Cub Cadet

[doc623]

Have an older cub cadet 17Hp lawn mower - hydrostatic.
Engine is fine.
The hydrostatic drive is the question.
When the leaver is pushed to engage the drive is hesitates to engage then all of sudden engages fully and the result is 0 - full speed all at once.
Any ideas as to the problem or where I should start looking.
As a mechanic I am of limited experience.
Thanks in advance.

[clovis]

Seems that there is currently a thread about Cadets over on the homesteading page. Appears that JimS is a restoration wizard, has lots of parts and knowledge.
Clove

[Jim S.]

It's a problem in the speed control drive plate trunnion. The springs get weak, and also the slot in the trunnion plate gets wallowed out after years of use. The fix is to order new springs and to weld up and file out the slot in the plate so that it is back to new specs. You may even find a spring broken or even missing. Very common. This is basically one of two problems that ever affects these rugged little hydro units. See pix below for illustration.

[doc623]

Thanks for the info and pics.
Will get to it when weather permits.
Where might I find a schematic so that I don't start on the wrong part?
Are parts on hydros inter changable?
Do I need to scavange parts or are after market parts available, i. e., springs/ plates and etc.
Where may a person find parts if needed?
Thanks in advance.

[Jim S.]

Where might I find a schematic so that I don't start on the wrong part?

Get the service manual from your Cub Cadet dealer or from Cub Cadet online.

Are parts on hydros interchangable?

For the IH and early Cub Cadet garden tractors, yes.

Do I need to scavange parts or are after market parts available, i. e., springs/ plates and etc. Where may a person find parts if needed?

I sell used parts. You can get new parts from your local Cub Cadet dealer.
The plate is just worn in the slot. Weld it up and file it square again, and all will be well. Your more likely trouble is a broken or very weak spring set. Buy those brand new.

[doc623]

ok. thanks again.

[doc623]

Jim S.
Had time to take the cub cadet - 682 - 1982 model apart today.
Quess what?
No springs. Nor were there any ends that fit into the springs. Just empty space.
You were right on the money.
Not being a mechanic it took awhile; a few words; and some skin off my hands.
I will ceck the dimentions of the holder in the plates but see no worn notches.
Now where may I find the spring(s) and ends.
There is two springs - right.
Thanks again.

[Jim S.]

Just what you see above is what you need. If you do not have luck locally, call Scott Madson. Great guy; very knowledgeable. He'll ship and probably has what you need in stock. Tell Him Jim Steele sent ya!

MADSON'S SERVICE INC, 920-773-2661. 114 S 2nd Ave St Nazianz, WI

You need the trunnion springs and ends for your hydro. I have a 682 and a 782, myself. Good machines.

Yeah, it is good to have creative words to help!

Scott also has your books. I highly recommend the service manuals if you intend to work on it yourself in the future.

[doc623]

Found the parts locally.
However, will save the address and name for future reference.
Now the challange of putting it back together when I get the parts and the time - hopefully this week weather depending. Hope no left over parts as is not unusual.
Thanks again.