Good morning all.
My brother-in-law has just picked up a 2005 zero turn Simplicity Champion 20/50 SMI, machine number referenced as Part # 2690484, and it has an issue with the HydroGear drive system.
The machine runs HydroGear HGM-12P-7172 wheel motors on each side with dedicated P Series HydroGear (PE version) 10cc hydrostatic pumps for each motor sharing a single reservoir tank and single oil filter.
I have sourced soft-copies of the mowers Parts Manual, as well as the Service and Repair Manuals for the Wheel Motors and Hydrostatic Pumps.
The mower appears to have less power available on the left motor than it does on the right.
Nephew took it to a friend who tested the machine and said the Wheel Motor was allowing the oil to run straight through, hence the loss of power. I'm a bit suspect of this diagnoses as research indicates failure of a Wheel Motor is uncommon and the issue may be in the Hydrostatic Pump for that side, or even as simple as a loose hose joint.
Have suggested to my brother-in-law that they swap the motors over, or at least the hydraulic lines, and see if the issue follows the motor or stays with the pump.
The other issue that may come into play is the oil that has been used to top up the reservoir as, unlike normal hydraulic systems, this runs using 20W-50 motor oil and if the system was topped up with hydraulic oil, then it needs to be flushed.
These HydroGear Wheel Motors are expensive to replace, so I have suggested that they also try fitting a new Seal Kit, after having the motor cleaned during the process.
It may also pay to install a seal kit to the pump, if that was determined to be in working order.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you.
