I have a 2004 Craftsman hydrostatic DGT 6000 with 32 hours on it. All the maintenance has been done to date for reference. For some reason after about 15 minutes of use the tractor won't move if you stop. Even if you push the hydro control all the way forward to top speed it won't move. In fact you get no reaction from the tractor unless you push the lever all the way forward and hold it there you actually can hear what sounds like a grinding noise. Is this a transmission problem or could it maybe be the motion drive belt needs replacing or something else? Thanks in advance for the help!

Hi, jng90!

I would like to give you an answer to your question. But, unfortunately, I can't. There may be someone on this site who can. But, we seem to get a lot of questions concerning lawn and garden equipment that go unanswered.

I care about your question being answered. So, I do know a site where topics about lawns, gardens and lawn maintenance machine issues are the specialty. You might like to give it a try. Here is the link.

Lawn & Garden Tractors Forum - GardenWeb (http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/tractor/)

I would look to the fluid level, and make sure the pulley on top the transaxle is spinning at all times.

Don

The pulley on top is definitely spinning at all times. Seems to be operating perfectly. Unfortunately the transaxle is a sealed unit that, according to the manual, requires no maintenance. The only real way to even get into the transaxle without taking it apart is maybe to stick something like a dip stick down the vent tube. There are no instructions though within the manual that show how to change the fluid. Any suggestions?

There is a freewheel setting to allow it to be pushed. Have you checked this? And is the pulley turning the shaft.

Don

Yes. Free wheel is in the position it should be in. Even purged the transmission twice like the manual suggests. Everything appears to be moving fine. I actually was able to get in touch with a Hydro Gear (the transaxle manufacturer) service tech who recommended I drain the fluid and replace it with a synthetic. Apparently the oil they put in at the factory has caused head aches for many owners like myself. Unfortunately this requires removing the entire transaxle because it's a sealed "maintenance free" unit but it's much better than spending the $800 Sears wants for a new one.