I am very excited to announce that there is now a transmission available for lawn tractors that has all of the features of a hydrostatic transmission without all the problems. There are no pumps, motors or hydraulic oil to wear out. The transmission is sealed and never needs maintenance.
For 2014 Craftsman is taking a huge leap forward in transmission technology. Today’s automatic transmissions in Craftsman Yard Tractors are ideal for any type of terrain. Having to buy a manual transmission for hills is a thing of the past.
Automatic Transmission – Simple to use, ideal for all terrain.
This transmission is different than the CVT in MTD built lawn tractors. You can tell the difference by the shift. The MTD transmissions have a F-N-R selector on the left fender. While the MTD built transmissions have proven to be very dependable they are designed for light-duty lawn tractors. This new CVT in the Craftsman Yard tractors is a heavy duty unit and eliminates all the worries owners have had with the current crop of hydrostatic transmissions in the $1400 to $2500 tractor price range.
CVT transmissions like this will replace hydrostatic transmissions in lawn and yard tractors.
This bulletproof transmission from General Transmissions is designed for high performance and low maintenance. The new Element V™ Automatic transmissions are right for yard tractors. The V-Motion™ patented technology that is the heart of this transmission is based on a CVT, Continuously Variable Transmission, system. Unlike traditional gear transmissions, V-Motion™ equipped transmissions are infinitely adjustable to match your acceleration needs. Eliminating the need to stop and shift, you won’t lose any of the momentum that is lost when you shift gears with a manual transmission lawn tractor.
Unlike Hydrostatic Transmissions there are no pumps, motors or hydraulic oil to wear out. The transmission is sealed and never needs maintenance. In fact you probably will never have to replace the CVT belt.
Watch this video to see the testing this transmission went through before the first one was sold.
General Transmissions already has over 20 million transmissions installed in lawn & garden equipment around the world. CVT is not new or unproven technology. Conceptualized by Leonardo da Vinci more than 500 years ago, CVT has been used for years in snowmobiles, performance motorcycles, heavy equipment, and is now replacing automatic transmissions in automobiles. Today, over 100 leading cars have drivetrains using CVTs.
The transmission in the Craftsman Yard Tractor is sized for it and is a proven and reliable part of the tractor. This transmission is sealed and never needs maintenance. Just clean the dirt and leaves off the top of the trans every few months. All of the components that make it run are completely enclosed in a sealed case. This transmission is sized to the tractor. It will give you long life for mowing, snow removal and yard work. Like most transmissions in lawn tractors it does not have posi-traction or differential lock for steep hills (greater than 15%).
This transmission is designed for mowing and yard work. It is not designed for pulling a food plot cultivator or disk.
The pedal on the left side of the tractor is the parking brake. You do not need to depress that pedal to shift the tractor. The forward, reverse speed and braking is controlled one lever on the right side fender. To go forward move the lever forward. To stop pull the lever back to the middle position. (The parking brake pedal can also be used to stop the tractor.) To back the tractor pull the lever back. Because of the way this CVT transmission operates the braking is part of the operation. When you move the lever towards the middle (neutral) the transmission brakes your travel automatically. The brake is internal and never needs replacement. You only need to use the left hand pedal to start the mower or to leave it stopped on a hill.
chris
If the GT CVT transmission was so great, why did all the lawn tractor manufacturers quit using them?
Answer: Because they are junk. I have replaced over 20 of them because they fail, and or melt.
Paul
Hi Chris, ALL the manufacturers did not quit using them.
1. Craftsman is now owned by MTD/Stanley, Black & Decker. MTD/SBD has its own variable speed tranny so it makes sense for them to use that one.
2. I don’t know why Briggs stopped using it.
3. Husqvarna stopped because they refused to train their techs on how to clean/repair them. 80% of the problems with the 800 series is dirt/dust on the top of the tranny or other $2 parts repair. The transmissions themselves don’t go bad.
4. John Deere still uses to this day the 400 series in the e100 tractors.
Martin
Martin from Australia here Paul. I wondered if you are able to give me some advice re Husqvana yard tractor which has a K46, hydrostatic transmission. It was working well. I broke an axel. Axel was replaced. Mower worked well for about 20 minutes, then lost power, worked very slowly then would not move forward. Had to return to shed in reverse,but very slow. Trans removed and oil changed. Same performance . Different oils tried twice more with same results. The trans temp did not seen excessively high. Would you please have any advice about re-establishing normal performance? Would be most grateful for any advice you or your readers may be able to provide.
Thank you.
Martin
Paul
Hi Martin, I’m not a mechanic. But, I suggest going to mytractorforum.com and asking over there.
Peter
Dear Paul!
Owned a mf 50 23 iz tractor. Unfortunately, the gearbox is broken, with only one half driving. It is a CVT derailleur tractor, not a belt, but a disc. Maybe you don’t know who the manufacturer of this part number is (918-04406)? I want to buy a seal, but everywhere I get the answer that I can only complete a gear.
Paul
Hi Peter, I believe that transmission was made by MTD and is called Infinitrak IVT. The trans is a design licensed from the British Company ToroTrak. It was also used on the Craftsman Revolution Lawn Tractor (2009)
Cub Cadet had a zero-turn tractor like yours but they used two hydrostatic transmissions instead of the IVT.
If you watch eBay and other sites you may be able to find a trans from the Craftsman Revolution. Craftsman sold about 2500 units.
I can’t find any place that sells individual parts for the trans and I know if they went bad Sears just replaced the entire unit. But the trans was built here in the U.S. so a standard axle seal should work. I suggest pulling the seal and taking it to a local Massey dealer or small engine repair shop that rebuilds trannys.
I do remember it uses a special fluid inside the tranny. Regular oil won’t work.
I did find parts for your tractor here: https://www.partstree.com/models/247-289330-17ak9tkr099-craftsman-revolution-zero-turn-mower-2009-sears/transmission-drive-controls-8/
Peter
Thanks your fast answer
Peter
What do you think, better change to other type of transmission?
Paul
Hi Peter, That mower was not designed for a regular lawn tractor transmission. A regular K46 or similar transmission just won’t fit.
Installing two zero-turn hydrostatic transmissions like the Cub Cadet used would easily cost over $1500.
It’s time for a different lawn tractor
SaulF
Hey Paul,
Is there a non plastic transmission replacement for the above transmission? Or a very good replacement transmission?
My 42” T3000 2014, has 71 hours on it and the Trans has to be replaced. The shop guy who I have used for years said I would be better off getting a different mower.
I like the looks, the engine is great as the shop guy said, the Trans is terrible.
Paul
Hi SaulF, While most of today’s lawn tractor transmissions can’t be repaired the RS800 is easily repaired and if parts are needed, they are cheap. Unfortunately, most repair shops won’t take the time to remove the tranny, clean it and/or replace the parts.
1. Start by cleaning the top of the transmission off with air from an air compressor. A lot of the problems that look like a bad transmission are simply dirt and debris that has built up around the linkages on the top of the trans.
2. If that doesn’t fix it then go to General Transmissions/Service. Follow the steps there to figure out what needs to be repaired.
Here are two videos that you can use to troubleshoot the trans and clean the top of it.
RS800 Checklist
RS800 Primary pulley cleaning operation
Dennis
Hi Paul,
I have a Craftsman 7000 Pro Series lawn tractor, model # 917.986410 which I bought in 2014. It has a CVT transmission which I really like. Recently I’m having a hard time depressing the forward pedal, usually it will snap into gear. At the same time I have a problem with it engaging reverse, many times nothing happens but if I move forward a bit then reverse will work. Any suggestions?
Paul
Hi Dennis, I’ll bet it’s a very simple fix. The top of your transmission is full of dirt and debris. Go to this website and click on the “troubleshooting” tab. You have an RS800 transmission.
Dennis
Hi Paul,
The link for the troubleshooting website was not attached.
Thanks
Paul
Hi Dennis, Oops – https://services.generaltransmissions.com/en/?lang=en
Jim
I have owned a YT3000 Craftsman since 2015 and have a lot of experience with the RS800P GT Transmission. Here is what I have learned:
1. The dust cover/updated primary variator improvement helps with primary variator and control system issues (caused by dirt and debris) but it is not a cure. The way I deal with it is to use a leaf blower and stick it through the rear wheel wells on both sides of the mower and blow the debris out AFTER EVERY USE. I also use a long tip attachment from my air compressor, stick that into the rear of the tractor though the access holes on the back plate and blow more debris out. This helps much more than the dust cover.
2. If you mow in dusty conditions, the belts will slip. The drive belt and variator belt. You will notice it on hills in particular. Cleaning as in number 1 above helps.
3. if the tractor stalls on a hillside, slowly allow the pedal to ease back. This will lower the gear ratio between the variators and can help prevent the mower drive belt from slipping, allowing the mower to resume climbing.
4. I have had to replace the variator belt one time and the drive belt twice. On the last drive belt, I got one that was 2″ shorter than OEM. Use a good drive belt, no cheapies.
5. I believe the transmission has a flaw that can be fixed: I think the spring inside of the secondary variator (the one with the black top) is too weak and allows the belt to slip prematurely. A stronger spring would put more tension on the belt. I intend to take this up with GT tech support. They seem to be quite difficult to contact and emailing them from their website is useless.
I hope this helps.
Mr. C
Just a quick question, after 5 years from your first review of this CVT tranny, are you still as excited as when it first came out?
Paul
Hi Mr. C, yes, it’s a great alternative to a hydro. General Transmissions has made quite a few improvements to it since it first came out. The biggest change is the trannys now have a debris cover on the top so the speed mechanism does not get plugged with grass and other debris from the mower deck.
Patrick
Ok, I just bought a yt3000 with no/very slow reverse and very slow forward, found the problem to be the variation belt was pretty much worn out. The previous owner was told it needed a whole new transmission for over $1000. Can’t these Tech’s do their jobs?, it only took me 15-20 min. to find the issue!! Will put in new belt, but it may need new variation pullies also, making grinding noise, all info I’ve looked into points to these, will soon find out, I have to change out the axle seals also. Will keep you posted.
Thanks
Mr. C
Paul
Hi Patrick, In case you don’t know – here is where you get parts. General Transmissions at your serviceWe will help you in the diagnostic and repair of our products :
Gary Rogers
I have the same problem and contacted them. They are going to tell you where to get the seals (Amazon), give you the part #, and send you the instructions on how to replace them, which involves simply removing the rear tires, pulling out the old seals and inserting the new ones.
peter yann
What is a good riding lawn mower for 2a. of hills?
Paul
Hi Peter, A good one for hills 2 acres of hills is a 50-54 inch garden tractor.
Home Depot: Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series GT 50 in. 25-HP V-Twin Kohler Gas Hydrostatic Garden Tractor with Cub Connect Bluetooth
Cub Cadet GT 54 in. Fabricated Deck 25-HP V-Twin Kohler Gas Hydrostatic Garden Tractor with Cub Connect Bluetooth
Cub Cadet 54 in. Fabricated Deck 25-HP V-Twin Kohler Gas Hydrostatic Garden Tractor with Diff-Lock
From Craftsman: Craftsman ProSeries 27048 50″ 26 HP V-Twin Kohler Garden Tractor w/ Locking Differential
This one is a very good deal this week! Craftsman ProSeries 27055 54″ 26 HP Garden Tractor with TurnTight Extreme® & Smart Lawn Technology
Babu
Hi Paul, I have a craftsman YS4500 lawn tractor, no forward drive model # is 944 608060 can you please help ? thank you
Paul
Hi Babu, Unfortunately, I can’t help you. I have no access to parts, manuals or anything for the Canadian Craftsman tractors. They are different than the U.S. sold products. I suggest that you talk to a local repair shop and see if they can help.