OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions On Ride On Mowers Questions Ride On Mower Transmissions Hydro Gear - 310-0500 Transaxle issues

Hi Folks, I topped up the Transaxle with 5W-30 instead of 15W/50, about 1 litre over some time. But only used the mower for 1 hour a few months ago.
I realised my mistake when I went to top it up again (as it had a small drip leak when sitting, over time.).

So I pulled the Transaxle out, removed the fill breather and tipped it over a pan, to drain overnight.

I fixed the leak as well.

Then I refilled it with the correct oil and refitted it. I also changed the drive belt at the same time.

Now the mower goes forward ok but only very slightly in reverse.

I can't recall what the Bypass is to purge the transaxle followed the instructions to purge the transaxle before I refitted it.

Would fitted the wrong belt have anything to do with this issue or do I need to continue to purge the transaxle.

A bit of history..
I stripped the transaxle down, checked everything for wear and put a seal & bush kit and replaced the bottom half of the case years ago now, without any issues until now.

Cheers

Steve

I have tried to attach a picture of the Purge Process for my Transaxle, not sure if it will attach it though.

Hi Steve.

Below is a repair manual for the 310 Hydro gear transmission.

It might help with your issue.

Thanks Bruce, I don't think that is the right Manual for my Transaxle but it's all good, you did give the correct Service Manual to me years ago when I sought your help about the bearing shell in it.

Here is a link to the correct service manual.

Hydro Gear 310-0500 , 0650, 0750, 0800 Service Manual

Hi Steve,

I did read somewhere that you do the purge then when the transaxle is in the mower you try to cycle the drive controls again (forward and reverse) while the mower is lifted to see if it improves responsiveness. This can help redistribute the oil and potentially remove trapped air.

The instructions above say, NOTE: It may be necessary to repeat these steps in the vehicle to fully purge the IHT. but no mention
of lifting the mower off the ground at the back,. I'd lift the mower off the ground to purge.

Not sure if this helps as I've never needed to fix Hydro Gear - 310-0500 Transaxle..

Cheers
Max.