You put a lot of honest effort in that tractor. But at some point like you said, it's best to say enough is enough. Thanks for another great video Bruce!
Thanks sir. I thought of you today. The U.S. is getting hit hard. BUT -29 Here. -29C is - -20F. The wind chill is -35. the snow squeaks under your boots. haha
In 1989 I built thousands of differential for agri fab and then hydrogear pumps. It’s fascinating how that stuff works. The large gear on the differential is the bull gear. Thanks for sharing.
Hey could you possibly tell me what the numbers on these belts on this mower is I had to replace the transmission belts the ones MTD sent me are way too big if you could help me with some numbers that I could pick up at Napa or somewhere I would be eternally grateful
@@j.e.nichols146 on mine there's a parts sticker on the underside of the hood. But some of the numbers are partially missing. Model number: 13AC76LF055 Blades 942-0610A Upper belt 954-0426(F or E worn) Lower 954-042?? Deck belt 954-04062? Deck spindles 918-04474A(2) Customer service1.800.800.7310 Hope this partial info helps
Nice video, I got to see inside and gave me a few ideas about mine. I've got one that locks up completely when in gear, but spins free in neutral. Weather permitting I'll tear into it tomorrow. Thanks!
@@BrucesShop Turns out the gearbox is fine. The variable speed pulley bearings seized up. I have those on order now. I disassembled and cleaned the gearbox, and replaced the grease anyway.
Hey Bruce, might just check the bearings on the sides,may not have to scrap it. I just seen a video the other day very similar problem and he rebuilt his.
Oh my. I don't know if you saw how much work I put into this little tractor but it was worth it as I learned a lot too. Thanks Mr. Nash. I know the Nash name. Dad drove an Ambassador. 2 actually. AMC was born from Nash. I know you probably hate this saying. He was a gambler -He drove a Rambler. Just having fun. I remember the Nash-Rambler too.
LOL no I don't hate the saying. I understand the educational value in things and time as well I have a masters degree from the school of trial and error and the school of hard knocks. LOL My user name has more to do about where I live than cars or anything else I live in Nashville, TN but I too have been around a few nash automobiles had a teacher at a private school that had a nash metropolitan when i was a junior and senior i remember him driving it on the sidewalks of the school LOL we would pick up carry it and place between 2 close growing trees near where he parked it he would have to wait till class was out for us to pick it up and get it out between the trees. LOL
Only person I can find testing the differential the same way I am right now.... My differential assembly can be replaced in a [cub cadet 1040 ltx] for around $200 but I have a grinding sound with some clunking and bouncing inside the differential... Thanks for this video! I hope I can fix this issue before parting it out :]
Thanks for the information Bruce. My mower has the exact same symptoms so I've decided to pay $500 for a whole new transmission assembly and will keep the old one for parts which will at least save me labor costs and I'll have the peace of mind knowing that the grease won't separate for a while.
That Bentonite always spells disaster after about 10 years. Any time I get an older machine in, I always drill a small hole in the top of the transmission and pour about a pint of gear oil in for good measure. The Bentonite separates from the petroleum products and turns to a clay like substance, then it gets to the point where it's completely useless. I say, good call on scrapping that axle. The Briggs....It'll last forever if cared for. Cheers my Friend! Sean~
HAPPY NEW YEAR BRUCE. Good call on scrapping it. It is a shame, but not worth it. I have a hydrostatic in a Kubota at my mother's house that has a front shaft seal and possibly the bearings and shaft that needs replaced. Not looking forward to it. The tractor is is only 2 years old and was well maintained. Of course out of warranty. Kubota gave a cost repair making it cost more than it is worth. It replace a 22 year old Cub.
I know. I was talking to the John Deere manager and he said $140 and hour for work. I get it that it is expensive to run a business, I don't have a problem with the that. That is why folks give them to me. 3 hours labour and $400 for parts and I get a free tractor. because they don't want to spend that and then have problems in another week.
Good to see a mechanic with scruples ! * I have a brother that sells cars - he's the world's worst at disclosing problems with them ! *( No scruples , nor conscience :( arrrrgggghhh !*
Got to know when to hold em and when to fold em. I walked away from an old McCullough chainsaw after a similar experience. Kept it for parts for the other one I have .
HI Bruce. Similar McCullough sold by Montgomery Ward circa 1970's. Not as bad as that Mini, but after fighting the same problems on the throttle and getting it running, the rubber intake just sort of melted away and it wouldn't run right. Too much trouble. I have two, the other works perfect. I can cannibalize it.
Wow lota years out of that rear end, but you could get a good used one or even a new one, but if you ask me that's throwing good money after bad, and like you said time to part her out, and let her live on as parts for another build, great video.
Bruce you made the right choice of not repairing the gear. Those MTD's are really hard to sell around here for anything over $250, and that is all tuned up ready to mow. I try and stay away from them, I do much better with the Craftsman mowers.
Yes the Hydro's sell well too. I hated giving up. Motor extraction coming up. I hung the tractor in the garage like a moose during hunting season. The weather just went COLD so I missed that. -28C today. Just sticking around the house.. really.
When my hydrogear in my cub started going bad I got a new tractor then I had the perfect opportunity to upgrade it using a John Deere k62 now it's my dedicated tow tractor I move my trailer and other equipment with it when I'm mowing with my new one.
in the old days they would put saw dust in rear ends and manual transmissions to Rube Goldberg a used car. i have had my share of stuff that fought me till the end
Well done video. I have a 2002 Craftsman LUV, made by MTD, that I bought a couple of years ago. These where recalled back then because of transaxle failures. Mine was already replaced by the previous owner under the warranty, but broke on me again. They seem to have a weakness in the axle gear, it's a straight axle, with no differential. If the trans pops into gear under load for some reason, it will crack that gear at the axle shaft, causing the axle and it's drive spline to migrate out of the gear. Once that happens, all vehicle motion and braking is lost. Replacement straight axles where not available, they where apparently all used up, so I ordered a differential type axle for an MTD Pinto and installed that, hopping it will be more robust. I too, have put a lot of money into my beast. I bought it used for $425, and have easily that much more in parts into it. But, it finally seems to be working as advertised. That Bentonite, is very nasty stuff.
There is a differential. It is enclosed right beside that big gear. It's even called a "Differential Ass'y" in the parts book. However, it does not seem to be available separately anymore or if it ever was? Unless you are talking about a completely different machine? Seems to me in his first video that he did rotate one wheel one way and the other wheel turned opposite which means there is a differential in it. The transaxle in this video looks exactly like the MTD lawn tractor and parts book i have. Don't know how old mine is, bought it used, and when i put the Model and Serial number in the MTD search box---nothing showed up? I have not tried contacting them though.
@Bruce Pender. Bruce, the mower my stepson bought for $100 wasn't going into Forward, so I sorta explained the transmission to him, dividing it into 2 parts, 1: the gears, 2: the deferential w/axle. The forward gear needs to be replaced. It's not to bad to change since you already have the trans out, which is the hardest part of the job. Back to this mower. It's not worth fixing, or was it just the age, plus money already spent on it. I know we all have our breaking point but since this guy spent $100 for a mower in great shape, they just didn't know the trans would be a cheaper fix than they were told by the repair shop.
@@BrucesShop Well, actually thank you to you. Your video is 1 of 2 I downloaded into a folder named ''Mikes Bolens MTD Mower. With a tag on the bottom side of the seat with, ''Troy-Built'', then ''MTD'' on a ''Bolens'' mower, it's not a wonder most of us guys who do their own work can get confused on what product they do have. So now that I have that figured out, what he needs to fix his trans is, 1: the Forward Bevel Gear, 2: the ''Shift Collar'', only because it has a small amount of wear but can add to the trans issue: ''Popping Out of Gear'' issue. For those of you who are going to repair your own trans, the Lubricant I'm referring to below is called: ''Super-S / 00 Grease & Sells for $5.29 + Tax /It's under the heading, ''Cotton Picker Spindle Grease 00''. Where: ''Tractor Supply Company'', aka ''TSC'' & at tractorsupply.com As for the lube which needs to be replaced because it's very dirty ''brownish color'' & it's already breaking down into a liquid, plus there could be a small piece of metal, metal shavings but probably dirt, so it wouldn't be too wise of us to reuse this lubricant, besides we really do not need experience tearing down this mower that much to save a couple hours time so save $5.60. Besides, the 00-Grease is also what MTD is referring to if you were going to buy their product, which I was told cost, $19.95 for a 9 oz bottle & this transmission takes 19 ounces. So 18 ounces is $39.90 from MTD. I'm sure a repair shop sells something maybe under a different name for less than MTD's price, [maybe cheaper] but you get the idea.... I mean if we're gonna do the job, why start looking for the most expensive stuff out there.... With this lubricant, it's like a $40 job to fix the trans.... Thanks for getting back with me. You're up in Canada right?
hello, thanks for the video, I am writing to you from Italy, I have a problem with my lawn mower, with the forward gear if I am going downhill it picks up speed and you can hear a noise at the transmission (continuous beat), which it doesn't do if I go downhill in reverse. What can it depend on? Thanks Marc
Oh that's a bummer I love those machines I have a axle with a good gear laying in my garage right now I'd give it to you but I'm 6 years too late 12:52
I have a 97 mtd garden tractor. Low range and high range 6 speeds in each range. I just recently was unable to go into low range. I admit I use this tractor for things it probably should not, likevpull my rv, grade my driveway with a box blade I made.. it is older but I have only had it 2 years.
you probably have a Walbro carb on there that's no longer produced. If you need parts, VE Petersen has them. I just had to rebuild mine after 23 years. I do wonder what the tranny/diff looks like inside....
My theory with this problem and a few others is people hauling the machines around. The machines set on a trailer or in a bed of a truck smashing back and forth for miles. Those things come in crates for a reason. If people would properly tie them down this problem along with auto liability rates would get better.
those little differentials arent all that strong and some folks try to pull heavy trailer loads and wreck them,, not that this is what happened here but it does happen...
did not watch the vid yet but mine is open and was grinding ,i found the fw rev gears wobbling on their shaft and the pinion gear worn out to where it would slip in between causing the grinding noise ,,,,ordered all parts for 126 bucks from troy built maybe ill get them today ,,,,,friday june 3rd ? its 16 years old , to be expected ,,,,now lets see what he finds on this vid ,,,,,,god bless all
Yew. The cost + the overriding amount of troubles with a worn out machine did it in. I knew I would have comments like this but that is what ti s. thanks for the comment.
That is a tough one. A person may be able to drill and tap a grease zert in inject some grease into the case without taking it apart. I have not done this yes but I would like to on my John Deere (similar case). Sorry that is the best I can do.
Great infor. rebuilding that gear is not hard at all, even the previous owner did a bad job as rebuilt gear groves are too shallow, so the sounds from. It could built up bad gears by welding, then reshape/grind gears by a stencil pattern from 5-10 good gears, and use it to check how the rebuilt gears shape.
Right. I had so many issues with this tractor I finally parted it out. This video was made 4 years ago. Thanks for commenting and watching. I totally understand I should have kept going. I was just worn out like the tractor. LOL Thanks again.
Osborne Bay-----"previous owner did a bad job" What makes you think anyone has welded it? I highly doubt anybody welded it. Those aren't "shallow teeth", they are damaged teeth, and anyone who has worked on a transmission or differential can see that. You never talked about hardening the gear either. If anyone had 5-10 good gears in the first place, they sure wouldn't bugger around trying to weld and shape teeth!!
Hey Bruce on this particular mower I am replacing the top and lower transmission belt it's a 2013 42 inch cut MTD sent me the wrong belts could you possibly tell me what numbers on the belts I would get from like say NAPA Auto Parts please
Well, this makes me sad. I always think things have feelings, used to always make sure the covers weren't over my teddy bear's face, so he could breathe. I have a 1998 Craftsman/Tecumseh in the basement with a badly bent crankshaft from hitting a root (it started back up) and then immediately, a piece of old brick that had appeared in the back yard (kids? neighbor??) and, even though I bought a brand new Toro this past Spring, I can't bear to get rid of the Craftsman. Have newspapers and rags under it to catch the oil that's leaking out
I know I know sad :-( -------------BUT I am selling the parts. It helps to pay for the cost of TRYING to fix it. Think of it as a heart transplant for somebody else's tractor.
We don't have enough population around here to do that. But thanks. There are no specific small engine scrap yards. A few guys do have parts but not many.
I also have an MTD tractor and therefore I would like to know if I can find any spare parts or if you can give me some information about that tractor it's Raider
@@BrucesShop Thanks for the response. I thought about this too, but it looks like the axle bearings are sealed cartridge bearings and the actual differential housing is riveted closed...so a grease port would really only lubricate the gear teeth and not much else.
Old post. I didn't see what was removed with the shaft that shifts it from forward to reverse, but there should have been a spring with a steel ball under the shift shaft, the steel ball may come out and into the gears?
I finally learned that. When I was new at this I thought I could. They can all be saved it just takes money. Keep the key and slide a new tractor under the key.
All that and to throw it away, seems a waste. Wonder what got in there. Mine is about 25 years old and don't think it had any issues prior to the housing break.
@@BrucesShop I finally got mine all apart, I can definitely feel your pain. The headache of rebuilding this and if it doesn't go well will be quite a blow. Can you confirm for me that the axle/differential is a bit 'wobbly'? Kind of looks it in your video but hard to tell. Should it feel like a solid rod, or should it feel like it has a knuckle in the middle? I tried to take the diff apart but couldn't figure out. Some of the spacers have wear only on one side which makes me wonder, but maybe the spacers are stationary so it makes sense for the bottom side to be worn through since it's getting all the weight and friction. I didn't look at my gears up close but think I'll only need some new spacers, we'll see. Just the thought of trying to get this back together gives me a headache.
Just replace the gear and call it a day, you're already half way there, you've done the hard part. Plus the gear is 20 bucks verses the cost of a new tractor. RUclips it, I'm doing the same job as we speak.
What those transaxles might lack in quality, they more than make up for in simplicity and parts availability. MTD has used this same transmission set up in nearly every standard machine that they have built for the last 35 years; so getting new or good used gears or even a complete good used axle would neither be difficult or expensive. I think he gave up on this machine more from frustration than anything else because this machine could have easily and cheaply been saved. MTDs get a bad rap but they really are not bad for a cheap, basic “homeowner” machine to mow 1/4-1/2 an acre with once per week. If they are stored inside, get basic maintenance, and are not abused they can give good service for many years. That being said, I would only buy a used one if I planned to fix it and keep it for myself or if was in good order and dirt cheap. For resale machines, they are just too common and (like most everything that is “entry level”) are “use, abuse, and toss out” mowers. They are cheap enough new that most buyer will just plan on replacing them every few years instead of taking care of their services and trying to make them last. Unless you can score a nice freebie or have access to a stash of used parts on hand, its hard to fix one up and sell it for a profit. My Father in-law has this same machine that he has had since new. It’s now 22 years old, look and runs great with little more than general maintenance but has always been stored inside and never abused!
I agree. 4 years ago when this video was made i finally just got tired of fixing and fixing. I had way to many hours on it which as you say is a good thing. Thanks for the informed comment
Brian, You make some very good points, however a lot things have changed over the last year. The cost of everything is high, I'm rebuilding a 2005 Murry 40 inch cut. The cost isn't too bad for the mower parts, the engine parts are another matter. The parts to rebuild the 12.5 horsepower Briggs and Stratton are so high, it's cheaper to buy a new engine. So that's what I'm doing. I'm thinking even with the new engine, I should have less than $300
Soon as I heard those popping sounds before you took it apart I knew the gears were bad there should not have been any popping whatsoever in that trans axle so you went around the barn 4 times to tell us the door was open in old mechanics terms
+Bruce Pender - There are " Other " useful parts there. Either put them on your Wall as " Arts " or put it on eBay for " P-Arts ", LOL. Another way... Put them on your Wall and later on you might find a good use out of them. Also, People crack the " Housing " all the time, could have sold just the Housing! But like I said, there are tons of Parts that is may NOT be useful to you, but remember.... Somewhere, someplace, someone is in need of your " Trash ". 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Ahoj jsem z české republiky. Mám jeden kousek MTD lawn traktor. Mohl bych vědět jak funguje ježdění a další věci. Dík. Můžeš mě kontakt na milankunes77@seznam.cz.
Хобби
Nice investigative work there Bruce! I guess nothing lasts forever, great video, Thanks Bruce!
Very informative brother Bruce 👏 👍
Thanks !!!
very good practical information, Bruce ...
Remember when Barney on The Andy Griffith Show bought the old car from the Grandma? She put sawdust in the rearend to make it smooth to sell it.
I would have to say no. But i will google it haha
many thanks for your video! It helped me this weekend, to repair my transaxle. Not the gear was bad, but the screws, fixing this gear were loose.
That is good
Someone been smashing it between forward and reverse while driving haha.
But thanks helped me know what they look like
You put a lot of honest effort in that tractor. But at some point like you said, it's best to say enough is enough. Thanks for another great video Bruce!
Thanks sir. I thought of you today. The U.S. is getting hit hard. BUT -29 Here. -29C is - -20F. The wind chill is -35.
the snow squeaks under your boots. haha
It's 0 degree F here right now in Tinley Park, IL. Hope you had the heater on in the garage!
i keep it so it doesn't go below 3C which is 36 F Not even my paint frezzes. it is natural gas.
freezes oops
No chance of picking up a good Diff may be? I am a big fan of the way you work👍👍👍👍
Not what’s in there, but what all wasn’t. Good info and video.
Good information, as always.
Absolutely one of the best! Thank you!!!!
You're very welcome!
In 1989 I built thousands of differential for agri fab and then hydrogear pumps. It’s fascinating how that stuff works. The large gear on the differential is the bull gear. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. i know what it did but not what it was called. Cool
Hey could you possibly tell me what the numbers on these belts on this mower is I had to replace the transmission belts the ones MTD sent me are way too big if you could help me with some numbers that I could pick up at Napa or somewhere I would be eternally grateful
@@j.e.nichols146 on mine there's a parts sticker on the underside of the hood. But some of the numbers are partially missing.
Model number: 13AC76LF055
Blades 942-0610A
Upper belt 954-0426(F or E worn)
Lower 954-042??
Deck belt 954-04062?
Deck spindles 918-04474A(2)
Customer service1.800.800.7310
Hope this partial info helps
Good diagnosis Mate!! I never messed with any tractor rears!!☺
I learn a lot when i take them apart. Thanks RK
Nice video, I got to see inside and gave me a few ideas about mine. I've got one that locks up completely when in gear, but spins free in neutral. Weather permitting I'll tear into it tomorrow. Thanks!
Go for it! Good luck
@@BrucesShop Turns out the gearbox is fine. The variable speed pulley bearings seized up. I have those on order now.
I disassembled and cleaned the gearbox, and replaced the grease anyway.
Hey Bruce such a shame to that tractor end up being scrapped but at least you got some good parts that you mention from it
Good call Bruce ,thanks for bringing us a long. Drilling a hole in the top is interesting. I wunder what the expectiveed life of a t
Most of this little stuff will last with any kind of lubrication.
thank you for your awesome detail in this troubleshooting video! A+++++
Thanks Joey. Your comments are always welcome.
Hey Bruce, might just check the bearings on the sides,may not have to scrap it. I just seen a video the other day very similar problem and he rebuilt his.
Great try bruce thanks for video i learned alot
That was a great little video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Bruce I agree with you I think you made the right call on the tractor. the cost of parts and labor was probably more than the machine is really worth.
Oh my. I don't know if you saw how much work I put into this little tractor but it was worth it as I learned a lot too. Thanks Mr. Nash. I know the Nash name. Dad drove an Ambassador. 2 actually. AMC was born from Nash. I know you probably hate this saying. He was a gambler -He drove a Rambler. Just having fun. I remember the Nash-Rambler too.
LOL no I don't hate the saying. I understand the educational value in things and time as well I have a masters degree from the school of trial and error and the school of hard knocks. LOL My user name has more to do about where I live than cars or anything else I live in Nashville, TN but I too have been around a few nash automobiles had a teacher at a private school that had a nash metropolitan when i was a junior and senior i remember him driving it on the sidewalks of the school LOL we would pick up carry it and place between 2 close growing trees near where he parked it he would have to wait till class was out for us to pick it up and get it out between the trees. LOL
Only person I can find testing the differential the same way I am right now.... My differential assembly can be replaced in a [cub cadet 1040 ltx] for around $200 but I have a grinding sound with some clunking and bouncing inside the differential... Thanks for this video! I hope I can fix this issue before parting it out :]
That is a good price for a replacement
Thanks for the information Bruce. My mower has the exact same symptoms so I've decided to pay $500 for a whole new transmission assembly and will keep the old one for parts which will at least save me labor costs and I'll have the peace of mind knowing that the grease won't separate for a while.
good for you
GOOD VIDEO - BELIEVE I HAVE SAME PROBLEM ON OLD MTD
That Bentonite always spells disaster after about 10 years. Any time I get an older machine in, I always drill a small hole in the top of the transmission and pour about a pint of gear oil in for good measure. The Bentonite separates from the petroleum products and turns to a clay like substance, then it gets to the point where it's completely useless. I say, good call on scrapping that axle. The Briggs....It'll last forever if cared for. Cheers my Friend! Sean~
Thanks. Zippo. Glad you chimed in!!! You learn more on the challenging ones. If you just change the oil and buy a filter you don't learn anything.
You are so right. the grease looked carved out like a scoop
Zippo do you cap the hole you drill on top of the transmission?
@@doublewide6 ! KK
Shame its got to go. But like you said you got some good parts. Hope you had a great Christmas.
You too. Happy New Year
Was thinking maybe the axle could have been twisted, thus a little bent... A dial indicator could have handy.
HAPPY NEW YEAR BRUCE. Good call on scrapping it. It is a shame, but not worth it. I have a hydrostatic in a Kubota at my mother's house that has a front shaft seal and possibly the bearings and shaft that needs replaced. Not looking forward to it. The tractor is is only 2 years old and was well maintained. Of course out of warranty. Kubota gave a cost repair making it cost more than it is worth. It replace a 22 year old Cub.
I know. I was talking to the John Deere manager and he said $140 and hour for work. I get it that it is expensive to run a business, I don't have a problem with the that. That is why folks give them to me. 3 hours labour and $400 for parts and I get a free tractor. because they don't want to spend that and then have problems in another week.
Bruce Pender I agree. I have a few parts machines now that will be winter tear apart projects. This Artic cold blast has put that on hold for now.
Good to see a mechanic with scruples ! * I have a brother that sells cars - he's the world's worst at disclosing problems with them ! *( No scruples , nor conscience :( arrrrgggghhh !*
Still a bunch of good useable parts and that's a very popular Peerless. I am running the same one in my tractor. Bummer deal though.
You are exactly right
Got to know when to hold em and when to fold em. I walked away from an old McCullough chainsaw after a similar experience. Kept it for parts for the other one I have .
Have you seen this video Tim. I gave up on this one.
ruclips.net/video/6Sg_XgfTqFM/видео.html
HI Bruce. Similar McCullough sold by Montgomery Ward circa 1970's. Not as bad as that Mini, but after fighting the same problems on the throttle and getting it running, the rubber intake just sort of melted away and it wouldn't run right. Too much trouble. I have two, the other works perfect. I can cannibalize it.
Wow lota years out of that rear end, but you could get a good used one or even a new one, but if you ask me that's throwing good money after bad, and like you said time to part her out, and let her live on as parts for another build, great video.
Yup. Motor extraction coming up
Bruce Pender cool, that should be fun.
Another great video Bruce. Happy New Year to you.
Thanks George. Tomorrow he motor comes out. Thanks for all your great comments.
As always
Bruce you made the right choice of not repairing the gear. Those MTD's are really hard to sell around here for anything over $250, and that is all tuned up ready to mow. I try and stay away from them, I do much better with the Craftsman mowers.
Yes the Hydro's sell well too. I hated giving up. Motor extraction coming up. I hung the tractor in the garage like a moose during hunting season. The weather just went COLD so I missed that. -28C today. Just sticking around the house.. really.
I know this is 6 years old now, but that's pretty funny cause MTD makes Craftsman riding mowers.
Thanks, I will keep the transaxle for parts on all the junkers that have them.
Right on. I sent mine to the recylcler after a year or so.
Pick your battles. Like you said its done. Move on. I agree you could piece it together, but I also don't run that way. Thanks for sharing
Right on. I HATE to give up too But these are the one you learn on.
That would probably cost more to fix than what the mower is worth ...I would have guessed the pinion gear was stripped ..as crunchy as it sounded
Yup, stick a fork in it , or try to find replacements on E-Bay. I've had pretty good luck finding used parts there.
Up here in Canada there is just too much shipping cost. I am 3100 KM.s west of Winsdor
That was interesting . Wow that grease was too much :)
When my hydrogear in my cub started going bad I got a new tractor then I had the perfect opportunity to upgrade it using a John Deere k62 now it's my dedicated tow tractor I move my trailer and other equipment with it when I'm mowing with my new one.
That is very cool. Thanks
in the old days they would put saw dust in rear ends and manual transmissions to Rube Goldberg a used car. i have had my share of stuff that fought me till the end
Yeah. 2 cans of STP Thicker gear oil and just a little less air in the tires. haha
Well done video. I have a 2002 Craftsman LUV, made by MTD, that I bought a couple of years ago. These where recalled back then because of transaxle failures. Mine was already replaced by the previous owner under the warranty, but broke on me again. They seem to have a weakness in the axle gear, it's a straight axle, with no differential. If the trans pops into gear under load for some reason, it will crack that gear at the axle shaft, causing the axle and it's drive spline to migrate out of the gear. Once that happens, all vehicle motion and braking is lost. Replacement straight axles where not available, they where apparently all used up, so I ordered a differential type axle for an MTD Pinto and installed that, hopping it will be more robust. I too, have put a lot of money into my beast. I bought it used for $425, and have easily that much more in parts into it. But, it finally seems to be working as advertised. That Bentonite, is very nasty stuff.
I agree. It is hard t when t call it quits.
There is a differential. It is enclosed right beside that big gear. It's even called a "Differential Ass'y" in the parts book. However, it does not seem to be available separately anymore or if it ever was? Unless you are talking about a completely different machine? Seems to me in his first video that he did rotate one wheel one way and the other wheel turned opposite which means there is a differential in it. The transaxle in this video looks exactly like the MTD lawn tractor and parts book i have. Don't know how old mine is, bought it used, and when i put the Model and Serial number in the MTD search box---nothing showed up? I have not tried contacting them though.
Would like to have seen the condition of the forward , reverse gears and the engauge plate between them .
This is a 4 years old video. I finally got fed up. Every time i went forward it was 2 steps back. This machine was worn out.
@Bruce Pender. Bruce, the mower my stepson bought for $100 wasn't going into Forward, so I sorta explained the transmission to him, dividing it into 2 parts, 1: the gears, 2: the deferential w/axle. The forward gear needs to be replaced. It's not to bad to change since you already have the trans out, which is the hardest part of the job. Back to this mower. It's not worth fixing, or was it just the age, plus money already spent on it. I know we all have our breaking point but since this guy spent $100 for a mower in great shape, they just didn't know the trans would be a cheaper fix than they were told by the repair shop.
Thanks for the input.
@@BrucesShop Well, actually thank you to you. Your video is 1 of 2 I downloaded into a folder named ''Mikes Bolens MTD Mower. With a tag on the bottom side of the seat with, ''Troy-Built'', then ''MTD'' on a ''Bolens'' mower, it's not a wonder most of us guys who do their own work can get confused on what product they do have. So now that I have that figured out, what he needs to fix his trans is, 1: the Forward Bevel Gear, 2: the ''Shift Collar'', only because it has a small amount of wear but can add to the trans issue: ''Popping Out of Gear'' issue.
For those of you who are going to repair your own trans, the Lubricant I'm referring to below is called: ''Super-S / 00 Grease & Sells for $5.29 + Tax /It's under the heading, ''Cotton Picker Spindle Grease 00''.
Where: ''Tractor Supply Company'', aka ''TSC'' & at tractorsupply.com
As for the lube which needs to be replaced because it's very dirty ''brownish color'' & it's already breaking down into a liquid, plus there could be a small piece of metal, metal shavings but probably dirt, so it wouldn't be too wise of us to reuse this lubricant, besides we really do not need experience tearing down this mower that much to save a couple hours time so save $5.60. Besides, the 00-Grease is also what MTD is referring to if you were going to buy their product, which I was told cost, $19.95 for a 9 oz bottle & this transmission takes 19 ounces. So 18 ounces is $39.90 from MTD. I'm sure a repair shop sells something maybe under a different name for less than MTD's price, [maybe cheaper] but you get the idea.... I mean if we're gonna do the job, why start looking for the most expensive stuff out there.... With this lubricant, it's like a $40 job to fix the trans....
Thanks for getting back with me. You're up in Canada right?
@@montydaniels1054 Yes. Western Canada a 9 hour drive north of Helena Montana
hello, thanks for the video, I am writing to you from Italy, I have a problem with my lawn mower, with the forward gear if I am going downhill it picks up speed and you can hear a noise at the transmission (continuous beat), which it doesn't do if I go downhill in reverse. What can it depend on? Thanks Marc
I am sorry i am not there to see.
Great video. What would have caused that gear to round its teeth off.
I think the tractor sat without being used for quite a few years and when it started up again the grease didn't flow.
Oh that's a bummer I love those machines I have a axle with a good gear laying in my garage right now I'd give it to you but I'm 6 years too late 12:52
Thanks for watching.
Hello nice tutorial Is there a sprocket gear available to purchase for replacement.
I checked it out and everything was worn like it wasn't lubricating well. I think the grease got stiff over time.
What type of grease would you recommend if you would of rebuilt that transaxle?
There is a special grease. Lots to google. I had used 0 or 00
I have a 97 mtd garden tractor. Low range and high range 6 speeds in each range. I just recently was unable to go into low range. I admit I use this tractor for things it probably should not, likevpull my rv, grade my driveway with a box blade I made.. it is older but I have only had it 2 years.
I wished i could help
@@BrucesShop thanks for answering
you probably have a Walbro carb on there that's no longer produced. If you need parts, VE Petersen has them. I just had to rebuild mine after 23 years. I do wonder what the tranny/diff looks like inside....
My theory with this problem and a few others is people hauling the machines around. The machines set on a trailer or in a bed of a truck smashing back and forth for miles. Those things come in crates for a reason. If people would properly tie them down this problem along with auto liability rates would get better.
You could well be right.
Someone has said MTD stands for (made to distruct.
Well they are what is out there. A LOT of them now.
How many hors are in this unit. Mine started popping today. My Cub 1040 has 580 hrs. Hard use though we have some rough, very steep places to mow.
I have no idea. I got it in this condition. No hour meter either.
Where I live we have a lawn mower junk yard. You can buy a trans like this for about 40 bucks
You are lucky.
those little differentials arent all that strong and some folks try to pull heavy trailer loads and wreck them,, not that this is what happened here but it does happen...
did not watch the vid yet but mine is open and was grinding ,i found the fw rev gears wobbling on their shaft and the pinion gear worn out to where it would slip in between causing the grinding noise ,,,,ordered all parts for 126 bucks from troy built maybe ill get them today ,,,,,friday june 3rd ? its 16 years old , to be expected ,,,,now lets see what he finds on this vid ,,,,,,god bless all
Best of luck.
I have the same transmission but while taking it apart managed to bend the axle. Any suggestions?
Sorry, I don't think I can help you.
Sorry Bruce. Sometimes my typing doesn’t come out the way I intend. What I wondered is how long the MTD tractor is engineered to last
More than 1500 hours is my guess. Motors start to go at 1000. The better ones well maintained lots more.
How come you just don't put a new ring gear on it. Did you get a price on it
Yew. The cost + the overriding amount of troubles with a worn out machine did it in. I knew I would have comments like this but that is what ti s. thanks for the comment.
Wear do you put oil in that transaxle does anybody know
The problem is that a lot of them are sealed. I am going to drill and tap a fill hole for my John Deere one day.
Is there any way to add oil to the rear end?
This one was sealed. You can drill and tap a fill and drain hole . I have not done it but you can google it for sure.
Why not buy the 2 gears, new bushings and keep it going?
Every time I turned aroun something new happened. I was done. parted it out.
Do I have to take it apart to put some fresh grease in it ?
That is a tough one. A person may be able to drill and tap a grease zert in inject some grease into the case without taking it apart. I have not done this yes but I would like to on my John Deere (similar case). Sorry that is the best I can do.
Great infor. rebuilding that gear is not hard at all, even the previous owner did a bad job as rebuilt gear groves are too shallow, so the sounds from. It could built up bad gears by welding, then reshape/grind gears by a stencil pattern from 5-10 good gears, and use it to check how the rebuilt gears shape.
Right. I had so many issues with this tractor I finally parted it out. This video was made 4 years ago. Thanks for commenting and watching. I totally understand I should have kept going. I was just worn out like the tractor. LOL Thanks again.
Osborne Bay-----"previous owner did a bad job" What makes you think anyone has welded it? I highly doubt anybody welded it. Those aren't "shallow teeth", they are damaged teeth, and anyone who has worked on a transmission or differential can see that. You never talked about hardening the gear either. If anyone had 5-10 good gears in the first place, they sure wouldn't bugger around trying to weld and shape teeth!!
Hey Bruce on this particular mower I am replacing the top and lower transmission belt it's a 2013 42 inch cut MTD sent me the wrong belts could you possibly tell me what numbers on the belts I would get from like say NAPA Auto Parts please
I am sorry. This is a five year old video and I parted out the mower afer all the work i did on it. Once again sorry
How do you add oil to one of these type rearends?
They are sealed'
Well, this makes me sad. I always think things have feelings, used to always make sure the covers weren't over my teddy bear's face, so he could breathe. I have a 1998 Craftsman/Tecumseh in the basement with a badly bent crankshaft from hitting a root (it started back up) and then immediately, a piece of old brick that had appeared in the back yard (kids? neighbor??) and, even though I bought a brand new Toro this past Spring, I can't bear to get rid of the Craftsman. Have newspapers and rags under it to catch the oil that's leaking out
I know I know sad :-( -------------BUT I am selling the parts. It helps to pay for the cost of TRYING to fix it. Think of it as a heart transplant for somebody else's tractor.
that'll work!
What is your method for selling all the parts when you part it out? Do you use a website? Word of mouth?
I keep some smaller stuff. If you aren't in Canada we have a Web site like Craigs List called Kijiji. Same Idea. Some areas use Craigs list too.
Bruce Pender I am not in Canada. Oooooooooo that's a fun one to say. Thanks so much for the info. Keep up the great videos!! You rock
My guess is going to be that the gear that's machine down the travel reverser shaft is damaged
Could be. 6 years ago now
You should go to the scrap yard and get another transaxle and put it in
We don't have enough population around here to do that. But thanks. There are no specific small engine scrap yards. A few guys do have parts but not many.
I got a read end off of eBay this mower is hard to come by why not put another rear end back in
I just had it with every turn I had more issues.
I also have an MTD tractor and therefore I would like to know if I can find any spare parts or if you can give me some information about that tractor it's Raider
I just saw this comment now. Just type into the goggle search engine and something will come up. that is what I do
Do these transaxles have any grease ports on them? I want to service mine but it looks completely unserviceable unless you take it apart like you did.
They do not have grease ports. I considered tapping a 1.4 in thread hole to service it with grease.
@@BrucesShop Thanks for the response. I thought about this too, but it looks like the axle bearings are sealed cartridge bearings and the actual differential housing is riveted closed...so a grease port would really only lubricate the gear teeth and not much else.
@@cup_and_cone OK
If you get another one of those machines that drives you crazy get ahold of me
I am not a fan.
Diferencial máquina
Si
Old post. I didn't see what was removed with the shaft that shifts it from forward to reverse, but there should have been a spring with a steel ball under the shift shaft, the steel ball may come out and into the gears?
You are right. This is a video from sixtyfiveford at 1:13 in HIS vieo have a look.
ruclips.net/video/7kG6UWl5At8/видео.html
You can't always save them all.
I finally learned that. When I was new at this I thought I could. They can all be saved it just takes money. Keep the key and slide a new tractor under the key.
I wonder if a rock or left over metal was in there
IT is worn out
Where is a oil cap/hole on this differential?
They are a sealed unit. Can you believe it?
What's the manufacturer of the transaxle and which model?
I am sorry this was 8 years ago and the unit is gone.
All that and to throw it away, seems a waste.
Wonder what got in there. Mine is about 25 years old and don't think it had any issues prior to the housing break.
So true. You know I was just done. I would repair something major 2 days later another major thing would happen. Thanks for watching though.
@@BrucesShop I finally got mine all apart, I can definitely feel your pain.
The headache of rebuilding this and if it doesn't go well will be quite a blow.
Can you confirm for me that the axle/differential is a bit 'wobbly'?
Kind of looks it in your video but hard to tell. Should it feel like a solid rod, or should it feel like it has a knuckle in the middle?
I tried to take the diff apart but couldn't figure out. Some of the spacers have wear only on one side which makes me wonder, but maybe the spacers are stationary so it makes sense for the bottom side to be worn through since it's getting all the weight and friction.
I didn't look at my gears up close but think I'll only need some new spacers, we'll see. Just the thought of trying to get this back together gives me a headache.
Some people just replace the belt and don't want to deal with going in and fix it and they buy a new tractor instead
That is true
Just replace the gear and call it a day, you're already half way there, you've done the hard part. Plus the gear is 20 bucks verses the cost of a new tractor. RUclips it, I'm doing the same job as we speak.
I parted this one out. sorry 4 years ago now. Now that I know more i may have taken another try.
I know this video is over 4 years old but that differential gear assembly is over two hundred bucks on amazon. Part number is 918-04096A
Thanks. I appreciate the info for future viewers.
I thought this was a good video until you decided to part out a good mower over one gear.
It wore me out. I had many issues with it this was the last one.
Is that a Chineseium transaxle made by the Sum Ting Wong Company?
oh lol some thing wrong i get it... took me a minute
Mr Frog That seems to be all MTD brands from Cub Cadet on down.
I'd guess not.
Probably made in a union shop in a declining town in mid-America by drones educated in government schools, lol.
Wish those goobers would have put drain/refill plugs in them.
Me too. My John Deere 180 has a sealed unit too.
@@BrucesShop
It’s a shame.
What those transaxles might lack in quality, they more than make up for in simplicity and parts availability. MTD has used this same transmission set up in nearly every standard machine that they have built for the last 35 years; so getting new or good used gears or even a complete good used axle would neither be difficult or expensive. I think he gave up on this machine more from frustration than anything else because this machine could have easily and cheaply been saved. MTDs get a bad rap but they really are not bad for a cheap, basic “homeowner” machine to mow 1/4-1/2 an acre with once per week. If they are stored inside, get basic maintenance, and are not abused they can give good service for many years. That being said, I would only buy a used one if I planned to fix it and keep it for myself or if was in good order and dirt cheap. For resale machines, they are just too common and (like most everything that is “entry level”) are “use, abuse, and toss out” mowers. They are cheap enough new that most buyer will just plan on replacing them every few years instead of taking care of their services and trying to make them last. Unless you can score a nice freebie or have access to a stash of used parts on hand, its hard to fix one up and sell it for a profit. My Father in-law has this same machine that he has had since new. It’s now 22 years old, look and runs great with little more than general maintenance but has always been stored inside and never abused!
I agree. 4 years ago when this video was made i finally just got tired of fixing and fixing. I had way to many hours on it which as you say is a good thing. Thanks for the informed comment
Brian,
You make some very good points, however a lot things have changed over the last year.
The cost of everything is high, I'm rebuilding a 2005 Murry 40 inch cut. The cost isn't too bad for the mower parts, the engine parts are another matter. The parts to rebuild the 12.5 horsepower Briggs and Stratton are so high, it's cheaper to buy a new engine. So that's what I'm doing.
I'm thinking even with the new engine, I should have less than $300
sucks because those little transmissions are about the only thing worth having on an MTD machine.
I was sad. I put in a lot of hours into this machine. Sold it and it came back and I reimbursed the buyer for every dollar.
keep those parts and weld a art project
I wished I was creactive. Thanks though.
Soon as I heard those popping sounds before you took it apart I knew the gears were bad there should not have been any popping whatsoever in that trans axle so you went around the barn 4 times to tell us the door was open in old mechanics terms
Well you have never made a video. It all works out.
Put some 00 grease in it it will run forever
Thanks
You work methodically well, but your emotions defeated you. You could have replaced the ring gear. 09FEB2018
I beat me.
Plus make it quiteter
Again
A pity! Smallish damage to a part of an assembly of a component of a unit and the whole machine is rendered essentially worthless.
It is the cost. Also I was very tired of working on that machine. It was too worn out to start trying.
+Bruce Pender - There are " Other " useful parts there. Either put them on your Wall as " Arts " or put it on eBay for " P-Arts ", LOL. Another way... Put them on your Wall and later on you might find a good use out of them. Also, People crack the " Housing " all the time, could have sold just the Housing! But like I said, there are tons of Parts that is may NOT be useful to you, but remember.... Somewhere, someplace, someone is in need of your " Trash ". 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks Jordan. You are right.
on your comment. Loose static electricity can ignite fuel. I am just saying. You comment was gone. I am older and have seen things.
+Bruce Pender - You sure I am " gone "? You are replying to the wrong thread! 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Right ARGH!!!!!
+Bruce Pender - OK, I give up!!! Maybe it's true to the " old " saying! *" You can't teach old dogs new tricks! "* 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Why don't your sound work. I can't hear anything you say
I am not sure This video has sound for me. Thanks I will check it again.
Scrap it. These are only good projects if it’s all you have and you need a tractor for yourself. Not good for making a profit or a reliable gift.
Yes next vid!! I hang it in the garage like a moose
Nothing but trouble send her on its way not worth the time
Thanks Deek. I learned a lot here.
Love my mtd
Ahoj jsem z české republiky. Mám jeden kousek MTD lawn traktor. Mohl bych vědět jak funguje ježdění a další věci. Dík. Můžeš mě kontakt na milankunes77@seznam.cz.
I am very sorry this is to difficult for me.