Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have a 1992 Craftsman Hydro LT4000 lawn tractor with a Kohlor OHV 14hp motor and a
hydrostatic transmission in it.  The transmission has an oil reservoir that sits
on top of it.
I pulled the transmission/axle out from under the tractor to fix a broken bracket. 
While the transmission was out it rolled on its side and all the fluid leaked out of
the oil reservoir that sits on top of the transmission.

I went to Sears and asked a mower technition what fluid to put back in it and he said
he didn't know because they are a sealed unit and he never had to put oil in one before.
I think the newer ones are sealed units but this one has an oil reservoir on it (with a Full
line and an Add line) so you can add fluid.  He said he would guess that it uses
non-detergent 30W motor oil in it.  I went to two big mower shops in my city and they
didn't know either but each gave me gave me different different answers, one said
hydrolic fluid and the other said Ford transmission fluid.  I seen on this forum that
one person used 10W-30 (detergent) motor oil.

Can any of you tell me what is the right fluid for my Craftsman lawn tractor or what
you used in yours with good success?

Thanks for any info you can help me with,

Kendall

Hello Kendall,

 I saw your post when I noticed that the fluid was low on my transmission, couldn’t find my manual so I went to the trusty internet.  It let me down so after a couple of hour of looking, I found my manual.  This comes directly from the manual for Model 917.255460, a Sears LT4000 Hydro with a 14HP OHV Kohler, 42” cut that I bought in 7/1993. 

TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID LEVEL

Check fluid level after every 25 hours of use.  Rear drawbar must be removed to check fluid level.

• Remove the four fasteners to remove the drawbar.
• Clean reservoir thoroughly before removing cap.
• Check for proper fluid level in reservoir (should be above the “OIL LEVEL COLD” line).
• If oil is needed, remove cap on reservoir (with a clockwise rotation), and fill to “OIL LEVEL COLD” line with SAE 10W30 oil (API – SG).
• Replace cap securely (do not overtighten).
• Reassemble drawbar and tighten fasteners securely.

 Let me know if you need additional information.

 Mike