Linkage exactly as it was? If the actuator at the trans case moves exactly as it did before rebuild, then it is something internal. I have not rebuilt mine yet, but I know that on my HydroGears the same model trans (ZT2800) has specific designation as to whether it is the left or right trans. Is it possible that there is an internal part difference as well?? Hope someone can chime in and help here.

 

That was my first thought that the linkage was backwards. But literally there is no way to get it wrong. I even thought maybe the belt was on wrong but there is no way to put it on wrong either. This is the third time I’ve have rebuilt a zero turn transmission and I am totally stumped on this?

 

The one on the left is the one I just replaced and the one on the right is the other side that I done last year. As you can see they are not interchangeable.

 

Ya, no way to confuse the two.

I had a couple of emails with Tuff Torq tech guys a couple years ago and they seemed very helpful at that time. Maybe reach out to them to describe your issue, what parts got replaced and model, might be a direct way to get some ideas. Good luck on it.

 

Thanks. I guess I will have to wait until Monday when they are open for business.
I could understand that if the pump was turning in the wrong direction then it would cause the motor to move in the opposite direction.

 

Is there any way for the swashplate to be mounted at the wrong angle or orientation, something like that?

 

Again it can only mount one direction as well.

 

Yes, how 54 is installed controls how number 55 is angled, and installing it 180 degrees from where it is supposed to be will reverse the direction of the axle/wheel based on the input.

 

Ok that was exactly the problem.
However I did install it correctly by the diagram. The diagram is not correct but they do give you a warning about this.
I actually did go back and look in my phone photos and found a picture that I had taken the first time. Notice the notch in the bottom picture as compared with the top picture.
Lesson learned the hard way, but on the bright side I am getting pretty good at dropping the transmission and disassembling it.
I’ll post an after reply when I get everything done on Monday.

 

Yeah, when I take apart stuff like that (transmissions, gearboxes, engines), I take a bunch of photo's as I go along (as well as bag and tag bolts/parts) so I know where they go. And read through the rebuild instructions before doing it, to catch the odd "Before removing part X, take note of it's orientation or how many turns or whatever", which is sometimes AFTER the text to remove the part...

 

I actually remember reading that part and I looked at the diagram for this side and it shows that the flat rectangle side should be positioned up, so that’s how installed it.
Ironically I had taken this side apart last year to install new seals and I added two drain plugs to both sides so I can change the oil. I don’t know why Tuff Torq didn’t put drain plugs in these. I suspect that John Deere didn’t want them because they want you to replace the whole transmission when they go out.

 

I don’t know why Tuff Torq didn’t put drain plugs in these. I suspect that John Deere didn’t want them because they want you to replace the whole transmission when they go out.

Heh, that's certainly possible. "Plausible" justifications could be (for the consumer) reducing places that can leak, and (for the seller) reducing manufacturing costs.

But if also happens to make it more likely that they will wear out, after the warranty is done, well, golly gee, look at that......

I wish every hydrostatic machine were set up for transmission oil changes.

 

Hey Eagle 1, thanks for posting the results, it is what helps the entire forum. Great job figuring it out.