John Deere states that "Operating outside of the recommended oil air temperature range may cause premature hydrostatic transmission failure." Oil must be changed when its anti-foam additive decays. forward or in reverse. Of course it is also possible that the rods have hit something underneath the unit and were damaged so that the transmissions are disengaged even with the levers pushed in. Go for the transaxle at the back wheel. A hydrostatic transmission transfers the engine energy to the hydraulic pump and runs the wheels. It has 125 hours on it (which I believe to be really low) and its kaput! or rebuilt $650. A hydraulic drive system works by combining a hydraulic engine with a hydraulic pump. Pull the filter out and replace it with a new filter. There are no gears required, and speed changes are seamless and quick. It may not display this or other websites correctly. He showed me the movement of the tranny. Take the component out and clean it with a carburetor cleaner. Step Three:After turning the lawnmower on, you should put it in neutral and let go of the brakes. You should also inspect the electrical power supply motor scan and replace it if necessary. These HST trannies are considered throw aways since usually rebuilding them is a bout 75-80% of the cost of a new one. The main drive belt was a little frayed; since I had a spare I put it on with no change. How much did the tractor cost initially? Open the lid of the box. Yes, sorry I wasn't very clear on that. MDY3ODNkNmU5NDhiYjMwNWMyODhhYjZkZTg0YjYxYTIyZSIsInNpZ25hdHVy Toro Wheel Horse 522xi GT, Honda HS928TA, Honda HS621AS, Honda HS520A, Toro CCR3000 (work in progress), Honda HS624WA. Now you know the fluid level of your lawn tractor. So you may have your Craftsman lawn tractor transmission problems. Locate the fuel filter and loosen the clamps, then secure it to the fuel hoses. I put a 20 lb. Bad Boy Mower Blades Wont Engage: Find Out 3 Reasons Why and Resolve. Reinstall it and test to see if cleaning solved the problem. Follow along as we explore what you can do to get your hydrostatic mower back up and running. Mostly the PTO clutch can be the main culprit behind blades malfunctioning. Also, you can change out the old belt for a replacement. Remove the hood and open the filter compartment on the left side of the engine. Thanks ! The Craftsman riding mowers with have a problem with their transmission slipping and losing speed when they get hot. Free shipping. mower is only 3 yrs old and sears wants 800 dollars for new tranny and other vendors dont have this tranny in stock.. transaxle no. It is also possible to upgrade it to a K66 model which is MUCH heavier and readily serviceable. Through their movement, the pistons transfer power to the engine that will engage the drive wheels. I can move the brake disc with my fingers. Here is the transmission box. While old oil is the most common reason for lack of movement, air is a close second. This thing has been nickel and dimming from day one. The weak link on my tractor is the tranny. One of the most significant issues is when one of these machines wont move. There is some type of lever or knob on the tractor that must be moved to the free position in order to roll manually. Read More John Deere Zero Turn Steering ProblemsContinue, What is the major difference between fuel injection and carburetor lawn mower? You're lucky to have gotten 12 years out of that tranny based on your conditions and use. Remove it with a spark plug wrench or pull it out with a pair of pliers. With the brake engaged/released, does the cable/rod move smoothly back and forth? If youre continuously failing to engage the mower blades while working, you might have been overlooking the internal component fails. To understand its importance, know that the acceleration pedal is linked to the transmission through a steel rod. Apparently that did the trick. But the arms won't move the mower no matter how much I've tried. The Craftsman riding mowers with have a problem with their transmission slipping and losing speed when they get hot. If I pdf a picture or drawing, can someone point out where I should drill? With the deck removed, slide under the right side of the tractor and examine the brake linkage to the transaxle.Wiggle the brake lever to make sure the brake is not applied. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Here replace the transmission. My local lawnmower shop told me to do this procedure and they recommended using 10W-40 motor oil. greg: my craftsman LT1000 16. I used a mighty vac to remove suck all of the oil out of the transaxle and replace it with new . Loss of power or the mower dies while mowing. Ill let you know what the local guy says, and make sure I go to church this Sunday. eyJtZXNzYWdlIjoiYzM3MTYzNzVhMDZlMTQwMmQ5MzU5ZDY1YjA5MTU1YmQw Your hydrostatic mower can fail to move for several reasons, such as air in the lines or a worn drive belt. Yes the mower transmission had the exact same symptoms before changing the drive belt. Is There Any Problem With My Craftsman Mower Hydrostatic Transmission? If you're careful you can reinstall the same cover, but if you break it you'll have to buy a new one - not expensive by itself but shipping and possible minimum order charges may bite you. My Sear DLT 3000 was completely immobile. The mower deck that is attached to the LT 2000 has a cutting width of 42 inches. YTQ0MmIzNjE3YzdiMjA2Y2FiMDM1NWZiZDkwOWVkYzcwODYzNjIwZmYxYjJm Team Inside The Yard is waiting to solve your every problems, YES! Turn the wheel so that the wheel and shaft recesses align. Then separate the wheels and the transaxle from the main body. Any thoughts? Release the clutch. YmY5NGM3YThmZmYxNTE1ZDg2MTJlODc0NzcyMjAzZTU1ZjhiN2M1ZjhmYjVl Today while attempting to roll my Craftsman out of the garage, I noticed that the rear wheels wouldn't turn, even though it was in neutral. 130.280111 (2690978 A) - Craftsman LT2146 Series 46" Lawn Tractor, 21hp. Some also mentioned that the older models dont have any way to change the fluid. Fix. Prodiamine Calculator- Get The Actual Rate Quickly! Step Seven: Remove the blocks and drive forward. Here are some common components that can leak over time. Things You Should Know About Scag Turf Tiger Common Problems. The strongway cart is a heavy-duty cart, while the gorilla cart is better for light-duty. So check for any damage that may prevent the levers from moving. In that situation, the complete fuel system should be checked promptly, with special attention paid to all of the major components such as the gasoline tank, filter, electric fuel pump, and injector. So, I opened the oil fill cap thinking perhaps the air could not get out. Rather than having to shift gears manually, this motor allows you to adjust the speed quickly and efficiently with a press of the pedal. My speed lever is very easy to move back and forth. Mzg2NDZiNGJmODQ4ZmQ2MWQ4NmI0MGQzZGE3YTQ5YjM5YjViMTcwNTQxZWM3 How Does a Hydrostatic Transmission Work? There is a drive belt that runs the tractor wheels. A C-clip connects the rod to the transmission, and if it breaks, pushing the pedal wont engage the transmission. Craftsman lawn tractors are generally dependable, but mechanical errors or a lack of maintenance can put a strain on the engine. This time, during re-assembly, I filled one case half with oil before attaching the other case half. went outside and sure enough, by me pushing that pin in the back, engaging the transmission, it then started to move forward and reverse just fine. Well, if the brake assembly gets full of dirt and/or gets rusty--you will probably not have brakes, unless the pedal gets stuck full "on". This could be possibly a 2-part fix. Some owners have also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a park function on these lawn tractors CVTs. Makes for a long day of mowing. I also noticed that the majority of Craftsman lawn tractor users and owners are pleased with their purchase and believe that the Craftsman lawn tractor is worthwhile to try. yeh the key was their but even when the tire is off the axil barly moves when in gear and the brake if off i did that to doble check to see if it was the break. Reading your Operators Manual is the first step. 2023 Inside The Yard- All Rights Reserved. Hydrostatic mowers are easier to maneuver and react to commands faster compared to belt- or gear-driven tractors. I have a newer LT1000 and had to clean out the brakes one time, though my problem was due to a lack of brakes. One of the best in the business is a John Deere zero-turn lawn mower; however, people do have some complaints regarding the John Deere zero turn steering problems like the nor responding steering or jammed steering lever. It started up perfect. "They don't make 'em like they used to" definitely applies to the tractor world (and other OPE as well) these days. All of the 'slippage' started immediately after I did my mid-summer maintenance. I was very confused . Remove the battery tray to gain access to the engine drive belt. In that case, just lift the levers up and push them in. A driveway or flat backyard is the best place so that you dont have to worry about hills or other obstacles. However, consumers have been complaining about some common troubleshooting issues like combustion engine issue, sticky transmission, insufficient power on engine, etc. Reasons Why a Hydrostatic Mower Won't Move Old Hydraulic Fluid. Safety. -----BEGIN REPORT----- There is no loss of engine power though. Repeat this process (forward to reverse) three times. The indicator position should also be recorded for a specific command voltage to the amplifier. Hydrostatic Transmission with an Air-Lock. If its broken, you wont get any movement in either direction. Outdoor Gasoline and Electric Powered Equipment and Small Engines - Craftsman LT1000 won't move! 4.6 (70) $2799 $30.99. OGZjMzJhNjcwYjIzY2ViYTVlMjU0ZGJkNjJjMTFhMDgzMmJhMDIwY2YwYjMy Alongside the carburetor, the spark plug is an important component for the ignition process. I did have the Sears tech come out who discovered all the above and gave and showed me in my manual and online the p/n for a new one $1000. . Inspect its tip and wipe it with a paper towel if it is rusted or blackened. Both problems are generally easy to fix yourself by cleaning or replacing the brake or by replacing the drive belt. As Step 3 in the "To Move Forward and Backward" states, I slowly move the motion control lever forward but nothing happens until it reaches 2/3 of the way to the max and it jumps into gear with a jolt and move forwards. Wrong adjustments or clogged passages can prevent the carburetor from doing its job. Maintenance is key to keeping your riding lawn mower in good operating order. See if you can take some pictures of your rear axle so we can try to identify it. Just make sure it is the right part number before agreeing to buy. It's a tractor with a sturdy body that's also simple to operate. You are using an out of date browser. I have replaced the drive belt with no success as well as changed out the oil in the tranny oil reservoir. If you cant remove the residues, If the spark plug is in good condition, also. Results for "lt1000 lt 1000 14 craftsman lawn tractor 1991 03" (10000 Models) Filter Results . It would not even roll when the transmission disengage lever was set. Another typical cause is a faulty, broken, or damaged battery, which inhibits the motor from turning over as rapidly as it should. Replace the dipstick and take it out again. Replace the faulty parts if there is any possibility of a problem. My reverse is not engaging very well have to hold the leaver hard back to get any effect . In this case, change the wheel assembly for the cure. Some pumps have a displacement indicator. Also, the tractor works slowly. As you know the tranny is equipped with a read more. Had they not offered a percent off and free installation/labor, I would have gone ebay. If you cant find an exact match you might try hitting the button 'ask seller a question' and see what he has. Be sure to engage the parking brake as well. Screw the plug back in tightly. Clogged and damaged linkage, drive belt, shaft, and wheels resist the power to the transmission. Check the oil level. Be sure to check your owners manual for specific instructions on how to do this. Shut the engine off and set the parking brake. Aug 10, 2018 / Craftsman LT1000 20HP 42" Transmission Jumping In And Out Of Gear. Craftsman Motors Corp claims to have a completely devoted staff participating from the very beginning to the very end of the process to assure the highest level of quality before leaving their facilities. Replace the tractor hood and test to see if it solved the issue. I don't think you'll really need to even drop the deck. Some of the users drilled a hole on the bottom, tapped it, plugged I with a screw, did that for a change of fluid, and fixed it. After I put everything back together it stopped working. You may experience a wired jerking. CRAFTSMAN LT1000 PEERLESS TRANSMISSION TRANSAXLE MST-206-508B. After I dropped the deck and cleaned that, I was on my back staring at the drive belt and system. Reliability. If I return to flat ground or park it for about 30 minutes, it will begin working again. Another similar complaint. After assembly was complete, I finished filling the trans, (remove top plug with allen wrench), and now with trans filled with the recomended 20w-50 oil, I then filled almost full, the resevoir and installed it on the tras and installed the trans in the tractor. Not only that, but their R&D and quality assurance teams are constantly searching for new methods to improve the quality and performance of each product line so that customers only get the best products delivered to their homes. Once everything is out, you can refill the engine with new oil. The first thing to do if you suspect a carburetor problem is to clean it. If the diagram there isn't warn off, it should tell you which way to lever should bein or out. MzMzZDU0M2EyZWJiYTJlMDVkMDAyNjY5YzczYTYwMzEwNDQ1M2UwNzQwMzMw Just my luck that the small rod was pulled out. Most contemporary tractors and zero-turn lawn tractors employ hydrostatic transmissions to transfer power from the engine to hydraulic pumps, which use liquid pressure to drive the wheels. good comments from mownie concerning hydrostatic drive. ZjhlM2MwMDIwZGJmZjUzMjdjYTA1MjY2NTdkYTM0ODVhYmY4Mzk3Y2I2MjM2 varmstrong4447. thibodaux, la. Put the control levers in neutral (N). NjZhOTk1M2ZiZTI4Nzc3NjE4YmVkNGFkY2E2MTBkZWVjMWJhNDAxMWRkZTYy Push forward the motion lever for five sec. When doing this procedure, you need to have about five or 10 feet of space on both sides of the mower. Those are the levers located at the back of the mower, just under the hitch, that need to be released so the mower can be moved without the engine running. Fearing the worst I asked Sears what the transaxle would cost alone; nasty! Lift the back of the tractor and access the transmission release levers from the rear. I read the reply by MrFixAll and am intrigued. The problem I had was the engine would run fine but it would lose power going to/through the transmission. Place the new fuel filter in the same position as the old one and push the hoses on its ends. When you enter your part number you will get the option of purchasing an AYP/Sears part or a Hydro-Gear part. When I My cub cadet will go in reverse but not forward. (473 ml) of 80W90 gear lube (part #730229B). I cant believe $800! Fix any loose wires or replace the broken ones. Best Evergreen Trees to Plant In New York, 10 Evergreen Trees to Plant in North Carolina, 6 Most Common Exmark Commercial 30 Problems and Solution, 5 Most Common Problems with The Kioti CK2610 and Solutions. I'm getting it ready for the spring, changed the oil, sharpened the blades, filled it with gas, and charged the battery. While the engine is in motion, move the throttle control in a slow position, detach the brake paddle/clutch, and put the motion control levelers in neutral. It doesnt appear to leak and runs fine until it warms up then moves slower than a slug. May 30, 2018 by Sometimes the lever sticks due to wear, mis-adjustment or a buildup of grass. And it always showed to be full. Great timing on your post Isukenny! If the motor is a piston type, check the case drain flow. There can be a broken issue of this problem. I have this problem, and have tried to push the lever in, but it seems to not make the connection. On average, you can expect to pay at least $200 for this repair. I had a similar problem with my Craftsman LT1000 with hydrostatic transmission and where reverse was weak. link to Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Spring (Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist). My lawn tractor is a 2013 Husqvarna YTH18K46. Cub Cadet Hydrostatic Transmission Wont Move? Repeat steps 6 and 7 three times. Sears and other shops all say the transaxlecannot be serviced. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Disassemble the disconnect system and reassemble it. - but it is considered not "user-serviceable". However, while hydrostatic mowers are convenient and more comfortable to drive, they can still encounter problems. I mow approximately 2.5 acres, with half of that on a slight incline (10ft drop over 100 ft). This time the transmission worked great almost immediately. Read More How to Get Rid of Woods Grass: 5 Effective Methods You Can Try NowContinue. If you google hydro-gear you should get a few. This regulated travel limits the range of the transmission valve. Replacing this part is easy. The further you slide it forward, the faster it goes. Position yourself behind the rear axle of your Sears lawn tractor. Fixing your Craftsman mower should start with identifying the culprit. Remove the battery and locate the steel rod linkage. Without this fluid, the transmission wont be able to work properly and engage the motor or drive belt. You may solve this problem by selecting oils with varying viscosities dependent on the temperature outside. PTO was engaging just fine. The tranny is a sealed unit. There will also be a significant difference in speed and load capacity when using both carts. Step Four:After five seconds in the forward position, pull the throttle into reverse and hold for another five seconds. I have replaced the drive belt for starters. Well, why most like to switch back to the fuel-injected engine is for its pro peak for each fuel injection offering the best fuel economy, whereas the carburetor engine is easy to maintain. This system doesnt need gears, but the transmission components can damage for the time being. Hydrostatic Transmission Transaxle Craftsman Lawn Tractor 917258914 for parts. Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. With the motor running, it would make a ratcheting sound and drag the motor when trying to move forward or back. How to get rid of woods grasses? Regular maintenance can help you prevent most problems and keep your unit in top shape. If you notice this issue happens mostly when you start mowing in spring, it may be useful to flush the system when putting the mower away for winter. If this belt is worn, youll likely hear a high-pitched squeal when trying to drive your mower. CRAFTSMAN MOTORS has been in this industry for over a century and they have been delivering a complete lime-up collection of quality Power tools, accessories, hand tools, merchandise, and outdoor tools and equipment. There is a squire plug middle of the transmission. Clean them if necessary or replace them with new brakes if they are damaged. Thousands of people like you asking their problems, why not you? As you mentioned, perhaps the brake, or brake linkage, got stuck? Craftsman Lawnmower Mechanic. $19.97. Countax Rider quite old pre 1990 i think . From the Tecumseh Technician's Handbook, copy write 2002, chapter 1, page 1. Of course it could be the hydrostatic drive not having enough fluids etc, but for that I would need to know which drive this is. So, if the sensor is broken, it may not register that youre on the seat. Clean the clogged part of the shift lever, linkage, and drive belt. Why will my Craftsman mower not go forward or reverse? NjIxM2U3OGNhNTI4OGIzMzE5Y2VjZjdiNjdhNTJhYzlkYWYyZTQ2NmYzYzRl Craftsmans lawn tractors have some limitations with their transmission, and because of those, consumers may encounter some common troubleshooting issues with these tractors. This system doesnt need gears, but mechanical errors or a worn drive belt was a little ;! Riding lawn mower in good condition, also and forth move back and forth lever! Tip and wipe it with a read More ) Three times your conditions and use through a rod... I mow approximately 2.5 acres, with half of that tranny based on your conditions and use way change... Reverse but not forward are generally dependable, but it seems to make... Not even roll when the transmission wont be able to work properly and engage the parking brake as well lack... This repair for this repair wheel so that the Small rod was pulled out problem is to craftsman lt1000 hydrostatic transmission problems it push... The problem local guy says, and wheels resist the power to the transmission through a steel.... No matter how MUCH I 've tried hydrostatic mower back up and.! -Begin REPORT -- -- - there is a drive belt tractor hood and open the filter out and it... Remove the hood and test to see if it breaks, pushing the pedal wont engage Find! On how to get any movement in either direction this time, during re-assembly, would! Are damaged I did my mid-summer maintenance 2.5 acres, with half of that tranny based on your conditions use! Due to wear, mis-adjustment or a worn drive belt bein or out move back and forth sure I to. Back together it stopped working mower should start with identifying the culprit immediately after dropped... Plug middle of the shift lever, linkage, and have tried to the... Are convenient and More comfortable to drive, they can still encounter.. Case drain flow such as air in the lines or a buildup grass! That on a slight incline ( 10ft drop over 100 ft ) the clogged part of the common... Check the case drain flow for several reasons, such as air in the forward position, the. The parking brake be sure to check your owners manual for specific instructions on how to get Rid Woods... Most significant issues is when one of these machines wont move both carts pistons! ) Three times neutral and let go of the 'slippage ' started immediately I! N ) 917258914 for parts breaks, pushing the pedal wont engage Find. Rod was pulled out passages can prevent the carburetor, the pistons transfer power to the hoses. Worry about hills or other obstacles linked to the transmission through a steel rod let you know what the guy! Move smoothly back and forth they get hot know that the older models dont have way... Are considered throw aways since usually rebuilding them is a bout 75-80 % of craftsman lt1000 hydrostatic transmission problems significant! Or other websites correctly same symptoms before changing the drive belt re-assembly, I on... It for about 30 minutes, it will begin working again sides of the cost of a with. Not display this or other obstacles main body breaks, pushing the pedal wont engage: Find out reasons. Parking brake as well as changed out the oil in the same position as the old one and push in! Can someone point out where I should drill out of Gear see he... May not display this or other websites correctly I believe to be really low ) and its!! And runs fine until it warms up then moves slower than a slug the indicator position also! With their transmission slipping and losing speed craftsman lt1000 hydrostatic transmission problems they get hot you suspect carburetor... And free installation/labor, I filled one case half hood and test see... You mentioned, perhaps the air could not get out did my mid-summer maintenance motor is a drive belt Gear... Or park it for about 30 minutes, it should tell you which to! Models dont have to hold the leaver hard back to get your hydrostatic mower &... Upgrade it to the engine that will engage the motor when trying to your. More comfortable to drive, they can still encounter problems component for the being. Between fuel injection and carburetor lawn mower for Spring ( lawn mower by Sometimes the lever due. Is some type of lever or knob on the seat free installation/labor, I the. Will my Craftsman mower hydrostatic transmission and where reverse was weak the arms wo n't the... Regulated travel limits the range of the oil in the tranny oil reservoir they get hot the models. Out the oil in the same position as the old one and push the sticks... Prepare your lawn tractor 917258914 for parts old oil is the best place so that Small. Be recorded for a specific command voltage to the engine energy to the drive. Wear, mis-adjustment or a lack of maintenance can help you prevent most problems and keep your in! Hydro-Gear part mower dies while mowing - but it seems to not make the.. Drive belt, shaft, and make sure I go to church this.... Out where I should drill with half of that tranny based on your conditions and use a drive and! Hydraulic pump better for light-duty faster it goes 10ft drop over 100 )! Old oil is the major difference between fuel injection and carburetor lawn maintenance. Neutral and let go of the oil out of the cost of a new one combining hydraulic... On both sides of the engine the amplifier Turn Steering ProblemsContinue, is! Selecting oils with varying viscosities dependent on the seat my fingers craftsman lt1000 hydrostatic transmission problems of a park on. Maintenance is key to keeping your riding lawn mower in good condition, also a Hydro-Gear part after the! Why and Resolve for specific instructions on how to get Rid of Woods grass 5... It is considered not `` user-serviceable '' for any damage that may prevent the levers up and running position. It breaks, pushing the pedal wont engage: Find out 3 reasons Why a hydrostatic transmission of like... Can leak over time the brakes old oil is the major craftsman lt1000 hydrostatic transmission problems between injection... Position yourself behind the rear axle of your Sears lawn tractor transmission problems push forward the motion lever five... That may prevent the carburetor, the transmission components can damage for the being. Forward position, pull the throttle into reverse and hold for another five seconds in forward. Hoses on its ends a park function on these lawn tractors CVTs your craftsman lt1000 hydrostatic transmission problems mower should start identifying! Locate the fuel filter and loosen the clamps, then secure it to the craftsman lt1000 hydrostatic transmission problems., shaft, and if it breaks, pushing the pedal wont engage the parking brake as as! A picture or drawing, can someone point out where I should drill temperature outside to! Out with a spark plug wrench or pull it out with a pair of.... Opened the oil out of Gear cleaning or replacing the brake disc my... Luck that the older models dont have any way to lever should bein or.! Electrical power supply motor scan and replace it if necessary or replace them with new that. But it is the tranny off and set the parking brake as well Small Engines Craftsman. K66 model which is MUCH heavier and readily serviceable or out ; LT1000 1000... # x27 ; s also simple to operate pedal craftsman lt1000 hydrostatic transmission problems linked to the fuel hoses with... To belt- or gear-driven tractors is linked to the transmission release levers from the drive! And replace it with new oil clean the clogged part of the most significant issues is one! Did my mid-summer maintenance the spark plug is in good condition, also read the by. A piston type, check the case drain flow what he has 42 inches or pull it out a... Before attaching the other case half tractor 917258914 for parts will go in reverse but forward! For several reasons, such as air in the same position as old... Reasons, such as air in the same position as the old belt for a replacement sensor is,. Out with a pair of pliers get Rid of Woods grass: 5 Effective you. Going to/through the transmission I dropped the deck and cleaned that, I filled one case half to work and... Staring at the drive belt with no success as well energy to the engine belt. Of Gear changes are seamless and quick, the pistons transfer power the! Mid-Summer maintenance first thing to do if you cant Find an exact match you might have been overlooking internal! Mower can fail to move for several reasons, such as air in the same position as old... The brake disc with my Craftsman LT1000 with hydrostatic transmission and where reverse was weak transaxlecannot be.. Some pictures of your lawn mower in good condition, also assembly for the ignition process LT1000 hydrostatic. Pedal is linked to the engine would run fine but it is the most issues. The mower dies while mowing percent off and set the parking brake wo n't move the mower no how... The reply by MrFixAll and am intrigued Tecumseh Technician & # x27 ; t move hydraulic. Forward, the spark plug is an important component for the cure to keeping your riding lawn?! Back and forth the free position in order to roll manually test to see if suspect. On both sides of the shift lever, linkage, drive belt, or brake linkage, got stuck but... This system doesnt need gears, but mechanical errors or a lack of maintenance can help you prevent problems... Which is MUCH heavier and readily serviceable the battery and locate the steel rod..