pfrederi 18,669 #1 Posted January 22, 2009 The hydro on my 418a may be tired. She has adequate power and the lift works fine but she picks up speed going down hill. Reading over the repair manual actual dis-assembly and re-assembly doesn't seem to bad...but the price of parts is almost scary. (The gasket kit is $32 the pump is $500 the Motor $550). Has anyone here done a complete overhaul...Did just the gaskets, Orings and seals help or did you have to get the Big $$ parts... Should I just pick up rear ends and hope that it is in better shape than mine or jut live with the speed increase... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwheelhorse 2,740 #2 Posted January 22, 2009 The pick-up in speed while going downhill is normal, it is annoying as Heck to me and thats one of the reasons I prefer the four and eight speed models--select a gear and thats the speed you go, uphill, downhill or whatever.... no annoying pull back the lever to slow down, push it forward to go faster---constantly tweaking the speed lever on un-level ground makes me pull my hair out.... A rebuild will do nothing to correct your "issue" Save the $$$ Tony Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick 13 #3 Posted January 23, 2009 I kind of liked the extra speed when mowing down a hill. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rideawaysenior 25 #4 Posted January 23, 2009 A rebuild would remedy the problem. The hydro pumps use dynamic braking IE the 10w30 oil in your pump for all motion including stopping. If you are experiencing slippage when going down hill oil is passing through somewhere it should not be. Be careful with the Eatons too. They apear easy from the manual however you need to make some special tools and jiggs to assist you. I've redone many of the Sundstrands and a couple of the Eatons. Make sure you do band the rotor housing when you remove it too or you will loose the balls in the pump which is a pain in the neck. I learned the hard way. In short, I had the same problem as you. I rebuilt the pump and problem went away. You may also want to check the lever cam nut under the seat. If thats loose, your lever could be moving forward causing your speed increase too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,669 #5 Posted January 23, 2009 In short, I had the same problem as you. I rebuilt the pump and problem went away. I appreciate the warnings and tips. When you did the rebuild on the Eatons did you have to buy a whole lot of expensive parts (e.g the pump and or the motor??) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rideawaysenior 25 #6 Posted January 24, 2009 I went to my local Wheel Horse Dealer who was really helpful and he set me up with everything I needed to do a complete rebuild IE rotors, roller balls, seals gaskets, ETC. The parts part was in the neighborhood of $500.00 and change. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick 13 #7 Posted January 24, 2009 Is there a transmission repair manual with a testing procedure that would show if a rebuild is needed. Every eaton hydro Wheel Horse will speed up slightly on a down hill grade. I would say when new our 520-H would gain what felt like 1 or 2 mph on a steep hill. It often comes up because many gear drive owners dislike the fact that a hydro runs slower up hill then faster down hill. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,669 #8 Posted January 24, 2009 Is there a transmission repair manual with a testing procedure that would show if a rebuild is needed. Every eaton hydro Wheel Horse will speed up slightly on a down hill grade. I would say when new our 520-H would gain what felt like 1 or 2 mph on a steep hill. It often comes up because many gear drive owners dislike the fact that a hydro runs slower up hill then faster down hill. This is my first hydro. (I got it spring of 2008) The Charger 12 auto I got late last year and I haven't tested it on down grades yet. There is the possibility I am over reacting to the speed up... I have not completed the diagnostic testing in the Eaton manual. However the wheels do not lock up when I push the tractor. I haven't hooked up a pressure gauge but the hydraulic lift works briskly so I assume the charge pump is OK. I haven't conducted the power test (tie her up and see if she will spin the rear wheel... (my shop floor is too smooth..and outside is all Ice and snow)... I am not sure I want to spend $500 in parts to do an overhaul on a tractor that cost $250...and maybe find out that the speed up is within normal limits.... Yes I think I like gear drives better!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
