LT1045 Transmission Problems

[Jim_the_Gardner]

Hello,

I should have checked with the experts on this site long ago. I am here looking for advice on the CC LT1045 transmission. I bought the 1045 from Lowes back in the summer of 2005 and have not had any issues with it up to the end of the cutting season last fall. I have about 60 hours on the tractor. On my last cut when climbing a fairly steep hill on my property the transmission for lack of a better word "went out". This happened when I was stopped on the incline and attempted to start going. Along with the lack of forward motion there was a noticable grinding sound coming from under the tractor (tranny). After pushing it back up the hill and back on flat ground I tried releasing the brake to go forward and again no forward motion, only grinding. I haven't had the thing serviced since this happened at the end of the season and I am holding out little hope that the tranny is still any good. I am also hoping someone on this site may be able to give me some advice about what I should be checking looking for, if anything? Does anybody have any advice before I shell out what will likely be a large amount of money on a new tranny? Thanks.

Jim

 

[JTKub]

Jim does it go in reverse? If indeed this is a hydrostatic transaxle issue, you do have a 3yr manufacturer warranty on it. I'd call the Lowes you bought it from & ask the garden center where to take it. Either that or stop by a CC dealer convenient to you and ask.

Joel

 

[Fordlords]

Yes, it needs to see a dealer. There have been some issues with the belt tensioners and Hydro-Gear transaxles on those models. Should be under full warranty.

-Fordlords-

 

[Jim_the_Gardner]

Thanks to you both for the quick feedback!! I got some time to get the tractor out this weekend and get the deck off. Sure enough, the drive belt had jumped the belt tensioner and that was the problem. I put the belt back on over the tensioner and voila, problem solved. Now if I can only get the dang engine to run right :-(