Great Dane Chariot 61

PM Wells · Sep 28, 2019

I bought a Great Dane Chariot 61 zero turn mower with 25 hp Kohler engine. The left pump seems to have some slipping, or maybe it could be the left wheel motor. Have not checked it out very good. I know these mowers have been discontinued. Anyone here have much experience with these mowers that may give advice on what could be going on with it?

PM Wells · Sep 30, 2019

I bought this mower as a small repair project, knowing it had some problem with either the left hydraulic pump or the wheel motor. As I was riding it around today trying to get an idea of the problem, the engine started losing power and trying to die, also I could smell oil burning. I parked it and then noticed smoke coming up from around one of the valve cover areas. After lookin I could see oil leaking down from that area, so it is probably a head gasket. It is funny how all the problems start to show up that the seller does not seem to know anything about when selling. Of course it is a project and I think I bought it at a price that I will be able to come out on it Hopefully.

Shaneard · Sep 30, 2019

I bought the exact same mower at a sale years ago. It too had a blown head gasket. Then later on it would start running on one cylinder, and eventually stop. The electric clutch went out, deck bearings, normal stuff. I eventually got rid of it. Sorry I can't help you with your pump/hydraulic problem.

RandyT · Sep 30, 2019

Some of the early Kohler 25 engines had issues with blown head gaskets until the upgraded the head gasket with a fire ring. The oil leak could be just the valve cover o-ring/rtv sealant/ gasket or in some cases the plastic cover will warp or crack.

Sometimes it can be an issue to determine if it is the wheel motor or the pump without the proper flow and pressure test equipment($1100-1400) and if the pump is replaced the wheel motor and all the lines and expansion tanks and filter have to be flushed. If it is the wheel motor there is a good chance that it has also damaged the pump. There are no rebuild kits for wheel motors and in some cases parts can be limited for the pumps.