Duetz Allis 616H transmission issues

[Mark S 0]

Hello,

I wanted to get the opinion of others on issues I am having with the hydrostatic transmission on my Duetz Allis 616H (comparable to Simplicity 5216H).  The longer I use the tractor (e.g., mowing a 3/4 acre lot), the more the transmission slips.  That is, as I engage the throttle, the tractor hesitates before moving forward.  I called a reputable repair and parts shop to get a price on a new drive belt thinking that it was slipping.  I was told that it is probably not the drive belt, but rather, the transmission was dying.  The rationale being that it gets worse the longer I drive it and use the transmission.  I was given a quote of approximately $1000 for a new transmission.  My question is, does this sound like the drive belt or the transmission?  Is there an way to determine which it is without have to buy a new $53 drive belt?  I recently drained and replaced the fluid in the differential, along with replacing the exterior fan.  The issues I am having were occurring prior to this as well.

Thank you for any suggestions/tips/experience you can provide. 

[Brettw 1,130]

It does sound like a dying transmission.  You could try some stuff called I think Belt Ease (?).  It is a belt dressing spray designed to help belts from slipping, etc.  I don't believe it is any type of long term fix and I have never used it.  But it would help you to figure out if in fact it is a belt.  I doubt it, however, unless the belt is sloppy.  Usually, a bad belt will create issues when under load too, not just when warm.  The transmission fluid, when warm, loses some viscosity, and the transmission parts expand and lose some of their seal.  It's just getting worn out.  And those types of transmissions are not really servicable or worth the cost of repairs (most hydros are not worth the cost of repairs, actually).  Perhaps begin to look for a donor tractor, bad engine, etc. for a hundre bux or so.  That's how many guys end up fixing theirs, and getting into more tractors and parts all at the same time.  Whenever I have done this, I always also take the best of the parts that are in better shape than what is on my equipment, and swap it out. 

 

Good luck, and, welcome to the club!

[theniteowl 29]

I am not familiar with the transmissions on this model but search for troubleshooting and rebuilding info on your transmission model.   First you may find the same transmission used on other make and model tractors increasing your chances to find a used one at a good price and second you may find there are known issues that can be resolved without a full rebuild.   For instance if it is the hydraulic pump and not the transmission that is the issue it could be an easier or cheaper fix if that system has them as separate components. 

Could be as simple as new o-rings somewhere to keep pressure from dropping.   Never know until you look into that particular model and its quirks/characteristics. 

In other words take nothing for granted and do a bit of research first.   I have often been surprised to find an easy solution to something that at first seemed far more complicated. 

On my old hydro tractors there have been major issues with belt slippage so rule that out first if you can.   On mine you could see the belt turning faster than the pulley to the transmission so that was easy to identify.  Worked poorly until it got warm then worked well until it got hot,  then slipped terribly. 

Fine adjustments got it working properly. 

[1978Simplicity7016H 39]

What I would try first is to work the transmission disengagement lever back and forth. If you look where it leads to the transmission, you will see that it pushes a rod that goes into the hydro pump. Put some sort of lubrication on it and with the motor running push and pull the lever a couple of times. It may be stiff, but it could be that this bypass plunger is stuck inward a little, which slightly bypasses the transmission motor, which would explain the slipping transmission. If it goes outward completely (I am not sure how far out though) the hydraulic pump is putting full pressure to the transmission motor. If the slipping continues, the belt may be slipping, or just loose. For instance, I found on a 1990s Broadmoor that the transmission was slipping because the clutch arm with the idler pulleys was stiff and you had to pull the pedal back so the trans belt was tensioned. This could be caused by a weak spring, or just in need of lubrication. Otherwise just check the fluids (there should be a white plastic cup with a screw on cap beside the battery that should be filled to a line with fluid.)

If all of this checks out good then sadly the transmission is tired, so start looking for a donor tractor.

Good Luck! 

[Tarheel 77]

 Changing the fluid to 20-50 motor oil will likely stretch the life for a while. If in fact that (worn hydro) is your problem. I have done so with these a number of times through the years. If your looking at replacement anyway, its worth a shot IMO.