Toro hydrostatic problem

[crothmeier]

Im not sure if this is the correct place, but im looking at my parents riding lawn mower for them, i've used it a few times and offered to change the oil and clean it up for this seasons use.

Its a hydrostatic drive, and over the years of use it had begun to "lose power" or "go". it wont go up a hill and doesnt have the speed it once did.

It has the 2-way foot pedal, push forward it goes forward, push backward it goes reverse. I dont have any more information at this time as to the model and such, but would anyone know if this is a easy fix or adjustment or something major? The engine is in great shape and runs fine, plenty of power there. I've narrowed the problem to the hydrostatic drive, although im not familiar with how they work.

Thanks for any advice/info!

[LwnmwnMan2]

There should be a dipstick or cap to remove, so you can check the oil level for the hydrostatic drive.

Theoretically you should change that oil and filter as well, probably every other year, depending on use, if they use it to tow around a yard trailer, etc.

If you don't hear any grinding, either it's too late, and it's already started to tear out the gearing, or hopefully it's just low on oil and won't go up the hill when the fluid drains too far back.

[crothmeier]

thanks, i'll look for that tonight, im guessing in the years they've had it, it has never been changed, or even looked at !

What type of oil do you replace that with?

[crothmeier]

It was low on fluid, and the fluid that is in there looks pretty much spent. I downloaded the hydrostatic service manual (32 pages) for it and the troubleshooting said either low fluid or dirty fluid. Looks like we will be changing out the fluid and filter.

[LwnmwnMan2]

Good luck with it!!! Hopefully there's not too much metal in it, which would mean they've tore out the gears.