Hydrostatic Transmission - Service Questions

[DaveRR]

Hello -

I have a used Troy Bilt Hydro 16 garden tractor with a 16hp B&S engine and a hydrostatic transmission. This machine was built in 1994, pre-MTD, and I purchased it used. I don't have the owners manual, and I can't seem to find one online.

I'd like to change the transmission fluid and filter, but I've never done this before and I have some basic questions.

1. The fill is labeled SAE 20W. Is that correct? (It's not a specific fluid for hydrostatic transmissions?)

2. Does anyone know how much oil to put in this machine? The reservoir does not appear to have a fill line.

3. Is this as simple as changing the motor oil? In other words, all I need to do is drain the fluid, change the filter, and refill with oil...right?

Thanks very much, I really appreciate the help!

 

[2manyrocks]

Have you tried the Troy Bilt website for a manual?

PDF Manual Web Archive

 

[jeffmazz]

Dave,

Many hydrostatic transmissions use motor oil instead of hydraulic oil. You need to check with the manufacturer as to what you actually need. As far as quantity you will again have to verify with the manufacturer. As far as the job itself.....it should be no different than changing the engine oil. You could try asking for info. at Lawnsite .com. Some one there might be familiar with your machine.

 

[DaveRR]

Thanks very much for the replies!

Unfortunately, Troy Bilt doesn't have an owners manual for this tractor online. (There is a parts manual, but not an owners/service manual.) I've looked into getting one previously, and I was told that MTD wasn't provided documentation for this tractor when they acquired the company from Garden Way.

I'm going to stop by the local dealer this week and see if they can tell me any more, and maybe I'll try that website too. I did have luck getting a replacement filter from NAPA.

Anyway, thanks again!

 

[bontai_Joe]

The GardenWay era TroyBilt tractors were actually made by Bolens and there are equal Bolens models that differ only in paint color. You might find a manual by cross referencing it to a list of Bolens machines.

 

[skent]

I have a Troy Bilt 14HP Hydro. My is a 1990 model, and has been used, abused and used some more and is still going. I believe it uses the standard Eaton transmission. (I'm at work right now, but I can send you a copy of the manuals later tonight if you wish.) Mine was a tractor that got used by many people (who didn't own it) and really took the pounding. Guessing the first ten years it racked up over 100 hrs per year. Less since I got my Kabota. I've replaced the hydro oil twice and seemed to be fairly straightforward. The drain plugs are located on the axle shafts near the wheel bearings. (need to remove the wheels to get to them.) Have the tranny fully warmed up, since it drains VERY slowly. Allow overnight. Filling takes some time too. I usually measure how much comes out so I know how much to put in (less than 2 qts).

The engine is so worn it knocks like a diesel (rod bearings) and smokes some, but it still goes. Had a problem with front wheel bearings, they scored the shaft, and the mower deck needed some repairs a few years ago. Last weekend I did my annual end of summer service and put it in storage for the winter. It don't owe me a cent!!!

 

[DaveRR]

I'm glad to hear that these take so much abuse! The tractor itself appears to be in really good shape. All I've done is replace the battery and change the fluids and filters. I had to replace the bearings, blades, and belts on the 48" mower deck, but otherwise it seems to be in good shape too. At this point in my life, I sure couldn't justify spending the type of money that a similar mower would cost new.

Anyway, I got the transmission fluid changed today. I had a bunch of other stuff to do in the garage, so I put the tractor in there with a heater going for a couple hours (it was about 10 degrees here today, and really windy). You're right, it does drain slow. But I got it all taken care of. Thanks everybody!