ZD18 - stopped moving while mowing

Chris Sinor

New member

Equipment
ZD18, 2 x ZD331, RTV 1140, M5400, M9000
Apr 15, 2024
2
0
1
Catoosa, OK
I have a ZD18 that I bought in 2008, it has been a great machine with minimal issues. Today while mowing it just stopped moving / turning. Mower deck still runs, but when I engage arms to move, absolutely nothing happens. My first guess is the pump has gone out... but strange how it went out without any sounds, warning, etc.. Initially I could move the deck up and down, but can't do that now either.

A little push in the right direction from someone that has had the same issue would be nice.
 

chim

Well-known member

Equipment
L4240HSTC with FEL, Ford 1210
Jan 19, 2013
1,773
861
113
Near Lancaster, PA, USA
I could give you two long stories, but the last line of each would be "I should have checked the simplest thing first".

I'd start with a thorough check of linkages, etc.
 

Chris Sinor

New member

Equipment
ZD18, 2 x ZD331, RTV 1140, M5400, M9000
Apr 15, 2024
2
0
1
Catoosa, OK
I could give you two long stories, but the last line of each would be "I should have checked the simplest thing first".

I'd start with a thorough check of linkages, etc.
It would be odd for the linkage on both arms and the mower deck to go out at the same time or is there something common among them?
 

whitetiger

Moderator
Staff member

Equipment
Kubota tech..BX2370, RCK60, B7100HST, RTV900 w plow, Ford 1100 FWA
Nov 20, 2011
2,599
1,109
113
Kansas City, KS
Did you check the hydraulic oil level in the trans-axle?
The charge pressure that supplies the HST pumps also raises the deck.
If the hydraulic oil level is OK, remove the drain plug and see what if anything is on it.