[dougand3]

I have a 2000 MTD YardMachine model 667. Looking thru the owner's manual, I see no reference to any tranny maintenance. In the parts manual, the tranny is listed as:

Single Speed Transaxle-R.H.
Model 618-0163B

Who makes this tranny?

Thanks, Doug

 

[dougand3]

Now I know next to nothing about transaxles...

What kind of maintenance (if any) do I need to do to this tranny?

MTD calls it a transmatic. You can shift on the go w/o clutching. I've found shifting to higher speed is easy. Shifting to lower speed causes some resistance and I go ahead and clutch.

Would this be called a gear drive? I thought gears ALWAYS required clutching.

Is there anything "hydro" about it? I don't see it in the diagram but that don't mean much.

Thanks, Doug

<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~dougand3/tranny8x12.jpg">

 

[leolav]

If thats the transaxle that is on your mower, it shouldn't require any major maintenance until it fails. It may or may not have a oil fill nut, but many do not call it out as such. I would be willing to bet that the transaxle is made by Peerless/Tecumseh. They make a good number of MTD's transaxles as well as others.


Are you having issues with your trans or are you looking to prevent issues down the road?

 

[dougand3]

"Are you having issues with your trans or are you looking to prevent issues down the road?"

Leolav, looking to prevent issues down the road.

 

[leolav]

I understand. I doubt you will have any issues with a transaxle unless you are hauling extremely heavy loads, or riding over very rough terrain.

Even so, most units require almost no maintenance. I do check the fluid level in mine every spring, but that has not been an issue as it was never low.

I would let it be. Don't think you will have any issues.

 

[jodyand]

Make sure

Make sure you keep it clean dont let it build up with grass and dirt that will make it run hot and shorten the oil life. Just a thought.
Jody:usa:

 

[leolav]

....but doesn't everyone clean off their mowers, wax em, detail them with Q-tips, and Armor All the tires after every mowing.

Hey Andy, think of the advertising opportunities!!!

 

[dougand3]

Thanks, leolav and jody

 

[leolav]

Did a little more research, may or may not be helpful.

Your MTD transaxle is made by MTD (they used to be made by Peerless). According to their customer service department, it is a sealed, no maintenance unit. It is also a forward/reverse differential controlled via pulleys.

When I asked about changing the fluid, they stated that the unit has a heavy oil (almost like a thin grease according to customer service/tech support) and require no maintenance.

They also stated that if you need parts to rebuild the unit, you would be better off buying a new transaxle (normally about $300 according to them). In my opinion, don't mess with it. If it ever fails, buy a new tractor rather than replace the trans.

Hope it helps.

Leo

 

[dougand3]

Leolav, I agree with just getting another tractor if the tranny fails. I can't fathom putting $300 in the tranny when the whole tractor cost $150.

 

[jodyand]

What a deal

You got a heck of a deal a 2000 MTD for a $150.00.With good care it'll last a long time.
Jody

 

[leolav]

Consider that stolen! Great deal.

 

[Martie]

Doug,
I guess I'm missing something... This is a single speed transmission? What are shifting TO when you shift up or down?
Look here for what may be a new one if you want a spare to keep on hand. Afterall, it would less than double your cost!

 

[dougand3]

Martie, it has a fender mount shifter with 7 speeds and parking brake. Speed 7 is whiplash territory. As explained below in the posts from the "other" forum, speed changes by belt tensioner/split sheeve pulley. From what I gather, it's not a hydro but not really gear either. The link for the rebuild is a good little article. The surplus center tranny might work if mine goes belly up. Doug



Posted by: JShepherd

Doug, I just rebuilt my 618-073 transaxle (similar to yours). It is a sealed unit that doesn't need regular maintenance. There is no hydro unit in the axle. The transaxle is loaded up with thin greese that lubes it durring operation. The speed is cotrolled by a belt tensioner. My MTD 14/42 that has a 618 transalxe is also easier to shift into a higher speed. I rebuilt mine after 13 years of use. I seized a gear pulling a plug aerator, prob. to heavy for my unit. I did a small, not so good write up on what went wrong with my transaxle. I'll add the link below. Overall I've been pleased with the transaxle, the hardest thing durring the rebuild was removing the rusted axle bolts that secure it to the tractor..


Here is a link that might be useful:
MTD Transaxle rebuild
http://www.members.aol.com/fhportal/mtd.htm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RE: MTD tranny
Posted by: Fisher

It is actually just a forward/reverse differential.
The speed range is obtained by a split-sheave pulley
between the engine and rear end.
No maintenence.
Fish

 

[Martie]

:wow:Hmmm... Split sheave pulley, eh? That might be something cool to experiment with on one of my "custom" tractors I'm planning. Does anybody know off hand what the ratio between hi-low is on one of these (or are there different ones?)?

 

[Fish]

Where did that quote of mine come from? This is my first time
here.
Fish

Nice forum!

 

[jodyand]

Welcome

Welcome Fish i was wondering how long before you found this place:friends: Hope you stick around and hang out with us.:cheers:
Jody

 

[memmurphy]

Welcome to the "Darkside" Fish. Don't hesitate to jump in and straighten us out. :tellyou:

Mark

 

[Fish]

No,
I have reformed... I don't start trouble anywhere,
and I behave myself.

Fish

 

[Chris]

Originally posted by Fish
No,
I have reformed... I don't start trouble anywhere,
and I behave myself.

Fish

Welcome Fish --- Hopefully you find our little pond a refreshing place for you do a little swimming and postin' --

Glad you made it! :smiles:

Andy