JD 185 HST won't climb hills

[dlabrie]

JD 185 HST won\'t climb hills

I've got a 1987 JD 185 HST tractor that I have beat on regularly since bought it new. I have had it apart and replaced many parts. The engine is fine but the transmission won't work under a load. Is the tranny shot or is there a belt adjustment or some other thing to look at?
Thanks,
David

 

[hwp]

Re: JD 185 HST won\'t climb hills

Do you have other hydraulics and do they work normally? How steep are the hills? Did it climb the hills in the past? How many ranges do you have and does it climb the hills in low range? I have a fairly steep hill that my tractor will not climb in high range but will in low range. If this is a new problem and the problem and all your hydaulics are affected then it is probably the hydrostatic pump. As you have done a number of repairs yourself, you can also replace the pump if necessary. This is not a difficult job but it does take quite a bit of time.

 

[dlabrie]

Re: JD 185 HST won\'t climb hills

This is just a small 17hp, gas, garden tractor. There is only one range, a throtle and a hydro lever. This is a new problem. Hills it used to climb are now out of the question.
David

 

[kubmech]

Re: JD 185 HST won\'t climb hills

It's usually the belt tension. It's easier to see if you take the deck off. Make sure the belt is in good shape. Also check that the idler/tension pulley is putting tension on the belt. I can't remember exactly how that one is set up, it may be an arm with a spring attached (which I think it is on the 185). Sometimes the arm seizes at the pivot point and needs to be freed up and lubed. The other set-up I'm thinking of is a pulley near the pulley that drops down from the engine, in which case you lossen the bolt that holds the pulley in place and pry the pulley assy to increase belt tension. Then retighten the bolt. Make sure your belt guides are in the right place after adjustment. I think you'll see what I mean, it's a pretty simple set-up.

 

[dlabrie]

Re: JD 185 HST won\'t climb hills

I just had the deck off to replace the plastic fan by the transmission and a broken U bolt on the rear axle. The 185 has the pulley on an arm with a spring as a tensioner. I had to take the belt off to move things around. It sure was tight when I put it back on. I also replaced the belt last year . I'll have to take it apart again and see if I can spot what is up with it.

 

[kubmech]

Re: JD 185 HST won\'t climb hills

Here's another thought. Did you have the wheel off to replace the u-bolt? Does that tractor have the snapring that holds the rear wheels on? If it does there should be a key and keyway in the axle that keys to the wheel. If the key dropped out while you had the wheel off it could also cause you problems.

 

[dlabrie]

Re: JD 185 HST won\'t climb hills

I didn't take the wheel off. I have the cut up knuckles to prove it. I'll bet there is something wrong with the belt. I hate taking it apart again. That deck is murder to take on and off.
David