T1870 Hydrostatic transaxle sluggish - servicing access

[PhilipLee]

Hi there. .... new to this forum. I have a 2004 T1870 garden tractor that has a sluggish hydrostatic operation. As expected, in the service manual the first probable cause is "insufficient transmission fluid" and to "fill to proper level". The spec chart provide capacity (3.6L) and oil spec (SAE 20W-50).
But I will be darned if I can find any info on where to actually FILL the unit? I have searched on the tractor of course too and am completely stumped.
Am I missing something here? Seems to be a fairly innocuous task to check / add fluids?
Any help is appreciated....Phil
KARS, ON

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I'm not 100% sure but I think you fill it through the vent line.

 

[PhilipLee]

I'm not 100% sure but I think you fill it through the vent line.
View attachment 109584

I wondered about that..... but how do you know when the level is good? Short of draining completely (how?) then refilling with a known amount (specified capacity), it seems that I am totally guessing?

 

[ve9aa]

I have a different machine TG1860 and I fill through the vent tube.
When it overflows--you have too much ! btdt...

Sorry, don't have a better answer. Mine has a very very slow leak and I just "top it off" every few years when I notice that it's getting sluggish. A slightly smaller drive belt helped as well.

 

[PhilipLee]

I have a different machine TG1860 and I fill through the vent tube.
When it overflows--you have too much ! btdt...

Sorry, don't have a better answer. Mine has a very very slow leak and I just "top it off" every few years when I notice that it's getting sluggish. A slightly smaller drive belt helped as well.

Ok that is very helpful. I will try the same. I am going to look at the drive belt tensioning too to make sure its good. It's been a while since I looked at that and it may be contributing.

 

[whitetiger]

I just use the hydrostat oil level plug to know when it's full.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I just use the hydrostat oil level plug to know when it's full.

Excellent info!

 

[ve9aa]

I just use the hydrostat oil level plug to know when it's full.

Well, there you go. I don't think there's on on the 1860, so you can ignore my advice ;-)