John Deer LTR 166 Not Moving

LoveJD1953 · Jul 30, 2014

Just got a 2001 John Deer LTR 166 from a government auction. Engine runs like a top, started first turn after sitting 1 year. It wont move forward or back. Spoke with a JD shop he said open catcher and make sure rod or pin is pushed in. I opened catcher and saw two electric contact switches one in the center part of it the plastic arm is broke off and the other switch to the top left seems to be ok. I don't see a pin or rod to activate the transmission. Need help!

mfreund · Jul 30, 2014

I think you have found the problem. Need pictures to be sure.

LoveJD1953 · Jul 31, 2014

mfreund said:
I think you have found the problem. Need pictures to be sure.

I will shoot some pics soon.

nikdfish · Jul 31, 2014

He might have been referring to a rod used to mechanically disengage the HST to permit towing/pushing. It is generally found at the back end of the machine towards the lower right side. Not familiar with the 166, but the clippings collector may be covering/blocking view of it. When the rod is pulled out the HST is disengaged, you push it back in to engage HST (assuming the 166 uses the same system).

EDIT FOR CORRECTION:

Just found an on-line copy of the owner's manual. The "freewheeling" rod is located just in front of the left rear wheel. Pulled out, the HST is disengaged & pushed in, engaged. There is also a warning not to start machine while rod is disengaged...

Found here: Operating

Nick

bullbreaker · Jul 31, 2014

Yes and besides rod I'd check and make sure my direct drive belt belt was not off or busted. If yours works on that type of system.

LoveJD1953 · Jul 31, 2014

Hey Nick Thank you !!! I found the rod earlier this morning. Thanks for the manual.

LoveJD1953 · Jul 31, 2014

Thank you!

LoveJD1953 · Jul 31, 2014

OK so I got her going!!!!! Started her up at 8:00 am on the dot. drove up and down the street, neighbors looking out windows....I had a big smile across my face!!!! After about 15 minutes of bliss I came to the conclusion that for a 16 HP she wasn't moving that fast? The trannie is sealed? so it cant be fluid? Drive belt?
I could use some imput.
DJL

LoveJD1953 · Jul 31, 2014

Do you know if there is a link I can go to for a mechanics manual?

bullbreaker · Jul 31, 2014

LoveJD1953 said:
OK so I got her going!!!!! Started her up at 8:00 am on the dot. drove up and down the street, neighbors looking out windows....I had a big smile across my face!!!! After about 15 minutes of bliss I came to the conclusion that for a 16 HP she wasn't moving that fast? The trannie is sealed? so it cant be fluid? Drive belt?
I could use some imput.
DJL

Those types of seal trannys in theory are self contained . Not saying or meaning in any way that they are junk.
What I've seen folks do is drill a tap hole (on top) in them making sure no steel/aluminum shaveings get in trans and then you are able to check tranny level and add fluid.

I'd google seach it and you should find someone who's done it.