RTV 1100c transaxle problem

[parksguy]

Hello, I have a 2016 RTV1100c with 2,700 hours. Unit is used by grounds keeping staff with fluids checked daily and routine service performed correctly per the manual. Recently the unit lost substantial power when driving, and a day later it would not move at all. Engine starts and runs normal, but in any gear the trans does not react. We brought the RTV to a Kubota dealer who investigated and found the following: CHECK FLUID LEVELS, HOOK UP TEST GAUGES AND CHECK PSI'S-BELOW SPEC. REMOVE RELIEF VALVE AND CHECK FOR DEBRIS-NONE. FLUID IS CLEAN WITHOUT SHAVINGS. CHECK CHARGE PSI AND FOUND 20PSI (SPEC IS 63-102). UNIT HAS INTERNAL FAILURE. REPLACE HST/TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY.
So, the dealer gave me an estimate of nearly $14,000 to replace the trans. I am picking it up and bringing it back to our garage. I have struggled with this dealer before (my Kubota dealer/authorized mechanics options are limited), and this solution seems premature. Obviously the cost outweighs the value of the RTV. I would like to make this a winter project to see if we can repair it. Do any of these symptoms sound familiar and repairable without buying a whole new trans? Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[hagrid]

Take it apart and show us pictures. Generally HSTs aren't worth repairing if they are worn out/grenaded. If it's just a matter of the charge pump bypassing then maybe you'll find the bypass is a simple fix. If the low charge pressure is due to worn variable pump or motor then it'll still be expensive to fix.

 

[DustyRusty]

A new RTV1100C is about $22,000 if you can find one new at a dealer. Might be less expensive to buy a new one and trade the old one in. Find yourself a good dealer to work with if you don't like the Kubota dealer that you took the tractor to. Like all types of businesses, some are better than others.