2004 Hustler Fastrak Model 926519 -- Bad Hydro Drive???

Hello Guys,
I'm a new member here. Excited to see what I can read and learn here at Lawn World Forum.
I have been given a 44 inch Fastrak model number 926519. It's a 2004 model.
The previous owner did not want to deal with the cost and aggrevation of repair---thus I have a new mower!
It has the Honda engine. Cranks and runs flawlessly!
Unfortunately, the repair will most likely be a very expensive one. The hydro gear drive on the left side has failed
to work. I've verified that the unit is being driven properly by the belt. I am just trying to determine what my next
move needs to be.
I've pulled down the parts manual and the owners manual from the Hustler website. The part number for the
drive unit is 788067 311-2600L. I do not have an hour meter on this unit. Therefore, i have no idea how long
it's been since it has been serviced or if it's ever been serviced.
I do think that I can feel a slight effort in the pump but not enough to muster any movement in either direction.

Can you recommend what my next course of action should be?
I cannot seem to find a fill plug for the oil. Nor can I find a check point plug.
I did find a drain plug. I would like to check for proper oil level first. How can
I do this?
Is there an external filter? Should I waste time changing oil and filter? What is
my best option here?

Should I look for a replacement unit? I've been unable to find the part available and am concerned about the
cost if i do find one! Is there a replacement available?
Is it possible to repair the unit I have? Are the internal parts readily available?
Are there any know problems with these units that I should look for that might save time and money?

Boy, I'm just full of questions and no answers. LOL. Thanks for any help that you can give.

Harry

You have a hydrogear drive. They are showing the complete unit as no longer available, but looks like the parts to repair your unit are available. you will need the pump $65.65, center section $257.58, motor $66.66, and the seal kit $41.51, plus black rtv sealant. And the 20w50 oil to put back in afterwards. may be a good idea to replace the filter while you are inside.

Wow. Sounds like a lot!
Is there a way to troubleshoot the pump or motor first before buying?
Do you know of any good documentation for this rebuild?
Is there a service manual for this unit?
Are there any videos that you've seen?

Thanks,
Harry

This may help you out some

310-2400-2600 (IZT)

Thanks much.
Any way to troubleshoot pump vs. motor?

The pump, center section, and motor are all mated together so damage to one basically takes out everything else. What usually happens is you will get a pressure spike from direction changes, and the pressure will lift the pump off the center section, and when it slams down scores the center sections, and then the pieces from center section go through and damage the mating surfaces of the motor.

the reject tolerance is when you have it apart if you can catch a fingernail in a groove on the center section ,or pump mating surface it is too damaged to reuse.

That's good information. Always good to know what to look for.
I will begin by checking the oil level and then I will remove the
unit and tear it down and inspect.
This is a nice mower. But it basically has a death sentence if
I find something wrong as the parts may or may not be available.
I would much rather buy a replacement part. Rebuilds don't tend
to last long.

Thanks again!
Harry

In this case you will be replacing every thing except the gears. The pump, motor, and center section amount to about 60-70 percent of the internal working parts

Replacement Commercial Parts Warehouse 800 937 7279 has a Hydro Gear 310-2400- $418.62 plus shipping. these mowers are tanks....well worth the repair. found one in a different place for $1200. Still worth it in my opinion. Good for another 20 years. Good luck....happy mowing

Thanks for the reply David. I have searched all over with little
results. I've done the following so far:

The good news is that the main problem with the hydro was not really a problem
at all. The splines on the wheel hub had worn badly causing the tire to
fail to turn. Replacing the hub did the trick.

I had some success with adjusting the linkage on the drive pump.
It was very frustrating trying to adjust it. Virtually impossible to
get it just right. As a matter of fact, one side still runs slightly faster
than the other which makes it a little difficult to steer. Do you or anyone
here have any direct experience adjusting the linkage to achieve even
steering? I've followed the procedure in the manuals. One manual shows
that there should be an adjustment on the steering arm which will restrict
full forward limit---thereby limiting the speed of the adjusted side. This
could very well do what i need---get the sides to equal speeds. Unfortunately,
I cannot seem to find this adjustment on my steering arms. Can anyone
help with this?

Thanks much.