Hydrostatic on lawn mower. Difference Between Hydrostatic and Automatic Riding Lawn Mowers

How To Make A Hydrostatic Lawn Mower Faster? [With In-Depth Video]

Mowing your lawn with the ordinary belt or a gear-driven lawnmower is hectic. Your energy is drained by pushing the mower all over the compound and is tedious. A hydrostatic lawn mower is tested for maneuverability and quick time response as opposed to belt or gear driven mowers.

Meandering and changing direction at the highest speed is possible. Your speed depends on how you operate the cruise control button that’ll enable the machine to move faster and in tandem with your speed.

The best decision would be to buy a hydrostatic lawnmower for steep banks, which is faster and convenient to make the mowing easy, quick, and enjoyable. You may need money to purchase and for maintenance. However, at times, you may be under the budget to buy a new machine. Below here, we look at how to make a hydrostatic lawnmower faster. Keep reading.

Inspect Any Malfunction In The Hydrostatic System

The speed or efficiency of a lawnmower depends on its transmission capacity. This is the power derived from the engine into the wheels, which manages the mower’s speed. It then changes its torque in line with the conditions.

A hydrostatic drive does not have a clutch system and has no limits when it comes to speeds. Sometimes they may move in a reverse motion when pressure changes only on one peddle.

A lawnmower may move slowly or not move at all if there’s the failure of any of the hydrostatic drive. Typically, there’s a switch underneath the seat. If this switch fails, then the mower may not move. They may be little or no power to the hydrostatic drive due to a cogged power take-off.

Also, there may be some obstructions, such as wet grass, mud hills, inclines, trees, roots, and tight corners. Sometimes the speed system may not tackle these obstacles making the machine slow.

Failure of the mechanical parts such as the drive axle and the differential will cause the mower from functioning. A leak of the hydraulic fluid will stop the system and cause the mower to move slowly. It’s important to fix any issues and has a scheduled maintenance program for the lawnmower.

Changing Lawnmower Drives

The main drives consist of the hydrostatic, hydro, ground, and transaxle drive belts. These normally transmit power between the engine and the transaxles. They enable the drive wheels to turn the hydrostatic lawn mower

These belts work in combination, and the wheels can’t turn if they’re absent. It’s important to inspect any cracks or wear and replace them with new ones.

Removing The Hydro Belt

• Before you remove the belt, park your lawnmower on the ground and ensure the brake is in parking mode. Next, stop the lawnmower’s engine and remove the ignition key. Ensure all parts have stopped and allowed for cooling.
• Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before removing or changing any parts. Also, it’s vital to read the procedures in the manual guide.
• Start by removing the belt cover. Here, you’ll need to wear goggles to protect your eyes. Remove the hook using a spring puller.
• Next, detach the mower‘s PTO belt that’s fixed to the pulley at the backside. Then, remove the transport lock and put the deck in low height.
• With you googles on, detach the spring hook using a puller. Pull any hardware without removing the clutch bracket.
• Disengage the wire harness that is attached to the clutch. Then disconnect the hydro belt on either side of the transaxle pull. Push the belt towards the inner side of the mower.
• Next, detach the hydro drive from the engine and clutch. Lastly, detach the hydro drive from the transaxle pulley and pull the belt.

Install A New Hydro Belt

• Now that you’ve removed the hydro belt, the next step is to install a new hydro drive belt.
• Insert the hydro drive belt to the move from the transaxle drive. Connect the left to the transaxle pullet from whichever side.
• Place the belt above the clutch and let it cover the engine pulley. Next, fix the other part of the transaxle pulley.
• With your googles on, reattach the idler spring using a puller and cover the main bolt. At this point, the hydro belt must have proper tension and alignment.
• The next step is to fix the wire harness to the usual place at the clutch. While at that, align the mower’s clutch stop bracket while the slot is still in the clutch. You can still use the main screws to attach to the frame.
• Reattach the PTO belt on the pulley of the clutch. Next, align it using the spindle and the pulley towards the deck.
• While still with the googles one, use the puller and fix the PTO spring on the anchor screw. There must be tension on the PTO belt and proper alignment in the pulleys.
• In the end, fix the belt cover in place and tighten using the hardware.

After installation of a new hydro drive belt, your hydrostatic lawn mower moves fast. The other reason why your mower can move slowly is the hydraulic fluid or oil, which requires changing.

Change The Oil

A hydrostatic lawn mower may move slowly due to the failure of the hydraulic oil or fluid. There’s a general requirement when it comes to temperature requirements, and a variation may affect the speed of the mower. Changing to fresh fluid will cause the mower to move faster.

Drain The Oil

It’s important to drain the oil thoroughly before filling with fresh fluid. Start by positioning the machine on a flat surface and detach the plug. Let the mower stay in that position for a few days till every drop clears.

Use Recommended Oil

Before filling with new oil, read instructions from the manufacturer to ascertain the type of oil to use. Most often, manufacturers prefer the SAE 20W-50 type.

Conclusion

A hydrostatic lawn mower will serve you better when everything and all parts are in good condition. However, some things, such as a malfunction or even obstacles, can make it move slowly. For it to move fast, it’s important to remove dirt or other debris along the way.

Also, constant maintenance and replacement of parts such as the hydro drive belt will make it move faster. Changing the oil and using fresh fluid helps in checking its speed. Here is a video for you to watch and learn how to make a hydrostatic lawn mower faster!

Den Hicks

Traveler, food lover, interior designer, and blogger. I love gardening a lot! I designed my home myself with the help of my beloved wife. You are welcome!

Difference Between Hydrostatic and Automatic Riding Lawn Mowers

Nowadays, buyers have various options when shopping for a riding lawnmower. Many models have flooded the market, and each manufacturer claims to have the best equipment.

However, hydrostatic and automatic transmission are two of the most common categories among the many riding mowers on sale. Both of these two options boast exceptional features with distinct capabilities.

So the option you choose depends on your lawn’s layout, your preference but just before that, what is the difference between hydrostatic and automatic riding lawn mowers?

In this guide, we discuss the characteristics of both hydrostatic transmission and automatic transmission, allowing you to make an informed decision on the riding mower that meets your demands.

Difference Between Hydrostatic and Automatic Riding Lawn Mowers

The main difference between hydrostatic and automatic riding mowers lies in their power supply mechanism. Hydrostatic transmission uses fluid to deliver power from the engine to the wheels, whereas automatic transmission uses belts to attain the same objective. Besides, hydrostatic riding mowers also offer more power and better acceleration than automatic riding mowers.

Are Hydrostatic Mowers Better?

Yes, hydrostatic mowers are better because you can adjust the driving speed to meet the relevant working conditions.

The hydrostatic transmissions also incorporate powerful engines with an optional cruise control function, allowing you to set the pace you want to mow your yard.

The body parts of these lawn tractors are also contrived from quality materials to enhance durability.

However, there is a cost for all these benefits as hydrostatic riding mowers are very expensive compared to their correlatives.

Hydrostatic lawn mowers also offer the best maneuverability for lawns with complicated topography. They turn around better around obstacles which saves time.

What Is the Advantage of Hydrostatic Transmission?

Hydrostatic transmission also has the following advantages besides improving maneuverability on various applications.

• Hydrostatic transmission mower works with a wide range of speed ratios. The transmission plays a critical role in handling speed such that your machine’s speed is continuously variable from zero to maximum. Continuously variable transmissions are more convenient than direct-drive transmissions, requiring you to shift the transmission to a lower ratio to increase the machine’s speed once the engine speed is maximum.
• With hydrostatic transmission, you don’t have to apply clutch and gear shifting. This assures you no disturbance in transmission.
• The hydrostatic transmission uses a single lever to adjust speed and direction.
• This transmission system has very few linkages; therefore, there is little maintenance other than annual oil and filter replacements.
• You can use the high-pressure oil from the pump to operate power steering or the dynamic brak ing system.
• Hydrostatic transmission has less response time than gear transmission due to fewer linkages.
• Considering that hydrostatic transmission doesn’t incorporate gear shifting, the power loss caused by friction is minimized.

What Are the Disadvantages of Hydrostatic Transmission?

Despite the many benefits of hydrostatic transmission, it also has faults. Read on for more.

Inefficiency

A hydrostatic transmission is known to be less efficient than sliding gear transmission.

That means vehicles or riding tractors with hydrostatic transmissions subject extra load on the engine, as the machine is prone to frequent damage.

Expensive

Hydrostatic transmissions are expensive to maintain because they use costly oil. Their body parts are also high-quality, adding to the cost.

Is Motor Oil the Same As Hydrostatic Oil?

Motor oil and hydrostatic oil fulfill the same functions but slightly differ in their formulation.

Motor oil contains additives that often degrade and shear down with time. These degraded additives can lead to oil foaming, comprising wear control.

Hydrostatic transmission oil is designed to fight oxidation and corrosion better than motor oil. These two attributes contribute to longer service life and improved protection during storage.

Additionally, hydrostatic transmission oil has a thicker consistency than motor oil. That tells you hydrostatic oil can withstand gear lubrication much more than motor oil, providing reliable wear protection over time.

How Do You Change Oil In a Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Mower?

The hydrostatic transmission in your lawn tractor needs servicing, including changing the filter, draining the old hydrostatic oil, and adding new oil.

Read below to learn how to change your hydrostatic riding mower oil in a few steps.

• Socket wrench
• A clean shop towel
• Torque wrench
• Oil filter wrench
• Hydrostatic transmission oil filter
• Fresh hydrostatic transmission oil
• Oil catch drain pan

Step one

Since this is a service procedure, you will need to move your lawn tractor to a flat-level working surface.

Then turn the key off, withdraw it from the ignition, wait for all moving parts to stop, and let the engine cool before proceeding.

After that, engage the parking brake to prevent your riding lawn mower from shifting gears while working.

Step two

Lift the rear of your riding lawn mower so the wheels are slightly raised, then place jack stands in two locations on the left and right sides of the mower frame.

Ensure the mower is stable before proceeding. Next, uninstall the wheel from the hub of the transaxle being serviced.

Doing this gives you enough exposure to the hydrostatic transmission oil area. Uninstall the transaxle oil filter guard from the transaxle.

Place an oil-catch drain pan below the hydrostatic transmission oil drain plug to capture the old transmission oil.

The oil drain plug is found beside the transmission mowers towards the bottom.

Some hydrostatic mowers incorporate one or more transmission oil drain plugs: one for the differential gear side, the other for the hydrostatic transmission side.

Step three

Clean all dirt and debris surrounding the hydrostatic transmission oil reservoir cap using a clean shop towel.

This is critical as it prevents the hydrostatic transmission and oiling system from contamination.

After that, loosen the hydrostatic transmission oil reservoir cap by hand to drain the transmission oil.

A loose cap permits fresh air to enter the oiling system, restricting air vacuum to enhance better oil flow drainage.

Next, unfasten the hydrostatic transmission oil drain plugs using a socket wrench to allow the transmission oil to drain completely for a few minutes.

Step four

Next, unscrew the hydrostatic transmission oil filter from the transmission oil filter housing using an oil filter wrench.

Place the oil filter wrench onto the oil filter and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew the transmission oil filter from its housing.

Install the new oil filter onto the transaxle by hand. Use your fingers to apply a thin layer of oil around the new transmission oil filter seal.

The new filter should swivel until it contacts the oil filter housing. If not, you may be cross-threading the new oil filter.

After that, finish tightening the oil filter with an oil filter wrench about ¾ of a complete turn.

Step five

Remove the fill cap from the oil expansion tank and place a funnel into the tank. Add new oil to the expansion tank until full by hand.

In the process, you will want to wait for a few minutes for the oil level to drop, then slowly add more oil until it once again fills to the top line.

As you add oil into the reservoir tank, pay close attention to the vent port beside the transaxle. If oil drips from the vent port, stop adding oil.

Tighten the vent plug with caution and wipe any residual oil with a clean rag. Since there is no torque specification for the vent plug, you will want to tighten it until you feel a stiff amount of resistance on the vent plug.

Step six

Check the oil level on the reservoir tank. If the oil level has not reached the cold fill line on the tank, add more oil until it touches that line.

Next, remove the oil funnel from the tank, wipe the remaining oil from the tank exterior and reinstall the tank cap.

Follow with removing your oil drain pan under the transaxle and returning the oil filter guard with its original hardware.

Step seven

Disconnect the transaxle by pulling out the bypass lever, then set the mower to the parking brake to start the engine. After the engine ignites, release the parking brake.

Move the steering lever that controls the transaxle, which was serviced back and forth slowly around 4 to 5 times to clear air from the transaxle.

Then slide the transaxle bypassed lever in to reconnect the transaxle. After that, repeat moving the steering lever slowly back and forth 4 to 5 times.

Then stop the engine and wait for all moving components to stop and hot parts to cool. Reinstall the rear wheel and secure it with its original nuts.

You then torque the nuts to the specs inscribed in the user’s manual for your mower.

• This procedure is more intensive, so it’s best to ask your local dealer for assistance.
• It’s wise to check the hydraulic oil level when the engine is cool. That’s because hydrostatic transmission oil expands with heat, which can give you inaccurate reading when hot.
• Before starting this project for hydrostatic transmissions, read the safety instructions in the user’s manual.

What Happens If You Don’t Change the Transmission Fluid?

Transmission fluid is essential as it helps lubricate all moving parts reducing wear and tear caused by excess heat and friction.

So if you don’t change your transmission fluid frequently, it will become dirty and won’t serve as an effective lubricant.

What Are the Signs Of Low Transmission Fluid?

Checking if your mower has low transmission fluid can save you from costly repairs caused by insufficient fluid to lubricate the moving parts.

Here are some common signs that your mower needs transmission fluid:

Overheating

If your transmission starts overheating, it implies that trouble is brewing. So it’s essential to keep your fluid temperature from exceeding 200 degrees since it will affect your mower’s performance.

Check out these temperatures that can damage your transmission.

• 220 degrees: varnish begins to establish on the metal parts.
• 240 degrees: the seals begin hardening.
• 260 degrees: the transmission bands begin to slip.
• 295 degrees: your mower breaks down.

Transmission fluid leakage

Another sign of low transmission fluid is leakage. You can tell if your mower transmission fluid leaks by carrying out frequent checks below the mower and the engine’s compartment.

If you notice a bright red color leaking, you will know things are not good. However, it’s even worse if it smells burnt and has a dark color.

Failing to address this leakage means more fluid will be discharged, affecting how internal components are lubricated.

Other common signs of low transmission fluid in your mower include warning lights, transmission slipping problems, and the generation of unusual sounds.

How Do Hydrostatic Lawn Mowers Work?

Hydrostatic transmissions provide high power in a compact size. This mechanism lets you mow through various speeds rather than operating with preset gear rations.

These riding mowers are powered with standard engines and incorporate hydrostatic pumps that use pressurized oil to move pistons into the hydrostatic drive system.

This piston movement delivers power to the hydrostatic transmissions, which engages the drive wheels.

Craftsman T2200 42″ Riding Mower | Features and Components Does this Replace the T210?

Additionally, hydrostatic transmissions provide more power and improved acceleration in a smaller package.

They also have a quicker response time with unmatched maneuverability than the belt-driven lawn tractors, allowing the operator to change direction and speed quickly.

The wheel rotating speed and the truck mower speed are controlled smoothly, using the optional cruise control, according to the amount of oil delivered by the hydraulic pump.

The oil flow increases instantly by tilting the swashplate to a larger angle, speeding the lmower.

But decreasing the swashplate angle decelerates the hydrostatic transmissions without causing any mechanical wear or requiring a separate break.

When the swashplate sits neutral, the pump doesn’t deliver oil, and the mower remains stationary.

However, most users dislike these hydrostatic transmissions because they use complicated systems with additional components.

That translates to a higher price than its prevalent counterparts. Maintaining a hydrostatic riding mower is also expensive, especially if not taken care of well.

Here’s How Hydrostatic Transmissions Work In a Lawn Mower:

Can You Push Start a Hydrostatic Mower?

Hydrostatic mowers use transmissions that are fluid-driven. This permits you to steer the mower by changing the flow of hydrostatic fluid to individual wheels.

But can you push start a hydrostatic riding mower ? Yes, you can push start a hydrostatic riding mower, but this causes the fluid to move backward through the pump, damaging the seals.

Therefore, you must disengage the drive before push-starting your lawn tractor.

Push-starting a hydrostatic mower only works on riding mowers with a clutch. If you don’t have a long steep hill in your yard, call a friend to help you push the mower.

This can be very dangerous, so you must use your best safety tool: common sense. Ensure nobody walks in front of the path you plan to push-start. And also, ensure no obstacles are on the way.

So assuming you have a suitable hill, push the mower to the top. You can achieve this quickly with your friend’s help.

Once you reach the hill’s peak, turn your mower to face downwards, ensuring the parking brake is engaged before turning on the ignition.

You have to implement the following steps smoothly. Begin by depressing the clutch and shifting the transmission into the lowest gear shifting.

You then hold the clutch down and release the parking brake. If your mower doesn’t immediately go down the hill, give yourself a little push with the free foot.

This should get you going. When you feel you’ve reached top speed, release the clutch. At this point, the mower should start.

If you have a friend, you will need to push the mower rather than roll it down a hill. Follow the same basic procedure and remember to pop the clutch at high speed.

Which Is Better Hydrostatic or Shuttle Shift?

Lawn tractor manufacturers are gradually upgrading and improving transmissions to make their equipment last a lifetime, become more fuel-efficient, and help users accomplish tasks efficiently.

These transmissions include power shuttle transmission, hydrostatic transmission, and geared speed transmission.

Power shuttle transmission is an upgrade to the commonly known gear-shifting transmission.

This transmission incorporates a forward-reverse shuttle lever that automatically clutches the tractor when shifted from one position, makes a shift, and re-engages the clutch.

This transmission is best if you do lots of forward and reverse gear shifting.

The clutches in power shuttle transmission machines are usually soaked in oil and hydraulically activated for long life, smooth control and lengthier transmission duration.

On the other hand, hydrostatic transmission relies on pressurized hydraulic oil to roll the rear output shaft and the wheels.

This mechanism allows you to control the speed by adjusting the hydraulic motor’s amount of oil. That said, which is better: hydrostatic or shuttle shift?

Ideally, hydrostatic is better than shuttle shift because of the super slick operation. However, this transmission system needs a high engine RPM to keep up with the transmission pump.

This causes the engine to get hot faster, burning more fuel. Also, the hydrostatic machine is costly, making a shuttle shift a better pick for those with budget constraints.

Why Is My Hydrostatic Mower Not Moving?

A hydrostatic mower may not move due to a faulty tensioner spring, low hydraulic fluid, and the rest, which we will unfold in this guide.

Drive release handle not in operating mode

Hydrostatic lawn mowers integrate a drive release for the mower to roll free. The drive release may be in the form of a knob, push/pull button, or lever.

So for you to move your mower forward, you must set these drive release handles in the operating position. You can refer to your user manual on the location of your release handle.

Low hydraulic fluid level

You must practice consistent hydraulic oil change at the intervals listed by the manufacturer for your mower transmission system to run as expected.

Running the transmission with low oil can cause your mower not to move forward or backward.

Air in the hydraulic system

After changing the hydraulic fluid, you must drive out all the air in the transmission system.

You can achieve this by keeping your mower rear tires elevated and allowing them to spin back and forth until the excessive noise disappears when the wheels run at average speeds.

Missing key in axle

If you recently replaced a tire on your hydrostatic riding mower, you may have lost a minor key that fell off the axle.

This key seems like a small narrow bar and must be installed for your lower wheel to move.

However, not all riding mowers have a key in the axle, but if yours has one and it’s not in place, your mower won’t move.

Pedal adjustment

Levels operate hydrostatic mowers instead of shifting gears. So if any obstacle prevents the pedal’s forward or reverse control, your mower won’t move.

You will have to examine the pedals for obstruction or damage. If you depress the parking brake and it doesn’t release well, check for obstructions or damage to the linkage.

Also, confirm if the parking brake is engaged because this condition can prevent your hydrostatic mower from moving.

How to Check the Hydraulic Oil Level in Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Mower

It’s important to always check the hydraulic fluid level in your hydrostatic mower to ensure your equipment runs at peak performance. Use the steps below to accomplish this job.

First, place your riding mower in a service position. Then check the oil level in the expansion tanks on both sides by first removing the caps. The oil level should reach the cold fill indicator mark.

Reminder: Y our riding mower’s engine should be cold when checking the engine oil level. That’s because a warm engine will give you a faulty reading.

After checking the initial oil level, carefully realign the thread to secure the cap to the extension tank.

Next, run the engine for one minute, then reconfigure your mower to service mode to recheck the hydraulic fluid level.

If your oil level is below the cold line, remove the expansion tank caps and fill the tank with fresh oil until it reaches the cold fill indicator mark.

Lastly, reinstall the expansion tank caps.

How Do You Troubleshoot a Hydrostatic Transmission?

Hydrostatic transmissions are found in various equipment ranging from lawn mowers to tractors. So for you to diagnose any problems, you need to know how the transmission system of riding mowers work.

After that, you will learn how to troubleshoot your hydrostatic mower when it breaks down. Below are some general troubleshooting tips to fix your hydrostatic mower.

Purge your hydraulic drive system

Some transmission problems are caused by air in the system, limiting the pressure needed to provide power. A quick fix to this is to follow the steps below:

First, park your mower on level ground, engage the parking brake, and elevate the rear. Ensure the oil reservoir is filled correctly according to the user’s manual.

Next, disconnect the transmission, sit on the driver’s seat, and ignite the engine. While the engine runs, move the throttle control to a slow position.

Place the motion control levers in neutral mode and disengage the brake pedal. Then push the motion control levers forward and hold for five seconds. This should purge air from the transmission system.

Check the system

Another troubleshooting tip is to check the hydraulic system visually. Check the hydraulic fluid level and add if necessary.

Examine the hoses and other connections for damage or leakage. Then clean the pump cooling fins with a clean cloth, brush, or compressed air.

You will also want to check the steering fluids and replace them if needed. Running your mower with old or overused fluid can compromise its performance.

Lastly, you can call an expert to fix any issues because some repairs are beyond DIY.

What Kind of Fluid Goes In Hydrostatic Transmission?

Due to the range of environments in which hydrostatic equipment is used, it’s not easy to give specific advice on oil types for hydrostatic transmission.

Ideally, the air temperature range in which hydrostatic equipment is used must be factored in when determining the consistency of replacement oil.

Operating outside the suggested oil air temperature range can cause premature hydrostatic transmission failure.

And for that, it’s wise to select the perfect oil for both your machine and the location. For instance, it’s advisable to use SAE 20W-50 oil in temperatures between minus 4 degrees and 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

Changing your hydraulic oil is crucial as old oil loses its anti-foam and hydraulic properties, meaning your transmission system won’t function optimally.

At worst, old oil can make your machine fail to self-propel.

Final Thoughts

As stated in his guide, both hydrostatic and automatic transmission are excellent choices for homeowners planning to improve the visual appeal of their homes.

Hydrostatic and automatic transmission comes with contemporary features that enhance your mowing experience.

Other than automatic and hydrostatic transmissions, other options to look for are electric mowers and even manual transmissions.

Electric mowers are environmentally friendly, and manual transmission offers more control as it puts you in charge of the equipment.

Even as we wind up this article, I hope you found the content helpful to your quest of understanding between hydrostatic transmission and automatic transmission.

Do you have a question, opinion, or suggestion that you would love to share regarding hydrostatic or automatic transmission? Kindly do so in the comment section below.

Rhys Charles

Rhys is a passionate landscaper, a self-proclaimed barbecue expert and the author of this site. He combines his lawnmowing expertise with his engineering background to teach you about how to not just take care of grass, but also the equipment you use.

Hydrostatic Mower Will Not Move? (Possible Causes Fixes)

Hydrostatic mowers are reliable, that is until they stop moving. Your hydrostatic mower can fail to move for several reasons, such as air in the lines or a worn drive belt. Follow along as we explore what you can do to get your hydrostatic mower back up and running.

When it comes to riding lawnmower engines, hydrostatic drives are one of the simplest to use. Rather than having to shift gears manually, this motor allows you to adjust the speed quickly and efficiently with a press of the pedal.

However, while hydrostatic mowers are convenient and more comfortable to drive, they can still encounter problems. One of the most significant issues is when one of these machines won’t move.

Common reasons why a hydrostatic mower won’t move include: having old hydraulic fluid in the lines, having air in the lines, or a worn drive belt. Usually, the best way to fix these problems is to flush the hydraulic lines and refill them with new fluid. Also, you can change out the old belt for a replacement.

Since you need your lawnmower in perfect working condition, we’ll go over these problems in more detail and how to solve them.

Reasons Why a Hydrostatic Mower Won’t Move

Old Hydraulic Fluid

A hydrostatic lawnmower uses hydraulic fluid to drive the transmission. When this fluid sits for a long time (i.e., over winter), it can lose many of its properties, meaning that it can cause transmission failure. In most cases, when one of these lawnmowers isn’t moving, the problem is likely old fluid. If you notice this issue happens mostly when you start mowing in spring, it may be useful to flush the system when putting the mower away for winter.

The Fix: Flush the Fluid and Replace It

If you’re in a rush, you can take your mower to a specialist who can flush the lines and replace the old hydraulic oil. However, to save money, you can do it yourself. Simply open the drain plug and let all of the fluid drip out. Typically, this can take a couple of days at most. Once everything is out, you can refill the engine with new oil. Be sure to use compatible fluid for your lawnmower. You can often find the right mixture by checking the owner’s manual.

Air in the Lines

Another side-effect of leaving your hydrostatic mower idle all winter is that air can get into the lines. While old oil is the most common reason for lack of movement, air is a close second. In most cases, however, the lawnmower may move, albeit sluggishly. This is because it doesn’t have enough pressure to deliver the same results as normal.

The Fix: Remove Air From the Lines

A good habit to develop is to empty your mower of hydraulic oil at the end of every season, before putting it away for the winter. This way, you can avoid both of the problems listed above and start fresh in the spring. Alternatively, when it comes to flushing air out of the lines, you can follow these steps:

Lawn mowers to avoid!

Step One: Put the mower in place by locking the rear wheels with wooden blocks or jack stands so that it won’t move. Be sure to engage the parking brake as well.

Step Two: Disengage the transmission according your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Step Three: After turning the lawnmower on, you should put it in neutral and let go of the brakes. Push the throttle all the way forward for about five seconds.

Step Four: After five seconds in the forward position, pull the throttle into reverse and hold for another five seconds. Repeat this process (forward to reverse) three times. Doing this will expel air from the hydraulic transmission.

Step Five: Shut Off the Mower

Step Six: Reverse the steps laid out in your owner’s manual to re-engage the transmission

Step Seven: Remove the blocks and drive forward. When doing this procedure, you need to have about five or 10 feet of space on both sides of the mower. A driveway or flat backyard is the best place so that you don’t have to worry about hills or other obstacles.

Now that the transmission is re-engaged, you want to drive forward for about five seconds and then do the same in reverse. As with step four, you want to do this three times.

Once you’re finished with all of these steps, there shouldn’t be any more air in the lines. This process allows you to use the same oil and will cost a lot less than taking your mower to a professional.

Worn Drive Belt

Regardless of the type of lawnmower you have, the drive belt is crucial for moving the machine forward. If this belt is worn, you’ll likely hear a high-pitched squeal when trying to drive your mower. If it’s broken, you won’t get any movement in either direction.

The Fix: Replace the Belt

Typically, the best way to access the drive belt is to remove the cutting deck. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this. It also helps to have an assistant during the procedure so that you can get done much faster.

Faulty Pressure Switch

One security feature that comes on most modern riding lawnmowers is a pressure sensor in the seat. This sensor is designed to prevent the machine from moving when no one is sitting in it. So, if the sensor is broken, it may not register that you’re on the seat. If that happens, the engine won’t engage.

The Fix: Install a New Pressure Switch

This problem is relatively rare, so we recommend inspecting the sensor after looking at your hydraulic fuel and belts. You can usually replace this sensor yourself, but be sure that you get the right model for your mower. Otherwise, it won’t work.

Alternatively, the problem may not be the switch, but the seat itself. If your lawnmower seat is old and worn down, it may not be engaging the sensor correctly. You can try replacing the chair to see if that re-engages the engine.

Hydraulic Fuel Leak

Finally, if your lines are leaking oil, it can prevent the mower from moving forward. Here are some signs that fluid may be leaking.

• Sluggish or Jerky Movements – A leak means that there isn’t enough pressure in the lines. Your lawnmower may not drive as smoothly as it used to.
• Oil Spills on the Ground – If you notice a patch of hydraulic oil underneath your mower after moving it, that is a sure sign of a leak.
• Burning Odor – If the oil leaks into the engine, it will burn off while you mow. A strong smell or white smoke can indicate a leak.

The Fix: Fix the Leak

To correct this problem, you have to identify the source of the leak. Here are some common components that can leak over time.

• Gasket Seals – Since these pieces are made of rubber, they can wear down and develop cracks. You should see oil coming out from the seal, which means you should replace it.
• Oil Lines – Sometimes, the lines that carry the hydraulic oil can get nicked or scraped, causing them to develop a slow leak.
• Crankcase Gaskets – The crankcase has to endure a lot of pressure, meaning that it will eventually crack or break. In most cases, the leak happens because of an old seal, but if the cap is broken, you have to replace it.

Related Questions

How much does it cost to repair a hydrostatic transmission?

On average, you can expect to pay at least 200 for this repair. However, the cost will depend on the significance of the problem. For example, if there is a damaged crankcase, it will considerably inflate the price.

Can I use any hydraulic oil in my lawnmower?

If you’re looking for a quick fix, then yes. However, you never want to mix oils because it can reduce your mower’s performance. While you don’t have to buy proprietary hydraulic oil, make sure that it has the same viscosity and additive mixture as your previous fluid.

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Hydrostatic vs. Automatic Mower: Which is Better?

There are different types of lawnmowers in the current market that you can buy, like lawn tractors, zero-turn, push mowers, or self-driving ones. Transmission is a must-have for all of these machines.

The transmission transmits power from the engine to the wheels, thus controlling its speed and torque. Hydrostatic and automatic are one of the five transmissions a mower can have. These two transmissions all function differently and impact your machine in different ways.

This article will compare hydrostatic and automatic transmission in a lawn mower. You’ll understand the similarities and differences and which is best for your mower.

What is a Lawn Mower Transmission?

The transmission in your lawn mower is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to its wheels. Your machine only moves forward when it rotates the axle to drive the mower’s wheels. It can also adjust the torque to control the speed of your mower when you ride it.

It’s impossible to use your mower without the transmission as you won’t be able to regulate the speed. Aside from regulating speed, it also controls the torque to withstand different mowing conditions. The fact that you can use your mower in muddy, hilly, rainy, or tight obstacles is thanks to the transmission.

A lawn mower has five main types of transmissions; manual, hydrostatic, automatic, friction disc, and continuously variable transmissions (CVT). All these transmission types have separate effects on your mower when you use them. Among all, hydrostatic and automatic are the best because they’re the most convenient to use and offer the best result.

What is an Automatic Lawn Mower?

It’s best to understand how a manual transmission works to know how automatic mowers function. In a manual transmission, you have to switch all the gears yourself, which can be a bit difficult to master if you aren’t used to it, or if you need to do many turnings in your sessions.

Automatic transmission eliminates the stress of manually shifting gears. You only need the drive pedal to accelerate and a different brake pedal to decrease the speed and stop. It’s a lot easier to maneuver than manual transmissions.

The ease of maintenance and good responsiveness are the two key reasons it’s among the most used transmission type in the market.

Manufacturers also equip automatic mowers with features like optional cruise control, which lets you mow over long distances at a specific speed. It’s imperative to note that although automatic transmissions are highly effective, they’re also among the most expensive types in the market.

What is Hydrostatic Lawn Mower?

A hydrostatic lawn mower uses hydraulics to run the machine. It’s powered by a hydrostatic transmission which consists of hydraulic pumps and motors. The pump brings a pressurized oil flow to the motor, which turns the attached wheels.

The fact that you don’t need to shift gears makes it extremely easy to use. You can mow at various speeds rather than with a preset one. It delivers top-notch comfort, durability, and response time than belt-drive transmissions and is the best in the mowing industry.

Hydrostatic vs. Automatic: Which is Better?

Automatic and hydrostatic transmissions both power your engine, but they do so differently. Hydrostatic transmissions power the engines using hydraulics or fluids, while automatic uses belts. It’s imperative to know that hydrostatic transmissions are the best and the most commonly used in premium mowers nowadays.

The reason is that the technology used in hydrostatic mowers is better and offers a smoother ride and functionality than in the automatic variants. Hydrostatic transmission can have variable speed control, reverse rotation capability, dynamic breaking, and other performance-enhancing features. Manufacturers use hydrostatic transmissions mainly in riding tractors, zero-turn mowers, tractor engines, and snow blowers.

Not that automatic transmissions aren’t elite, but hydrostatic is better. If getting a hydrostatic mower is out of your reach, an automatic transmission is the second best that you can get for a smooth ride.

Which one you should buy depends on your needs. While hydrostatic is the most potent, it functions better on some surfaces than others, and the same applies to automatic lawnmowers.

If you’re in the market for a mower for your small yard with few obstacles, a manual transmission will work just fine. Consider getting an automatic transmission to work on small yards with obstacles. Hydrostatic transmissions will function on almost every surface, but it should be your number one option if you want to mow yards with hills or slopes.

Hydrostatic vs. Automatic: Pricing

The hydrostatic transmission is the most expensive to buy of the two. You’ll need to spend upwards of 500 to get a new one for your machine. However, you can get an automatic transmission for lesser than that price.

Aside from the cost of buying the machine, maintenance is also a factor. You’ll need to regularly replace the hydraulics of your hydrostatic mower to keep it in optimal condition. It also requires you to inspect its components to ensure they’re in optimal shape.

Automatic transmissions also need maintenance so that they can last their lifespan. They’re not overly difficult to maintain, and you get to spend lesser on maintenance than with hydrostatic builds. Whichever transmission type you buy, endeavor to maintain them well because that’s the only way that you can get the best out of your machine.

The high cost of hydrostatic and automatic transmissions is why mowers with them are expensive. Many manufacturers have a wide range of transmission options, but most current riding mowers you’ll find have hydrostatic transmission.

Hydrostatic vs. Automatic Mower: The Downsides

Despite the advantage of both transmission types, they have their disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages of automatic transmission systems is that they’re more expensive than their manual counterparts.

They have less mechanical efficiency and aren’t efficient in high-performance mowing situations. Manufacture and maintenance costs are also high compared to other transmission types.

Hydrostatic transmissions also share most of their disadvantages with automatic mowers. However, they’re more expensive to maintain and produce than automatic transmissions.

Another disadvantage of hydrostatic transmission is over-responsiveness, which can sometimes make them difficult to control. Therefore, you should be extra careful when using them on slopes.

Hydrostatic vs. Automatic Mower: Fuel Efficiency

Hydrostatic transmission gulps more fuel than automatic, and if you want a machine that won’t take much gasoline, avoid hydrostatic builds.

You should note that these transmission types also last very long. Expect 3,000-4,000 hours on your automatic transmission and 3,000-5,000 usage hours on a hydrostatic one. You can only use these transmissions for that long if you maintain them well.

Conclusion

Hydrostatic and automatic transmissions can function on almost any terrain, but the former is more powerful. Get an automatic transmission if you want something close to an elite performance at a discounted amount. If the best is what you want, set your standards high and opt for a hydrostatic mower.

Don’t forget that settling for hydrostatic transmission options means more money. Aside from spending more to get the mower, you’ll also need to spend on maintenance. You can explore other transmission types if hydrostatic or automatic builds aren’t your thing.

If you experience any problem with the transmission in your mower, it’s best to take it to a technician unless you’re mechanically inclined. The repairer will accurately diagnose the problem and fix it for you.