1811 Hydro issues
 

My 1811 has 825hrs. Last week the lift seemed sluggish and the tractor was slow on moving off from a dead stop. A couple of times I felt what can best be described as gears not synchronizing on the transmission lever. Tran oil was a bit low, maybe 1 cup. I topped it off with Cub Cadet 737-3121 oil I picked up at the local Cub dealer and mowed my 1 1/2 acre lawn with no further problems.

Tonight i went out and experienced the same grinding in the transmission and the lift would not lift at all. Added another cup full (maybe) but the grinding feeling on the transmission lever and it did not go away. The lift would not lift the mower deck.

I'm seeking the comments of the experienced members here for diagnosis. My son in law and I are pretty fair remove and replace mechanics (if we can use that term) but trouble shooting this is out of our league. I inherited the 1811 from my dad. This is the first major issue we have seen with it since he bought it new.

thanks in advance
OKcubfan
(got a few yellow ones, and some red ones too)

The correct oil for the Sundstrand Hydro's is.............Hytran

Thanks for the quick reply.

Sounds like I'll be changing hydraulic oil and filter.

Which brings another question. After I drain the oil, should I flush the transmission with Hytran before I put on a new filter and fill it with Hytran.

After I drain the oil, should I flush the transmission with Hytran before I put on a new filter and fill it with Hytran.

I would suggest cleaning your Rear End with your favorite solvent, then blow dry. Once that is done, to get the left over residue out, a Hytran flush would be good.

If it has the original fluid in it, it will most likely be a milky mess. Condensation over several years is the cause, and is normal, but will severely decrease its effectiveness. Make sure the new filter is a true hydraulic system filter, preferably OEM Cub Cadet.

The oil you used is for the newer Cubs but not that big of an issue that you put it in there.

I would check the driveline first for any issues. You could have a sheared pin causing your problem. Make sure there is no slop in the shaft at all. If it does it's probably wore out. "Parts by Jeff" at the top of the page can fix you up with any parts needed and his parts are way better than the original stuff.

If that's all good then change the oil.

As Roland said you should use Hytran. I would get 2 gallon jugs of Hytran, a new filter (Cub part# 923-3014) and a rear cover gasket(Cub part# 921-3015).

Pull the rear cover slowly to drain it and inspect the inside. Spray it out good with brake cleaner and let it dry good. Be careful not to use any type of rag and leave any lint behind. Then install the new gasket, filter and oil.

The 1811 is the best GT built by Cub Cadet IMHO.:beerchug:

I have an 1864, similar hydrostatic to your 1811, I think.

At the front lower side of the transmission mine has a drain plug. It has a female square opening to accept a ratchet or breaker bar. It is just a pipe plug. Raising the rear of the tractor may help draining.

Use a Cub Cadet or other hydraulic filter. Not an automotive oil filter.

Unless junk drains, no need to flush, assuming no moisture in drain fluid.

If the fluid has never been changed, suggest removing the rear cover and cleaning the rear. If you search the forums, many pictures of goop in the rear from moisture in aged fluid.

You say this the first major issue you have had. Has it been serviced regularly? Has the tranny fluid ever been changed?

I had a 149 about a year ago doing something like what yours is. I changed the fluid and filter and that fixed it. The owner hasn’t brought it back so I assume it’s still good.

Oak,
thanks for the input. I do have the correct gasket and filter, just gotta find Hytran fluid.

gotta agree on "The 1811 is the best GT built by Cub Cadet IMHO" I have two of them, plus 3 IH 782s I'm slowly bringing back to live and a 682 that needs serious attention.

Thanks again!