[grumpyoldman]

2006 Cub Cadet SLT1554, 2 cyl Kholer engine, Hydro-Gear transmission, 550+ hours

Last summer, during the hottest days of mowing, I noticed that once the transmission heats up, my tractor's trans seems to lose momentum and slip when I climb grades and it's slower even on level ground. With the age/hours on this tractor, I believe the transmission is wearing out. I contacted Cub Cadet to try to purchase a new Hydro-Gear transmission but was told they are no longer available. My Cub Cadet service center apparently doesn't rebuild them either. While I've tried to maintain my tractor well over the years, I've never serviced the transmission and my owner's manual doesn't list anything about how to change the fluid, the type/weight of fluid to use, or the quantity to refill.

I recently watched a YouTube video (Taryl Fixes All) which showed how to replace the fluid and filter on a late 90's Hydro-Gear transmission. He gave some tips on using a thicker oil (10w40 or 15w50 full syn engine oil) with up to 20% Lucas Hydraulic Oil Booster to prolong the life of worn hydraulic transmissions. Examining my trans, I've located the drain plug, but my transmission has no filter. It does appear to have a plastic fluid reservoir, but I can't determine the oil level or how to fill it (no signs of the trans leaking). I'm thinking I either have to drop the transmission or remove the seat, bodywork and fuel tank... either way that's going to be a fair amount of work for a "Hail Mary" attempt on fixing my issue.

Any advice or suggestions? I purchased a new 48" tractor last fall, but the old SLT1554 works so well, other than the transmission, I'd hate to scrap it. It's always nice to have a backup machine.

Thanks in advance.