[Shop-talk] ZTR zt-3100 trans question

[Pat Horne]

I have a 10 year old 60" Ariens mower that has a problem that I'd like 
some input on. This mower has about 1600 hours on it, has always had 
timely service & everything has been working fine up until last week. It 
seems that a couple of the mounting bolts on one trans sheared, allowing 
that trans to slip out of place. I replaced all the bolts, both sides. 
As I was putting the wheels back on, noticed that there was quite a bit 
of slop in the axle, allowing the wheels to move in & out about 2mm 
each. Checking with shops & the manual showed that there shouldn't be 
any play. I'm thinking about going into the trans to see what I can find 
but I've never been into one of these. Has anyone gone in?

The trans is a zt-3100. In looking on line, there aren't a lot of parts 
for this trans, mainly seals & bearings. Replacement transmissions are 
listed for about $1200 each, while high, is within range. I drove it 
after replacing the bolts & doing a fluid change & it worked for the 
most part, only running slightly slower on the side that had the sheared 
bolts.

I'm thinking that I could run it as it is until winter when I can tear 
it down and if I can't repair them, replace both transmissions. I've 
always been of the opinion that if something is broken it's not a 
problem to see if I can fix it, I can't break it any more!

Suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Peace, Pat