Cub Cadet 1330 Hydrostatic Transmission problemss

Higgy · #1 10-08-2023, 02:23 PM

I'm at my wits end and need some help with the following questions?

(1) What would make the brake rotor on a Cub Cadet 1330 lawn tractor stop spinning? That situation has resulted in no brakes for the lawn tractor when otherwise the hydrostatic transmission works well, and the tractor moves in both directions with a strong forward and reverse.

(2) Also, the hydrostatic dump valve on the back of the hydrostatic pump no longer allows the drive wheels to free wheel so the tractor can be moved in neutral. What would likely be the cause of that? I swapped a dump valve from another Cub Cadet 1330 with a working hydrostatic transaxle with no effect. I didn't check when installing the new pump, but could it be a broken hydro coupler perhaps?

Both of these problems arose after replacing a failed hydrostatic pump with a used one I purchased. These problems leave me with a mower having no brakes which is dangerous if a drive belt breaks while mowing on a hill.

ironman · #2 10-09-2023, 08:29 AM

Simple answers:
No brakes, brake disc not spinning ----- woodruff key sheared (part no. 46)

Hydro not releasing ----- lever or spirol pin broken or missing (part nos. 17 & 18)

Higgy · #3 10-12-2023, 01:25 PM

As a follow-up, I discovered that all the couplers in the transaxle were in good shape but the replacement Hydro pump I purchased and installed on my Cub Cadet 1330 lawn tractor wasn't.

The Hydros on these model lawn tractors are the weakest part of the machine. Although disappointing it was not surprising given the age of my tractor. The Cub Cadet 1330's and parts from them are more than 30 years old having only been produced until 1992. Purchased new mine has proven to a work horse requiring only normal maintenance and providing many years of dependable service.

But with time on my hands and being stubborn I once again removed the transaxle from the tractor and removed the hydro from it (quite a time-consuming chore for an old guy) in an attempt to diagnose the problem. I immediately noticed leakage of hydrostatic fluid around the hydro pump located underneath the hydro couplers driving the brake rotor. Digging a little deeper, when spinning the couplers from the input shaft driveline to the pump) it was evident that the wheels moved but the couplers driving the brake rotor weren't working properly and only turned sporadically.

Wanting to salvage this tractor for sentimental reasons (which is otherwise in excellent shape) I've exemplified the definition of insanity and purchased yet another Hydro pump which is scheduled for delivery next week. But this time it was an expensive brand-new BDU-10S-215 hydro pump (ouch).

After I've installed it, and reassembled the transaxle to the lawn tractor, I'll let you know how it turns out.

ol'George · #4 10-14-2023, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Higgy

As a follow-up, I discovered that all the couplers in the transaxle were in good shape but the replacement Hydro pump I purchased and installed on my Cub Cadet 1330 lawn tractor wasn't.

The Hydros on these model lawn tractors are the weakest part of the machine. Although disappointing it was not surprising given the age of my tractor. The Cub Cadet 1330's and parts from them are more than 30 years old having only been produced until 1992. Purchased new mine has proven to a work horse requiring only normal maintenance and providing many years of dependable service.

But with time on my hands and being stubborn I once again removed the transaxle from the tractor and removed the hydro from it (quite a time-consuming chore for an old guy) in an attempt to diagnose the problem. I immediately noticed leakage of hydrostatic fluid around the hydro pump located underneath the hydro couplers driving the brake rotor. Digging a little deeper, when spinning the couplers from the input shaft driveline to the pump) it was evident that the wheels moved but the couplers driving the brake rotor weren't working properly and only turned sporadically.

Wanting to salvage this tractor for sentimental reasons (which is otherwise in excellent shape) I've exemplified the definition of insanity and purchased yet another Hydro pump which is scheduled for delivery next week. But this time it was an expensive brand-new BDU-10S-215 hydro pump (ouch).

After I've installed it, and reassembled the transaxle to the lawn tractor, I'll let you know how it turns out.

Thanks for the update it helps others and we always like follow ups.
Looking fwd to your continued updates.
Best of luck--- us old farts rule, Ha,LOL
Tractor data sez '92-'93 years produced.

Higgy · #5 08-05-2024, 11:39 AM

As a final update to my last post (after what can only be described as a learning experience) the brand-new BDU-10S-215 hydro pump I purchased was successfully installed on the lawn tractor transaxle by me and then carefully reattached to the Cub Cadet 1330. The old girl now runs like a new one with great speed and power from the hydrostatic transmission in both forward and reverse directions. While I was at it, I replaced the brake pucks on the disc brakes, and they now work like new.

As I said this tractor has sentimental value for my wife and I and what I paid for the new hydro was not cheap. But the sense of accomplishment and the restored performance for the tractor have proved immensely gratifying.