I have a D160 that loses power when going uphill. If the hill is steep enough it can't make it up at all. I have already taken the transaxle off and replaced the oil and have put on a new drive belt and the problem still persists. Any help would be appreciated.
#2
dfbroxy
When you changed the drive belt did you check the tension pulleys to see if they were locked up? What grade oil did you use? Did you use a OE JD belt? If you have terrain like your describing, you might consider upgrading to a mower with a better transaxle. The K46 will not handle it without failing. The other option is to check online for a upgrade kit for your mower but its pricey.
#3
tom3
How many hours on this machine? At around 300 hrs that transaxle is probably on its way out. The Tufftorq units have the differential gears running in the same oil as the hydraulic unit. Those gears are made of a pressed metal and do wear quite a bit putting metal particles in the oil that will destroy the hydraulics. If you cleaned it and put in better oil you can usually get a couple hundred more hours out of it. Might try mowing the hills first before the oil gets hot. Sure not what we expect from a Deere.
