2001 Cub Cadet 3240 hydrostat question
 

I picked up a 2001 Cub 3240 (the 40th anniversary edition) with a Kohler 22 hp engine and shaft driven 54" deck. It has the cast iron hydrostat . Has 800 hours but engine runs smooth and strong.

My question is, when pushing the pedal to begin to move forward it is very jerky when slowly/lightly pushing the pedal. Once going it's smoother and easier to control speed, it's just on "take off" that it's jerky. Also, and oddly, when I pull out the lever to put the hydro in neutral, the machine will still drive forward and backwards just fine and with no jerky start, nice and smooth. Not sure what's going on with that. Anyone have any thoughts on fixing the jerky take off or why it drives in neutral ? I changed the fluid and filter and it made no difference. -Thanks.

When you pull the hydro release lever the spring plate pushes in on the small button for the hydro release bypass valve. Sometimes that little button is froze in place and will not release the hydro. Clean it good and spray some PB or Kroil on it and work it to free it up.

What filter and oil did you use on the hydro?

There is some good reading on the differential lock problems on these great little tractors if you are not aware of them.

Got any pics of your machine?

Used the Cub Cadet "system fluid" and correct Cub filter per the part numbers on the back of the machine. Looked like whoever had it before me used ATF , as it was red and had that "sweet" smell to it. Will try to get some pics posted. Thanks