Because of my friend's 42" CRAFTSMAN LAWN TRACTOR'S HYDROSTATIC TRANS-AXLE going out, and my possessing a somewhat similar unit, I embarked on a fact gathering expedition on the internet about these hydrostatic trans-axles, etc. His unit was 6 years old and had not been abused or even stressed much because his mowing was of St. Augustine grass under tall pine trees. I was very surprised to learn that both his unit and mine possess a mechanical type cooling fan that is mounted directly on top of the hydrostatic trans-axle and that fan cools the trans-axle unit when the mower is moving or more specifically not in the "PARK" condition. In other words the ground drive belt moves the transmission and the cooling fan simultaneously.

I found on the site: extending the life of your LT tranny - MyTractorForum.com - The Friendliest Tractor Forum and Best Place for Tractor Information a very interesting article about preserving the life of Lawn Tractor Hydrostatic trans-axle units. These modern day hydrostatic trans-axle units can easily run $800 (yes, that's right {from SearsPartsDirect.com) and that can sure negate one getting one replaced. So, if you possess one of these Lawn Tractors with large engines and a hydrostatic trans-axles, I would strongly urge you to visit the site listed above.