Hydrostat

[curt w]

What are the symptoms of a hydrostat going bad ? 9 year old cub cadet kohler engine, losing power going up small embankments it used to go up with no problem.

 

[gainestruk]

What are the symptoms of a hydrostat going bad ? 9 year old cub cadet kohler engine, losing power going up small embankments it used to go up with no problem.

That is a symptom, post your model and serial number of mower so we can see what you have in it.
BTW it's also a symptom of a worn or loose belt.

 

[Carscw]

Does the engine change RPMs going up hill?
Does the hydro make a whiny noise?

 

[logan01]

Belts can certainly be an issue as can pulleys. And if the fluid is old, burned, etc, that too will definitely do it when an additional load (hills) is factored in.