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How A Lawn Mower Transaxle Works? Read Here!

Written by William
Last Updated on April 12, 2022

Lawn mower Transaxle Function

A lawn mower has a lot of moving parts. The most important of which is the engine. But what about all of the other parts? 

The transaxle is the part of the lawn mower that transfers power from the engine to the cutting blades. It comprises several gears, and it can be either manual or automatic.

In this article, we will be looking at how a lawn mower transaxle works.

How do lawn mower transmissions work?

The basic components of a riding mower transmission are:

1. The engine

2. A variable speed transmission

3. A driveshaft

4. A clutch

5. A brake

6. And wheels

The transmission is the lawn mower part that causes the mower to move at a steady speed. A typical transmission consists of 3 or 4 gears connected to the engine and a drive shaft. The gears are selected by moving a lever or button on the mower handle that controls the speed and direction of the transmission.

A transmission works by using gears to turn the driveshaft. The driveshaft is connected to the wheels, allowing the mower to move.

Lawn mowers have three types of transmissions, which are summarized below.

The Transmission Types

1. Manual Transmission (MT) is the most common transmission type used in mowers today. This is because it is easy to use and understand.

2. The Gearbox Transmission (GT) is similar to the MT but uses more gears than the MT.

3. Automatic Transmission (AT) is also known as an auto-shift transmission. It automatically changes gear ratios depending on the terrain, grass height, and speed. 

What are the symptoms of a malfunctioning lawnmower transmission?

If your mower stops working when you try to start it, you may have a problem with your transmission. If you hear grinding noises coming from the transmission, this could mean that something inside the transmission needs replacing.

If you notice any problems with your lawnmower, such as excessive noise or difficulty starting, you should contact a professional right away. They will be able to diagnose the problem and tell you whether you need new parts or a complete replacement.

If you have any problems with your lawn mower, check your manual first. Call your mower dealer if your manual doesn't contain the information you need. You can also contact your mower manufacturer. 

What should I do before replacing a lawn mower transmission?

Before replacing a lawn mower's transmission, ensure that the mower is running properly.

Check the oil level, fuel level, spark plug wires, belt tension, and fluid levels. Make sure that the blade guard is closed.

Also, check the condition of the tires. They should be inflated and free of cuts or cracks.

What is the purpose of the riding lawn mower transaxle?

Transaxles are designed to transfer the rotational force of the engine into the wheel axle. There are two main types of transaxles: manual and automatic. The transaxle contains a differential mechanism that allows the front and rear wheels to rotate at different speeds while maintaining constant traction.

Manual Transaxles

The user must manually shift between forward and reverse gears in a manual transaxle. The shifting occurs through levers and buttons located on the handlebars. The operator selects the desired gear ratio by pushing one of these buttons.

Automatic Transaxles

A computerized system controls an automatic transaxle. This system determines the correct gear ratio based on the current conditions. For example, the system might determine that the best gear ratio is 1st gear when travelling downhill and 2nd gear when travelling uphill.

Why do some lawn mowers come with a transaxle?

A transaxle provides several benefits over a standard drive train.

  • It eliminates the possibility of slipping out of gear.
  • It reduces wear on the drive shafts and other components.
  • It makes it easier to change the direction of travel.
  • It helps prevent damage to the transmission in case of a collision.
  • It improves performance because it increases torque and power output.
  • It allows the use of smaller engines.
  • It saves space.
  • It makes it possible to mount the engine closer to the ground, which results in better handling.
  • It makes it possible for the engine to be mounted lower than if there was no transaxle.
  • It prevents the engine from being damaged in the event of a crash. 

Do push lawn mowers have transmissions?

Yes, some push mowers have hydrostatic transmissions. These are generally found on older push mowers converted to push mowers. With a hydrostatic transmission, the mower moves when you press the pedal.

These mowers vary from having a simple 2-speed hydrostatic transmission to a dual-speed hydrostatic transmission with forward and reverse. They can also have a centre-mounted handlebar-mounted control lever that allows you to select the desired speed.

Some of these mowers have a hydrostatic transmission in the rear-drive and a mechanical transmission in the front. The rear transmission is geared for slow speeds, and the front transmission is geared for normal cutting speeds.

How long do riding lawn mowers usually last?

The average life span of a riding lawn mower is approximately three years. Most riding mowers are generally used for two to three years and require repair or replacement.

Last words

Lawn mower transaxle systems provide many advantages over conventional drive trains. They reduce the possibility of slippage, reduce wear on the driveshaft and other components, make it easier to change directions, they help protect against damage to the transmission in the event of a collision, allow the use of smaller engines, save space, they improve performance, they prevent engine damage in the event of a car accident, they eliminate the need for a clutch, and they increase the longevity of your mower.

About the author
Written by William
I have always had a passion for gardening and that with a background in selling lawn mowers for the past 10 years, I have become very knowledgeable in all types of gardening tools. The site TheBestMowers.co.uk was created as a hub where I can review and write about all of the tips around gardening.
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