Swaz17 1 #1 Posted August 31, 2013 Hello everyone, I have a 1986 312A that the dealer told me years ago did not have a serviceable hydro and I also could not locate a drain plug. Many years later now, I've noticed that it seems much slower now when it's warm, both forward and reverse. The fluid level is good, and it still looks good, but with 900+ hours on it, I would think it should have been changed years ago. Any ideas. Thank You! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dennist 139 #2 Posted August 31, 2013 Eaton 700 pump is a weaker pump and known for this issue...some may disagree, but I have had a few and they were the same way. It gets to the point where you can not even climb a small hill, and even going on flat ground will shudder. I stopped buying them, unless I needed an engine. Great tractors other then that. If you had a 312-H it would have an Eaton 1100 pump and hydro lift, which seem to be Very much better and made to pull, push, etc. and you could service them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,029 #3 Posted August 31, 2013 Yes sounds like you need a pump, and good used ones are hard to find, you could swap a Eaton 1100 in, but you are better off if you have a complete parts tractor to do the swap, that way you have everything needed to do it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swampman 0 #4 Posted September 1, 2013 Would this same problem happen on a 1992 244H?...What Number Eaton would I have? thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,029 #5 Posted September 1, 2013 Not sure what trans you have in the 244 but that is a lawn tractor not a garden tractor, they don't share any parts, but yes the trans is probably tired, most of them are sealed units in the mowers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swampman 0 #6 Posted September 1, 2013 ok,yeah I'll say it's tired! I think they're around $500.00 too. thanks though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,213 #7 Posted September 2, 2013 The 244-H uses an Eaton 751 which is not the same as an Eaton 700. The 751 is more like the contemporary Tuff Torq transaxle used in lawn tractors today. The 700 (312-A) use 10W30 in the transaxle, and 30W in the reservoir/pump. You could try changing the fluid. There is a drain plug under the pump. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woodchuckfarmer 333 #8 Posted September 2, 2013 Its not the big plastic plug , its below that . Good luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,213 #9 Posted September 2, 2013 (edited) Its not the big plastic plug , its below that . Good luck Thanks for clarifying my post. You are right. Edited September 2, 2013 by shallowwatersailor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ericj 1,578 #10 Posted September 2, 2013 i have a good 700 trans but i live in pa and your in mi. i have swapped a 1100 for a 700 on a 312 A and it worked good eric j Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swaz17 1 #11 Posted September 2, 2013 You guys are awesome! Thanks for all the advice. I'll try the fluid first, just to cover that base, but will look for the 1100. I also have a 96 16 horse with the 8 speed I use for pulling a drag and heavy stuff, but it would be really nice to use the hydro. Thanks again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
608KEB 795 #12 Posted December 3, 2013 How does tranny perform after changing oil? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swaz17 1 #13 Posted December 3, 2013 Holy cow time flies! I changed oil with a straight 30 weight following your advise, and the transmission performs extreemly well! Smoother, more responsive, and when it's hot it works just as good. It was likely not just the oil that made the improvement, but the built up material around the pump that is difficult to clean with all of the body work on. Thank you for all of your help! ...Steve 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
