[Wireman86]

Hi all!

My son was mowing with the 1210 last weekend. He was going slow, as the grass was a little thick in some spots. I could hear a noise that did not belong...and opened the hood. Noticed a few sheet metal screws had worked their way out of the shrouding. I attributed the noise to the metal, and resolved to go over her once she had cooled. Son finished mowing and parked the machine in the shed. Next day, we started off by checking oil, and hy-tran levels.. as we ALWAYS do before we start the engine on any equipment. They were fine, and looked normal. Started up the engine to drive up to the garage to work on her....no go. Will not move in forward or reverse. Upon closer inspection, found the drive shaft wobbly, the front coupling discs torn almost through, and the motor completely free from the frame on the left (from the seat) side. I just rebuilt the carb, she doesn't leak or burn oil, and only loses a drop or two of hy-tran when parked for awhile. All in all, a good machine. New drive shaft components are gonna put me out about $200.00, and I have no way to know if the hydro is shot, or just out of adjustment. My first step, once I have time will be to pull the motor, lift the body and really eyeball the whole tractor to tighten or replace anything that needs it. I really don't know what to look for on the hydro except for leaks, and the condition of the fluid which seems fine. It is puzzling,'cause the machine was working fine, without straining right up 'till we parked it for the night. My son parked it, so I have no way to tell if the responseiveness was dropping off. But it seemed ok. The noise I heard was probably the cooling fan rapping against soemthing due to the eccentric motion of the drive shaft. (The fan blades are worn at the tips). Some guidance would be appreciated. There are some 1811s for sale near me...and I can pick one up for the price of a hydro rebuild. I really hate to see a machine parted out, but would certainly entertain a transplant. I could also use help identifiyng the model of hydro in my tractor. Also, when I turn the drive shaft by hand it appears to be still be connected to the motor and hydro, so I believe the motor is spinning the hydro.
Any input would be helpful. I can send pics if that helps

John