Hydro Don't Like Hills
 

Well, I finally got to cut the lawn with the 149 today. Man, what a sweet ride! Lawn looks real nice too. One problem I noticed. Ran great on the flats. It didn't like going up hills at all though. It would slow to almost a stop. Then I had to push the hydro control lever almost all the way forward if not all the way on the steeper grades. Then it would slowly gain speed and within 5 or 6 feet it would take off. Is this what I've read on here called "lurching"? I take it my linkage is out of adjustment? Would a fluid change and filter help this at all? Reverse worked excellent. Very impressed with reverse. Forward, not so much. I have no idea how long this thing sat before it got it. But I do know the person I got it form is the zero maintenance type and the tractor looked it. It was quite a mess. At least it's looking like a 149 again. Thanks for any replies.

If you haven't serviced the hydro, ie: filter, fluid, trunion repair, spring replacement, linkage adjustment, then it is probably a good time to do it.
Also many people think a hydro is like cruise control and will hold speed up and down hills. It won't. You have to adjust the lever as the terrain dictates to keep your speed where you want it.

It's good to know what the service parts are. I checked my fluid in my 1450 I just bought and it looks great. I thought about changing the filter just so I know a new one is on there. I have indication that it's not performing the way it should be. Are there any preventive maintenance items I should be aware of?

You probably need the trunion repair and adjustment. My sons 1650 did the same thing on hills like it had no power.

http://cubfaq.com/trunionrepair.html

If reverse works as you described, then this indicates the pump in the hydro is working just fine.

As mentioned above, some serious maintenance is needed and should be addressed. I would remove the Check Valves and really clean them good.

See........ Check Valves

Sorry, I meant to say I have NO indication that it's not performing the way it should be.

Hydro Don't Like Hills
 

Well, I pulled the check valves and cleaned them, as Roland suggested. They looked and felt like they worked fine when I pulled them out. I cleaned them thoroughly and reinstalled them. No difference. So, I tried switching one for the other. No difference. Checked the fluid level. It was where it should be. Didn't smell or look burnt. I've read where you shouldn't tow hyrdos without the check valves released. I called the previous owner and ask him if he had done this. He said he had to tow it from his back yard to the garage a few times. I know the valves were not disengaged as the spring plate on the lever is broken. By the looks of the rust where it's broke off, it happened a long time ago. What does towing do to a hydro if the valves are engaged? Should I look for evidence of this? If so where should I be looking and for what? Could the charge pressure relief valve be causing this situation? I did also check the trunion and springs. That all seems to be in good shape and works good. Thanks for any replies.

Very interested in how this works out as i just got a new to me 149 and it has the same issue, but one of my check valves are stuck in the open position so its probably needing attention. Will have to look at the other fix.

:Welcome2:

Where ya at in NC? I'm from Statesville. Ok back on topic now!

Check out the link in Rolands post.

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...84&postcount=5

Welcome to the site! I live near the Fayetteville area. :beerchug: