Grasshopper 1212 How do I move this thing without skidding the drive tires?

user4579

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  • / Grasshopper 1212 How do I move this thing without skidding the drive tires?
Good Day All! I just bought an old 1987 Grasshopper 1212 Needs some TLC for sure! 1st problem is doesn't yet run. Other Hydrostat drive mowers I've had all had a lever or a way to disengage the Hydraulics so you can move or push them without starting the engine. I downloaded the operators Manual but nothing it about putting it in "Neutral" so to speak. Thanks in Advance for your help!! Steve
 

173abn

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  • / Grasshopper 1212 How do I move this thing without skidding the drive tires?
pop your seat up,the hydro pumps are equipped w/a dump valve that allows you to move the mower w/o power.located on the lower left side toward the front of each hydro pump.activate the dump valve by rotating counter clockwise....russ
 

user4579

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  • / Grasshopper 1212 How do I move this thing without skidding the drive tires?
pop your seat up,the hydro pumps are equipped w/a dump valve that allows you to move the mower w/o power.located on the lower left side toward the front of each hydro pump.activate the dump valve by rotating counter clockwise....russ

Thanks A Bunch Russ!! I'll get out to the shop Saturday and see if I can find them.
 

user4579

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  • / Grasshopper 1212 How do I move this thing without skidding the drive tires?
HuH! This is weird. I found the dump valve thing. It has a 1/4" bolt sticking out about an inch or a bit more. At he base of it, is a 5/8" nut that I can't get to with a wrench of any kind. It also has a wire bail on it that looks like it might pull out and slip over the 1/4" bolt in the center. this is on the right Hydro. The left tone is hidden behind shields and the hyd reserve tank. I know it's an old mower, but why was it made so you can't get to them without dismantling a good part of the mower?DSCF1572.jpgDSCF1569.jpg
 

BlazNT

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  • / Grasshopper 1212 How do I move this thing without skidding the drive tires?
Did you try getting to them from under the mower?
 

user4579

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  • / Grasshopper 1212 How do I move this thing without skidding the drive tires?
Thanks for the thought! Yeah, I picked up the back about 2 feet. The floor of the frame on both sides stop me from getting to them from underneath. I might get to them if I drop the PTO shaft assy. Someone wasn't thinking when they designed this. Guess I'll start taking the springs, shields and brackets off to get to them.
 
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