Hydraulic issues
 

I finally got around to tilling the garden today, we have had rain for 3 weeks straight. Other than the dirt being more wet than I would have liked, the hydraulic (forward and reverse) of the tractor seemed to get worse and worse and I tilled the garden. By the time the sun went down it wouldn't even move in reverse u less it was pushed the tractor. Also to get the forward/reverse lever into the selected position is very hard. The lever is extremely stiff and hard to move. I'm going to check fluids tomorrow, but aside from that does anyone have any suggestions?

Sounds like the tension adjustment has tightened itself up a bit making it hard to move the lever.

The other issues, I suppose could be related, but I'd say pull your tunnel cover and have a look see at the linkage.

How long has it been since you changed the fluid and filter on the rear?

I was wondering about maybe a linkage issue as well, thanks. I replaced the fluid and changed the filter last year. I finally got the rear cover sealed with RTV then I had to loosen a few boots to mount the tiller gearbox, ever since then it has leaked again. It doesn't leak much below the fill hole though.

Did the forward and reverse issue start after the fluid and filter change, or was it before, that's why you decided to change them?

I've never had this issue. It just started yesterday while I was tilling my garden. It's so bad now, when I pull down for reverse the tractor just sits. It won't drive backwards in reverse. You can here the pump under a load, but the tractor just sits. Fluid/filter change was done during the 2015 Winter.

Just wondering if you're not out of fluid?

Make sure you check you hydro linkages and Trunion springs.

Alright, finally got around to take some pics for you guys. The trunnion looks like it has normal wear like many people have. Tell me what you guys think about it. It doesn't have run away like most people talk about. Also I forgot to mention that the adjustment knob fell off while I was tilling.. I wouldn't think this is related. I just adjusted the hydro to neutral and checked the hydro fluid, all is well. Drive lever is not stiff anymore but doesn't seem to have much reverse still.. I'll know more when I sink the tiller in some dirt today. Thanks.

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Tractor ran okay today, still not much reverse. I tilled for about 30-45 mins. When I was done, same issues.. Extremely hard drive lever and hardly no reverse at all. I had to push it in the shed (while in reverse). Any suggestions guys?

The springs are working their way out the bottom of the trunion, and the cam plate is leaning and barely contacting the springs. You need to repair the notches in the trunion and shim the cam plate so it contacts the springs in the center. There isn't a lot of lever movement for reverse, any trunion/cam plate slop will affect speed.

Bill

Did you take the tunnel cover off and watch all the linkage wile backing? You could see whether it's all moving or not. It's likely a linkage issue, your just going to have to look it all over and see what the deal is. If you don't find anything, I have seen the roll pin inside the hydro that attaches the trunion lever to the swashplate break, but it usually causes neutral adjustment issues.

I've looked up some repairs for the trunnion and spring. Not sure what the easiest way to fix it would be yet, but I'm still learning about it.

The tunnel cover has been off for some time already.. Every thing seems to be moving freely, just tight operation... I'm kinda stumped.

How tight do you have that friction disc on the bottom of the speed control shaft assembly the speed control handle is bolted to? I've had that tension change on me before. If I remember right it should be adjusted to require 7-12 ft/lbs to move that handle, though I prefer it a little more on the loose side myself...

Tight as you want it. I don't like mine that tight. Yes, the book has some kind of spec for it.... Snug it up until your happy.

The only bolts I loosened were the for adjusting neutral. After I adjusted, I tightened them pretty tight.

When I got my 169 running I had the hood and grill off driving it for the first time, and that handle was so tight I had to thump it to make it change speeds. I was going along at about mowing speed, and when I thumped it to go faster I about went over backwards! Turns out that cast iron grill is pretty necessary for holding the front down... Even with the grill and hood on it will wheelie if I get after it too quickly; adjusting that friction disc and repairing the trunnion was a good thing...