleaning is completed versus 4.5 hours of frustration! I would include pics, but don't have the function.
In my communications, Husky knows of this problem, but won't respond and GT doesn't seem to care.
One problem occurred when it stuck in forward and I ran my Wife's steel garden crook down which supported a bird feed and a hanging plant. It was bent out of shape, but I managed to correct it, bride was not happy! Plant and feeder survived.
Also the mower deck is a second rate design as the blade is recessed so far into the housing it limits adjustment to "Scalp" or So-So position. The Sears tech would not attempt to adjust it when under warranty, as he said he could do "No Better"! Give's you a good feeling about Husky customer care, as my little used Husky 350 chain saw has an odd problem with getting fuel, even with a new carb?
Good Luck, keep well!
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In view of the fact I was spending 10 hours seasonally cleaning the the "VATIATOR " as it requires about 4.5 hours to access, clean and reassemble the unit. I refitted a 1.5 gal fuel tank from a Sears Suburban on the rear fender, thus eliminating the original monstrosity. Which leaves the transmission open to view under the movable seat. I made a hinged cover to cover the now "access hole", gasketed the edges and installed a 1/4" winged screw down bolt to hold the cover down. Painted it to match the rear. Now to clean it I open the access door, blown down the small amount of cuttings and in 5 minutes the cleaning is completed versus 4.5 hours of frustration! I would include pics, but don't have the function.
In my communications, Husky knows of this problem, but won't respond and GT doesn't seem to care.
One problem occurred when it stuck in forward and I ran my Wife's steel garden crook down which supported a bird feed and a hanging plant. It was bent out of shape, but I managed to correct it, bride was not happy! Plant and feeder survived.
Also the mower deck is a second rate design as the blade is recessed so far into the housing it limits adjustment to "Scalp" or So-So position. The Sears tech would not attempt to adjust it when under warranty, as he said he could do "No Better"! Give's you a good feeling about Husky customer care, as my little used Husky 350 chain saw has an odd problem with getting fuel, even with a new carb?
Good Luck, keep well!
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