Tractor won't move!!!

[Cleaverkid 11]

Got the new hydraulic host installed today and apparentlly created a new problem. The hose turned out to be going form the hydro pump to the lift cylinder valve. So after I got the hose back on, I started the tractor and worked the lift cylinder all the way up and down to check for leaks. No leaks except a little seapage out the handle of the lift valve now. So I shut the tractor back down, put all the other stuff back on (belt guard, seat, console cover, etc). Jumped on the tractor, started it up and IT WON'T MOVE. Not forward, not reverse, nothing.

I pulled the dipstick and depending on how you check it...if you just bottom the plug on the top of the tube, it barely puts a drip on the end of the dipstick...if you thread it back in, then it shows 1/2 quart low. I know about checking the tow valve, but to be honest, I can't for the life of me find that thing...there's 2 hex bolts on the left top of the hydro pump (1 is a 1/2 inch head, the other is 5/8 inch), and one 5/8 inch on the back side top left corner. None of these have any kind of decal next to them, and no indication that there's a valve or have ever been moved. I even tried to push the tractor and it's definitely NOT in any sort of tow/push position and it moves about 1 foor then almost locks up. The hydro definitely starts fighting back.

Could my problem be as simple as the fluid being very low? Can someone tell me if or where the tow valve should be on this beast? I love this tractor but I'm geting real frustrated now. WOW, is this ever wordy! Sorry guys!

Thanks for all your help!!! You guys are the BEST!!!

Oh, and Happy 4th!!! God Bless America!!! :D

[rickv1957 72]

Wonder if your tractor has a newer pump with the slot head screw that sticks out the left side of pump,Rick

[fireman 1,022]

If you don't see the tow valve when you lift up the seat, then it could be located on the front of the pump facing forward. It would be more towards the left side and will be a square shaft. Look at the picture below. It would be item number 46.

Attached Image (Click thumbnail to expand)

[MikesRJ 552]

Here's the manual for that tranny, perhaps it will help as well.

http://www.mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/...n_1965-1982.pdf

[Cleaverkid 11]

Thanks for the responses, guys!!! That exploded view and the accompanying comments may actually answer my ignorance of that tow/push valve. I've been looking on the wrong side of the pump...appparently what I thought was the tow valve was either items 35, 36 or 51...but I've NEVER thought to look where item 46 is shown. I'll check my tractor tomorrow and see if that's it. The bad news is that since I never even knew that was there, I'm pretty sure I've never moved it...so why won't the tractor move any longer? Back to my original question....will a significantly low fluid level cause a "no motion" condition?

Thanks again for all your help...and Rick, I'll let you know tomorrow if mine has that slot head screw (which I'm guessing is the tow valve).

By the way, I realized I forgot to say originally that this is a 69 GT14 (1-7441) but it's got a 16hp Kohler on it, so I suppose it's also possible that the trany has been replaced as well.

Thanks again!!

[fireman 1,022]

Just a thought. Are you sure that the brake lever is completely released? If not the parking brake will be engaged and the tractor will not move. Add more fluid and cycle the lift to make sure any air is out. Here is an exploded view of your tractor:

[Cleaverkid 11]

Thanks, Fireman, for the suggestion. I didn't have a chance to check the tractor out today because of too many "honey-do" items on the list! Know how that goes? I'll double check the brake but I doubt that it is...that thing hasn't worked since I've had it. I'm definitley thinking that low fluid is at least part of the problem. Can anyone tell me what the proper procedure is the check the fluid level? The Kohler manual for the engine is very explisite that you should just bottom out the dipstick but not screw it in....but I can't seem to find a similar instruction in the Sundstrand manual.

Thanks again! You guys are the best!

[rickv1957 72]

The plug in your trans fill has a dipstick attached to it as well for fluid level,Rick

[Cleaverkid 11]

Sorry Rick...I didn't make myself clear...I've found the dipstick on the plug from the tranny. What I want to know so that I don't overfill it...is do I just bottom the plug onto the top of the tube to check the fluid level, or should I screw it all the way in then back out to check the fluid level. That would make a difference of almost the entire length of the "low to full" markings on the dipstick. If I screwed it all the way in then back out, I'd get a reading of nearly full, but if I just bottom it out on the top of the tube, it would show "low" or worse.

Or is there no danger with overfilling these transmissions?

[Cleaverkid 11]

Hello folks!

I just wanted to thank you all again for all your help!

I finally found time to drain the remainder of the old fluid out of the hydro and put a new filter & fluid in it yesterday. That solved my issues! The tractor is back in business with no leaks and a strong transmission again!

Thanks again!

[Roger from southern Iowa 1]

Good, another GT14 survives!! :thumbs:

[rickv1957 72]

That is great news Rick

[fireman 1,022]

That's great to hear! Glad we could help.