96 mtd, 17hp , question on hydro?

[al bundy]

i looked at a 96 mtd w/17hp vangaurd b+s engine today. has a hydro transmission. seemed to run ok, but i'm not sure about the tranny. it went forward and backward, but it seemed like the brake was freezing up, or tranny was slipping? he said he left it outside and it was just the brake sticking from all the rain weve had. i dont know much about these trannys so any feedback appreciated. it seemed like it would be fine one moment and then it was an issue, and then ok again? i have a craftsman that needs fixing so i dont need another project :00000060:

[systech1]

You should be able to tell if it is the brake sticking by disengaging the Hydro and trying to push the mower. If it is the same design as a 99 20hp 46" the brake is activated by a thin bar from the pedal that is easily bent if someone pulls back on the pedal or uses the pedal to push the tractor backwards.

[Jim_WV]

Maybe he's right, maybe he's wrong Al, all I can say is I've had two hydros's and no problems with either, there is the usual whine with them, when running forward or backward, but you're looking at a 10 year old machine, and leaving it out in the rain is defintley not good. Personally I'd have to be very skeptical about purchasing it.

:goodl: in whatever you decide.