John Deere L120

Posted by Swede on July 4, 2006, 10:31 am

please rate
this thread

I have a L120 riding lawn mower that is 2 1/2 years old. It doesn't
move forward or in reverse very fast. I replaced the drive belt and
that seemed to help some, but it's not right. It almost seems like
something is slipping inside and it gets worse the longer it runs.
Almost like the oil in it gets warm and allows something to slip.

Has anyone ever replaces the fluid in one of these hydrostatic
transmissions?

Thank you.

Swede

Posted by Srgnt Billko on July 4, 2006, 11:57 am

Yes - in my Wheelhorse 520H (20 HP Onan).  Surprisingly my owner's manual
just called for regular 30 W oil.  But you better check JD for yours.  Mine
also has an oil filter for the hydro.  Got my replacement at NAPA.  If your
oil level is up to where it is supposed to be, I would check the shift
linkage.

Posted by ds549 on July 5, 2006, 8:49 pm

there is a kit with bellows and fluid avaiable from dealer

http://www.minibite.com/america/malone.htm

Posted by Srgnt Billko on July 5, 2006, 10:16 pm

Lots of mumbo-jumbo at the JD site but I don't see your kit listed.

"Hy-Gard has an ISO 32 Viscosity Grade. Hy-Gard viscosity places it between
ISO 46 and 68 grades. Hy-Gard may be used in many applications specifying
either of these grades. It has the same performance specifications as
Hy-Gard and can be used as a replacement for Hy-Gard in cold weather."