Simplicity transmission problem

[Tom7227]

I have a 1998 Simplicity Broadmoor 14 hp lawn tractor with about 230 hours on it. As I was running it it would lose power and not make it up even the slightest hill. Not an engine issue. I replaced the belt but that didn't make any difference. I had it taken to the dealer and they called yesterday and said that the transmission was bad. They said that it would cost $12-1500 to fix it and doubted it was worth it.

I made the mistake of getting a plow for it and I think that's what has been the major problem. I bought a snow thrower for it last year and really liked it.

Anyone have any experience with something like this? I am tempted to get it back and try and repair the transmission myself. It is a hydrostatic drive and so I suspect it is something to do with the hydraulic part of it - worn pump, o-rings or such, not a problem with torn up gears. I talked to another repair guy and he wasn't all the encouraging saying that I likely would spend $700+ on parts and it still may not work. He also indicated that it is a complicated piece to work on.

Should I try to fix the transmission, replace it, or buy a new rig? Dealer said that a new rig would be $3800 and that my snow blower wouldn't work on it. I hate to spend that kind of dough.

Thanks for your time.

Tom

[wishing for walleyes]

Check out the big auction site....there`s one for sale on there for $1299 for the whole tractor.

[Tom7227]

I looked and that one is in Pennsylvania. Take me a bit of time to drive it home. Also my blower wouldn't fit in it.

[Macgyver55]

Well, unless you are planning to sell it "as is", if it doesn't work you really have nothing to lose by taking it apart and seeing what is wrong and if it is repairable at a reasonable price. If not, you will only be able to second guess yourself as to what might have been wrong and if you could have fixed it. Otherwise just move on and don't sweat it.

[harleyharry]

the first place to start is find out what brand of transmission is in the tractor. Hydro units are made by Eaton, Hydro-Gear and Tecumseh. At one time Simplicity used a Vickers pump.

Look on the hydro drive motor and get the model and the serial number, then just type in that information into a google search. Some of the hydro units can be had at some of the discount houses for a third of what that dealer is asking. Hope this helps.

Harry

[Tom7227]

Harley Harry - I sent you a PM.

[jentz]

I just started switching one out yesterday.I went to repair shops (most know me)Picked through their junk pile found one that was a blown motor 150 bucks later its here.I do lots of bussisness at these repair shops.

[Tom7227]

I've spent a bit of time checking this out and on a Simplicity owners forum there's quite a bit about this transmission. First is that the thing is that they experienced a lot of failures and for a time were even replacing them under an extended warranty. The second thing is that repairing them requires a whole lot of things I don't know how to do or don't have the equipment to do, and if you do spend all that time you still end up with a rig that isn't built for the job. I found a number of placed that sell the upgraded unit for around $800 new and that's what I'm going with.

Thanks for the help.

Tom

[Macgyver55]

So now you know, and probably the best choice since you can still use the blower!