MIne is 6 yrs old & has ran great up until this year. It also looses power & sometimes stops going up hill. I've done a lot of research on different sites & many people say that the transmission is the problem & some say the drive belt. JD wants $700 for a new Transmission + $65 hr labor... not worth it.

Does anyone know of another way to test to see if the transmission is bad other than operating the mower going up hill? The engine runs great, the belt does not sound like or look like it's been slipping. I've removed the mower deck & ck'd all areas around the drive belt, looks OK. No signs of belt or pully problems.

Also, I am thinking of changing out the drive belt. It looks like I have to remove the steering drive shaft. Anyone ever done this? Esquire mentioned you also have to remove the jacksheave. Not sure what that is. I have the parts list & diagram, but see no jacksheave. Thanks to any help. Mark

Hi,
Well, the bad news first. It probably is the transaxle. The first versions of that Kanzaki had problems. You had one of the better ones. They usually get weak in reverse even before forward since they move slower at top speed.
Yes you must remove the nut and pinion on the steering shaft and slide it upwards as the belt goes on each side. The jacksheave is the double sheave on the engine. And loosening the bolt enough to get clearance around the guide plate under the engine is sufficient.
Peace,
Clarke