LT160 loses power going up hill

[firefighter4u]

I recently purchases A LT160 and am having issues with it losing power as I traverse up slope. During my research I discovered that the type of transmission it has is prone to fail (the mower has 325 hours on it). I replaced the pump, motor, filter, vent plug and added 5W50 synthetic oil to the the hydro. Unfortunately it did not help the problem at all. The drive belt shows some sign of cracking but not in terrible shape. Non the less I just ordered a new belt to replace it. The engine starts fine, runs fine, doesn't seem to burn oil (just changed oil, filter and spark plug). My yard isn't that steep, in fact my neighbors d140 runs right up it so I know i am not asking too much of the mower. The overall condition of the mower is very good. I would appreciate any suggestions that you may have to remedy my situation!

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

My brother's was doing that. I found some play in the hydro linkages and after taking the slop out, it now works fiine

 

[glc24]

My brother's was doing that. I found some play in the hydro linkages and after taking the slop out, it now works fiine

This could very well be your problem.


Greg

 

[BBO]

I recently purchases A LT160 and am having issues with it losing power as I traverse up slope.

"Power" as in loading down the engine or just quiet loss of speed?

If it is indeed the transmission worn that seems unlikely with only 325 hours, but I am not familiar with that mower.
So far as I know mine does not have and adjustment inside, only the linkage.

 

[firefighter4u]

Loss of speed mostly. The engine sounds like it takes on a load but only slightly.

 

[firefighter4u]

And how exactly would you adjust the linkage?

 

[glc24]

I don't think it would be so much as adjusting. Not sure on that model though. All the linkage that is involved from the pedals to the transaxle should be checked for any wear/slop. When you depress the pedal,the linkage should move accordingly.

Greg

 

[firefighter4u]

Ok gotcha, I'll check that. Thanks!

 

[firefighter4u]

Ok, after replacing the drive belt (along with some adult language due to frustration) I tested it out and there is no difference. In fact, the hydro is now slightly making that "whine" sound that you often hear in older tractors. I did not get a chance to look at the linkage as it was getting dark, perhaps tomorrow. Not sure what else to check. Perhaps I'll do a compression check tomorrow as well. Still frustrated with this thing, but not giving up just yet!

 

[Flying MXZ]

The transmission on my LT180 was doing the same thing around 400 hours. I replaced it with a new one ($900) and it has been good sofar (650 hours).

 

[firefighter4u]

A new one for mine is $600. That's what I paid for the whole tractor! I think I would trade it in before doing that...

 

[BBO]

A new one for mine is $600. That's what I paid for the whole tractor! I think I would trade it in before doing that...

How old is the mower and what was the cost new?

 

[firefighter4u]

It's a 2003, I'm not sure what it cost new, I'm the second owner.

 

[buickanddeere]

K46 is a lawn tractor transaxle intended for level ground, cool weather and granny driving. I wouldn't waste 2 cents repairing a K46.
The K66 is a bolt in swap and is a garden tractor transaxle. Differential lock option too.
You get what you pay for in lawn equipment as in anything else. Unless the machine uses a five bolt hub and rim on the drive wheels. It's a toy with a lightweight transmission.

 

[firefighter4u]

Isn't the 66 around a $1500 upgrade? I would rather put that money and a trade towards a x3xx series tractor.

 

[buickanddeere]

300X still has a K46 transmission. Have to go to the 500 series to get the ground engagement HD trans.

 

[firefighter4u]

My saga continues..... I have not used the tractor in almost two weeks, but today halfway through mowing, the engine lost power and began making "clang" type noise. I'm no expert but I'm guess that is not a good thing..... Checked the oil before I started and it was at the lower part of acceptable. I take it that it's probably shot?

 

[glc24]

Sorry to hear about your ongoing problems. At 325 hours,you should not be having engine issues,but then again, do you know how well was it taken care of before you became the owner! The engine noise you hear could be a number of things too. Can you tell if it might be a rod knock? Is it using/burning oil to be down to the "acceptable" level?

Greg