I used my 1997 Craftsman tractor with 15.5hp Kohler engine all winter for plowing my steep driveway. The first time mowing I began to lose power and (even with the moer deck off) it now barely moves up any incline. The air and fuel filter are fine an the oil is freash and full...any thoughts?

Tenaka

Thank you for all of your inputs, but the saga continues. I have replaced the drive bely and have checked the idler pulley and tension pulley for proper operation (free spinning). In addition, the tension springs are fine.

After replacing the belt I drove the tractor and the loss of power returned..again after 1/2 hour or so. Seems to me that the hydrostatic transmission is getting very, very hot (too hot to touch). Is this normal and if, not, is it possible to add oil to the tranny?

brisp36

I have not checked the rpm for compression nor have i checked the belt yet, but i know that the battery i am using is bad and needs replacement. Thank all of you, you had very good points and have given me a lot to go with. I am very impressed with the lot of you and this website. I will let you know the results here shortly.