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I just got a Hustler and unfortunately there is no tranny in it. Having looked and looked for an (affordable) T20 I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to have to hack something. Has anyone given any thought to replacing the old T20 with a modern hydraulic drive system from a zero-turn mower?
I think it would be cheaper to find a T20. With a zero turn hydraulic system most of those motors cost >$1000 and you would need two of them. You would have to buy several new belts and pulleys to run the motors from the engine. Then once you get them in the Hustler you will have to keep them cool. You may limit your speed as well.
I think you would be opening yourself up to more headaches than it's worth when you could easily find a T20 for <$600. In fact you could probably find an old machine on ebay for 200-300, get the T20 out of it and sell the rest for parts. Plus the T20 is probably the most bulletproof transmission you can get for our machines.
Just thinking out loud here. I'm definitely not trying to discourage you from trying something different. If you are just wanting a hydraulic system "just because" then I say go for it but I don't think it's an economical alternative to the T20 even if you already have some of the parts. :cool:
Sierra trail boss transmissions built by Vesley are awesome. You get instant forward reverse action on the fly. But they are 2 separate gear boxes. Looking at the design,they remind me of a GM Powerglide transmission. I am currently experimenting with this idea. Instead of bands to stop the ring gear use a hydraulic motor.