I've looked into what is involved in rebuilding the hydro on my Deere L130. Doesn't seem too difficult. Any glaring "gotchas" to watch for?

It seems that the most common failures are the pump and motor (piston leaks), and possibly a set of gears.

I will switch to synth oil.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: striker1,

Bump. I should add that the symptoms are classic (evidently) for the K46. Runs fine until hot, then loses power and "growls". Everything I've read or watched online points to worn out cylinders on the pump and motor, and the fix looks easy. Parts are cheap directly from Tuff Torq.

Growl like War of the Worlds or is it higher pitched? I just had to replace the belt on mine. It slipped when hot but didn't really groan. They really put it together tight back there.

This is a groan out of the hydro. I'll definitely put a new belt on when I pull the hydro off.

This guy seems to know a bit...

http://www.tractorbynet.com/fo...-guide-pictures.html

Can't recall where I've read was a suitable fluid replacement was full syn 5-50, but I would agree.