Will towing my zd28 damage the drive transmission? I got it started but it dies when I try going forward. Thanks

[Timothy Reich]

Will towing my zd28 zero turn mower a 1/4 mile damage the transmission? I got it started and running but dies when I try going forward. Thanks

 

[DustyRusty]

I had a Bolens tractor that got stuck on the lawn, and I gave it a short tow to the garage, about 50 feet away. I ruined the hydrostat! I later learned that there was a release that I needed to turn to eliminate the cause of the damage. I don't think that I would gamble it if I were you. Get out your owner's manual and look for a freewheeling mode and then push/pull it up onto a trailer. Hydrostatic transmissions are expensive to repair or replace.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: I got it started and running but dies when I try going forward.

Almost sounds like a 'safety ' switch is killing the engine. Nowadays there's 2-3-4 ? of them that need to be in the right spot before you can go. The WSM electrical diagram would show possible soloution.
Being a zero turn, I assume at least 2 handle switches, a seat switch, PTO switch.... maybe more.
You could also google'zd28 starts then dies' for possible hits.

 

[Russell King]

Will it move in reverse??
No code has to be inserted here.

 

[Dustyx2]

My ZD21 owners manual says "Do Not Tow". I had mine die away from the shop and was in a time crunch so I didn't have time to troubleshoot what happened. I had a large enough tractor to just pick it up and haul it to my shop. I still don't know what killed it. Could find nothing wrong. Maybe a safety switch.

On yours I would suspect a safety switch problem. Are you remembering to release the park brake? Is it releasing? If you tow you will need to get the rear wheels off the ground.

 

[Dave_eng]

I have a copy of a document I think Lugbolt posted. A Kubota bulletin titled Z series no crank.
I think it will be helpful in getting you to know your machine and finding its problem.
I know it only happens going forward but the same safety switches are involved.
Just reading the comment about the diode near the seat switch is knowledge few will have.
No Voltage= Check 5A fuse, key switch, seat switch, and diode after seat switch.

Did more reading in WSM. Interesting point in diagnostic chart. If one motion lever is in forward or reverse and the other is still in the part position this triggers the OPC system which stops the engine in a few seconds. Is this how your engine stops?

Dave

 

[whitetiger]

Dave, The attachment you have included is for the "Z" series gas engine mowers only. The OP has a" ZD" series diesel mower which utilizes a logic box that a "Z" series does not have. Both systems achieve the same results but are done differently so the "Z" series wiring schematic is not correct for the ZD28 mower.

 

[Timothy Reich]

re: I got it started and running but dies when I try going forward.

Almost sounds like a 'safety ' switch is killing the engine. Nowadays there's 2-3-4 ? of them that need to be in the right spot before you can go. The WSM electrical diagram would show possible soloution.
Being a zero turn, I assume at least 2 handle switches, a seat switch, PTO switch.... maybe more.
You could also google'zd28 starts then dies' for possible hits.

Thanks that’s what I’ve been doing-5 switches and replaced the brake switch and it will start in both positions but dies when trying to move forward or backward. I’ve got a service manual on order-didn’t come this weekend-it’s a pdf file. Kind of bummed.

My ZD21 owners manual says "Do Not Tow". I had mine die away from the shop and was in a time crunch so I didn't have time to troubleshoot what happened. I had a large enough tractor to just pick it up and haul it to my shop. I still don't know what killed it. Could find nothing wrong. Maybe a safety switch.

On yours I would suspect a safety switch problem. Are you remembering to release the park brake? Is it releasing? If you tow you will need to get the rear wheels off the ground.

I just found in the operator’s manual DO NOT TOW-I’m in for a big repair bill I think.

 

[Timothy Reich]

Will it move in reverse??
No code has to be inserted here.

 

[Timothy Reich]

No, I towed it a 1/4mile to my shop and just read my operator’s manual-DO NOT TOW. My expensive mistake.

 

[Timothy Reich]

re: I got it started and running but dies when I try going forward.

Almost sounds like a 'safety ' switch is killing the engine. Nowadays there's 2-3-4 ? of them that need to be in the right spot before you can go. The WSM electrical diagram would show possible soloution.
Being a zero turn, I assume at least 2 handle switches, a seat switch, PTO switch.... maybe more.
You could also google'zd28 starts then dies' for possible hits.

Yes I towed it and calling the kubota dealer Monday-probably a expensive fix.