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Craftsman lawn tractor rear end

#1

R

Regwal

Is it worth trying to rebuild a non manual transmission or just replace the whole rear end?


#2

Boobala

Boobala

Regwal said:
Is it worth trying to rebuild a non manual transmission or just replace the whole rear end?
Click to expand...

Well once we know if its a transmiision in a washing machine or something else ...
Do you walk into a restaurant and say I'm hungry ..and leave it at that ??

Make,Model year, etc. etc. and mostly any information from the transmission itself ..usually a sticker or plate or embedded into a housing ......get the idea ...???


#3

R

Regwal

Thought enough info was in post title. Sorry about that. It is a Craftsman LT1500 42" cut 6 speed transaxle. Gray in color and has probably 30 hours run time or maybe less. :ashamed:


#4

B

bertsmobile1

Regwal said:
Thought enough info was in post title. Sorry about that. It is a Craftsman LT1500 42" cut 6 speed transaxle. Gray in color and has probably 30 hours run time or maybe less. :ashamed:
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OK,
On the tranny itself will be a tag we need to know what the tag says as it could be any one of a dozen different units.
The vari drive units are also considerd to be 4,5 or 6 speeds so 6 speed means nothing.
there should also be a tag under the seat and a photo of that will be of immense value.
Craftsman is nothing more than a trading name and Sears get them made under contract from a variety of companies.


#5

R

Regwal

Anything I do myself requires the unit to be removed, so that is my path right now. Once removed there should be identification numbers I'm sure. If deciding to repair I may need advice so will post pictures of problem if possible. I have never looked inside one of these but have heard horror stories of attempted repairs. I'm sure something has snapped so should be easy to troubleshoot. It was working fine then just stopped, like the ground belt broke or came off. Nothing I can see is out of whack on outside so problem must be internal. Thanks Bertsmobil1 for reply and if anyone has had the same experience I would love to know what you found. Thinking of laying the tractor on its side for work, for safety reason and ease of seeing whats what. Would that be a problem? :licking:


#6

P

Pumper54

Regwal,
As the others have said more information is needed to help identify the transmission so if you are able tip the seat forward to see if the tag is still visible that shows, make model and serial number of the mower. Also if you can take pictures of the mower, front, side and rear views to help in identifying the mower and then if you can look at the transmission while it is still in the mower to see if you can see and photograph any tags or other marks.

Safest way I would work on the mower is to block the front wheels, lift the back up and support it with jack stands or cribbing and then drop the tranny out and work on it at a bench. Just my .02 cents.
Tom


#7

Boobala

Boobala

Regwal said:
Anything I do myself requires the unit to be removed, so that is my path right now. Once removed there should be identification numbers I'm sure. If deciding to repair I may need advice so will post pictures of problem if possible. I have never looked inside one of these but have heard horror stories of attempted repairs. I'm sure something has snapped so should be easy to troubleshoot. It was working fine then just stopped, like the ground belt broke or came off. Nothing I can see is out of whack on outside so problem must be internal. Thanks Bertsmobil1 for reply and if anyone has had the same experience I would love to know what you found. Thinking of laying the tractor on its side for work, for safety reason and ease of seeing whats what. Would that be a problem? :licking:
Click to expand...

WHY DO I GET THE FEELING THIS GUY IS " PULLING " OUR CHAIN...?? I'm ready to report as GARBAGE POSTING !!!


#8

R

Regwal

“Well once we know if its a transmiision in a washing machine or something else ...
Do you walk into a restaurant and say I'm hungry ..and leave it at that ??”

“WHY DO I GET THE FEELING THIS GUY IS " PULLING " OUR CHAIN...?? I'm ready to report as GARBAGE POSTING !!!”

Really???? I am sure you do not speak for others on this forum Boobala, or at least I hope not. If so then I picked the wrong bunch of guys and gals to have discussions with. Maybe you see me as being a new member, thinking I am infringing on your turf. I hope none of this it true and I just took both your remarks the wrong way. You mentioned your age somewhere else as being 70ish but that is no excuse. I am 82 and have been around the horn a few times myself, working in 5 countries and 45 states I may have gained a little knowledge somewhere that would be worth sharing.

If administrator of this forum think I am out of line and a troublemaker then maybe I should be deleted, or whatever you do when a member is not wanted.

:mad:


#9

Boobala

Boobala

This is my explanation ,for what it's worth....
First off.. others & myself on this site, really try to extend ourselves to help those who truly need it .
Very often we get folks asking for our our help, without giving us a clue as to what the problem is or what it is they're trying to do or un-do ....
When I saw your post I noticed you had been here before , so I thought surely you would have known from previous posts (if you read any) you would ... OR should know, we need certain info. to begin the process of helping ...usually we need a brand name , model, serial # , year , size & make of engine and those numbers / letters codes etc. all this info. is relevant to us finding the necessary info. to help YOU ..the person asking US for help.
I will apologize for being quite abrupt in my first response.. it was uncalled for on my part ..all I can offer in my defense is that of lately the site has had some aggraviting S.O.B. posters playing games by loading the forums with junk input and in general being really frustrating by disrupting the flow of info.
I perceived you might be doing just that.. Why ..??? because I thought from reading your posts from last Dec. you have some knowledge of lawn equipment, and then when you stated you wanted to put the mower on its side ..
well that's when I took it as a jab of us being stupid enough to be played along.. that was all there was to it !.
I hope we can put this to rest by just callin ME ..A Grumpy Ol Man ..!!! ... Boobala


#10

RDA.Lawns

RDA.Lawns

Boobala said:
WHY DO I GET THE FEELING THIS GUY IS " PULLING " OUR CHAIN...?? I'm ready to report as GARBAGE POSTING !!!
Click to expand...
I agree instead of reading what was said about the tag he jumped into I'll have to do it myself. And yet to see a pic and he has no idea that the transmission is the problem. I looked the belt appeared to be fine isn't the answer. Unless he actually pulled on the belt and checked the routing he can't rule belt out. What's the old saying ? Keep it simple stupid.. Comes to mind. A friend of mine pulled the transmission out of his ford truck BC it wouldn't shift. After a costly trip to the transmission shop. They found nothing wrong. He reinstalled it same problems. Carried it to a shop. A vacuum line was the problem lol.


#11

Boobala

Boobala

RDA.Lawns said:
I agree instead of reading what was said about the tag he jumped into I'll have to do it myself. And yet to see a pic and he has no idea that the transmission is the problem. I looked the belt appeared to be fine isn't the answer. Unless he actually pulled on the belt and checked the routing he can't rule belt out. What's the old saying ? Keep it simple stupid.. Comes to mind. A friend of mine pulled the transmission out of his ford truck BC it wouldn't shift. After a costly trip to the transmission shop. They found nothing wrong. He reinstalled it same problems. Carried it to a shop. A vacuum line was the problem lol.
Click to expand...


My mommy had NO stupid children... I'm off this thread !! ...:goodnight::


#12

R

Regwal

"I agree instead of reading what was said about the tag he jumped into I'll have to do it myself. And yet to see a pic and he has no idea that the transmission is the problem. I looked the belt appeared to be fine isn't the answer."

RDA Lawns, you missed some of my statement so I will try to clear the water. My lawn tractor just quit moving. I checked what could be checked from the outside without seeing anything apparent causing this to happen. I removed the belt from input pulley and was able to turn freely. Most of these transaxles are pretty much the same but I have never had a reason to look inside one, only pictures. Therefor I ask a question here expecting someone to give me their thoughts on replacing or repairing the unit. I did not ask how to do the repair because I knew more info would be needed. I also ask the question of laying the tractor on it's side if anyone had done this with a Craftsman.

I have in the past turned my Sears ST16 Garden Tractor over to make repairs underneath without having problems. It was built in '72 (purchased new) and is quite a bit sturdier built and simpler too, but better in my opinion. I would not hesitate to do the same with my Husqvarna Garden Tractor if the need arises for it too is better build than a typical Lawn Tractor. (keeping in mind the orientation of the engine). I did not ever in any post try to jerk anyone's chain and sorry if I gave that impression. That seems to be a problem these days with all the expected PC with everyone. I never try to confront a person with simple things that really has no importance, and didn't this time. I have been respectful with my few post and intend to continue in that vane.

Boobala, this was a simple misunderstanding and sorry it happened. I'll not be so thin skinned in the future. Assuming the administrator allows my membership to continue. :ashamed:


#13

Boobala

Boobala

Regwal said:
"I agree instead of reading what was said about the tag he jumped into I'll have to do it myself. And yet to see a pic and he has no idea that the transmission is the problem. I looked the belt appeared to be fine isn't the answer."

RDA Lawns, you missed some of my statement so I will try to clear the water. My lawn tractor just quit moving. I checked what could be checked from the outside without seeing anything apparent causing this to happen. I removed the belt from input pulley and was able to turn freely. Most of these transaxles are pretty much the same but I have never had a reason to look inside one, only pictures. Therefor I ask a question here expecting someone to give me their thoughts on replacing or repairing the unit. I did not ask how to do the repair because I knew more info would be needed. I also ask the question of laying the tractor on it's side if anyone had done this with a Craftsman.

I have in the past turned my Sears ST16 Garden Tractor over to make repairs underneath without having problems. It was built in '72 (purchased new) and is quite a bit sturdier built and simpler too, but better in my opinion. I would not hesitate to do the same with my Husqvarna Garden Tractor if the need arises for it too is better build than a typical Lawn Tractor. (keeping in mind the orientation of the engine). I did not ever in any post try to jerk anyone's chain and sorry if I gave that impression. That seems to be a problem these days with all the expected PC with everyone. I never try to confront a person with simple things that really has no importance, and didn't this time. I have been respectful with my few post and intend to continue in that vane.

Boobala, this was a simple misunderstanding and sorry it happened. I'll not be so thin skinned in the future. Assuming the administrator allows my membership to continue. :ashamed:
Click to expand...

Well ... I am not above saying it was MY fault this came to this point...I jumped the gun on you and I apologize . Glad you aint a GRUMPY ol man too ! ( LOL ) Lets just put this behind us and get on with important matters. SO .. you 're 82 ...?? Don't you know what the word RETIRED means ..?? Hope I live to see 82..... Back to your situation, I believe if the mower is in decent shape , and you really like it.. AND at 82 are you able to do the work, do you have the manuals ,tools , and knowledge to handle the task at hand ..?? lets see if we can get your equipment numbers from the tractor... the engine.... and hopefully the transaxle..! If you can get that information we can start from there.. maybe the mower will be ressurected !! be aware parts are pricey these days ( if available ) sometimes a replacement trans is better than a repair and then theres always used equipment to consider as well but lets get those numbers,
you have several folks here itchin to help you with this ... Sorry for asking ...but do you have ANYONE to help you in this project... you may at some point need a helper with certain aspects of doing this... OK lets get the show on the road already ..we're waitin on you !!

As to your main questions .replacement or repair is your decision .. either way it will cost you
maybe its just a broken lever on the case or something as simple .. replacement will cost a good amount depending on what transaxle you have so lets hope it's a simple fix .
as far as puttin the mower on its side I've never heard of workin on it hat way .. NOT to say it cant be done but you will have fluids everywhere unless you drain everything and then it better be supported really well so as not to fall over ...NO... jackin up the rear and supports is the safer way .


#14

R

Regwal

Boobala, bygones are bygones here.:thumbsup: I will not bother the forum again with this until removing the rear and splitting to see what is going on. I hope it will be the shaft key but luck is never with me on these endeavors. I have mowers for all my tractors including the Farmall Cubs so time is not important. This one has less than 30 hours so I'm really interested in seeing what caused the problem. My time is shared with a Geo Tracker I'm restoring for a GGD and that takes most of my spare minutes. There is a lot of knowledge on these pages and I will most likely use or share from time to time.

My helper is usually my wife. She is pretty good at asking the obvious, things us macho guys take for granted and skim over. She is also pretty good pulling wrenches and operating a winch when lifting equipment. Just wish she would get the hang of running a weld because I have trouble doing it.


#15

RDA.Lawns

RDA.Lawns

Before you do that . Check the drive pulley on the engine. I almost never see them fail. But start simple first.


#16

R

Regwal

RDA.Lawns said:
Before you do that . Check the drive pulley on the engine. I almost never see them fail. But start simple first.
Click to expand...

Good point! I'm almost sure the belt was moving but will check anyway. Simple to reach in and turn since the belt is off.


#17

mhavanti

mhavanti

Regwal,

I am no different than any other fella here other than I can give you an idea what possibly could be the problem. If your transaxle has a carrier housing (can assembly), the four screws could back out of the differential gear causing your mower to feel as though the belts are slipping in one direction before the last screw finally backs out.

I've had mowers with one screw left holding the carrier housing attached to the differential gear and actually move in one direction (usually forward) but wouldn't move the other direction. I'm adding a link to a drawing that could give you an idea of what I'm speaking. http://www.partstree.com/parts/mtd/...-man-lawn-tractor-1996/differential-assembly/

This is but one of the things it could be. If you do find this, replace the screws with new screws and clean out the threads of the differential gear very well with carb or brake cleaner spray and a gun bore brush. Then when you reassemble, use blue or red Locktite to keep the screws in place.

You'll most likely have to replace the carrier housing and side gears since they'll have the crap beat out of them from flopping around inside the housing. Make sure you remove all grease and metal fragments and replace with a good bearing grease. Over fill the entire carrier housing with grease as well as the transaxle housing up to about 5/8th of it's capacity since grease will usually over time harden and depending upon the grease you choose, run away from heat and compression rather than toward heat and compression.

Good luck,

Max


#18

R

Regwal

Good thought Max, however my part number is 918.04566 and looks a lot different than the one you referenced. I can see where a good working knowledge is important for these transaxles so any idea or thought is appreciated. I'm getting anxious about looking inside mine, just have to make time, getting it in line behind other projects. Jacks Small Engines has a good pull-apart diagram of my unit.


#19

Boobala

Boobala

Regwal said:
Good thought Max, however my part number is 918.04566 and looks a lot different than the one you referenced. I can see where a good working knowledge is important for these transaxles so any idea or thought is appreciated. I'm getting anxious about looking inside mine, just have to make time, getting it in line behind other projects. Jacks Small Engines has a good pull-apart diagram of my unit.
Click to expand...

REG .. Is this similar to YOUR transaxle ??? ... this could be an MTD unit in your machine ..???

Really need the numbers from your machine to do anything ...

...................................part_p_291892_2979181704.gif


#20

R

Regwal

Yes, it is MTD, TORA, CRAFTSMAN, CUB CADET and others. It must be a popular tranny for Lawn Tractors.


#21

R

Regwal

Fixed! After a few choice words the rear end was on the bench. I found pt.#95604002, V-pulley, wallowed out. Put all back together with new pulley this morning and just finished mowing (mulching leaves) at main house. Have to make adjustments yet but everything is working. Glad and disappointed that I didn't have to open the housing because I haven't looked at this simple design before.:cool2:


#22

G

granpa49

If it has less than 30 hours on it, it might be covered by Sears warranty. There is one simple thing to check if yours has a neutral lockout. Make sure the neutral lockout lever hasn't been pulled back and locked. It protrudes out of the back plate behind the axle on most mowers. On my mower, the transaxle tag was printed black on white and was viewable from the rear of the mower. Yours might read something like "Tecumseh Peerless ---" and then a model number. Not all Craftsman mowers use the Tecumseh unit. I've seen the manual transaxles offered for less than $200. If that is the problem and your mower has less than 30 hours on it I would say it is worth the expenditure to buy a new axle and slap it on. My mower was 17 years old and the hydrostatic transaxle was nearly $700. I bought a new mower - Craftsman again. If the new one lasts 17 years also it will probably outlast me.


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