Our john deere sabre 17.542 hs ride on mower will not go forwards or backwards.We're looking for a diagram of the hydraulic gearbox/diff

does is have enough transmission fluid in it?

It is a known issue

https://www.google.com/search?safe=off&rlz=1C1QJDB_enCA643CA644&sxsrf=ALeKk02UYq6CErZ_yetZ8nPreIOR1WGF6A%3A1614464010133&ei=CsQ6YKDLB-Tv5gLQsJ34Cg&q=john+deere+640g+log+skidder+won%27t+move+forward+or+back

Engine Oil Capacity
5gal Front Diff Fluid Capacity
4.5gal Rear Diff Fluid Capacity
7.6gal Transmission Fluid Capacity
7.8gal Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity
11gal ..

John Deere mowers, for the most part, use hydrostatic transmissions. These use an oil of some type (they vary by model) in the transaxle to provide hydraulic pressure to move the tractor. Older tractors will eventually experience some oil leakage over time due to seal wear. If the level gets too low, then you fail to move. Check the oil level in the transaxle. The location of the reservoir varies from model to model. If it is low, after determining the correct oil to use, fill to proper level. Then, start the tractor and work the hydrostatic drive lever forward and backward slowly and continuously until you get full speed operations in both forward and reverse. This can take a few minutes until all the air has been purged from the system.

Here you go.
(click on the link)


John Deere Sabre Belt Diagram

MOre than likely is going to be a bad belt.

sounds like the safety switches have been by-passed
not shutting off at switch may be the switch

this hydrostat drive tractor is designed to max at 5.5 mph forward, 2.5 in reverse, check linkage at pedal if you dont think your achieving those speeds

If it is the belt driven version you should have a deck belt and a drive belt. The drive belt is under the engine. If you have the hydraulic version check for a broken linkage at the pump.

Hi, most likely the brakes are hanging up. Follow the brake pedal path to the rear of the mower, it is attached to a small arm on the side of the diff that is probably locked forward. This lever and the pins behind it need to be freed up so the lever operates forward and backward freely when the brakes are applied and released. Hope this helps, regards Phil.

Hi,
Here are many of the John Deere belt diagrams...

http://www.google.com/search?q=john+deere+belt+diagram&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=cYZ&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=HjDHTb_TJsfv0gG-wr37Bw&ved=0CCAQsAQ&biw=1440&bih=684

heatman101

hi look on these 2 forums http://www.mytractorforum.com/12-john-deere-forum
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere
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