When I got to look at it, I could get it to rock a little back and forth and by trying different positions on the drive handles was able to get it out of the road. Both sides would move, and both tires on each side moved, so no broken chain.
Trying to get it into a better position to work on it; I was able to get it to move about twenty yards before it stopped again.
The right wheels move a bit more reliably than the left, but when everything stops, the right side does also. Also, it seems that revving it all the way up has a helping effect.
Shutting it off for a bit seems to get it to start moving again. So I suspect when the oil heats up that it is bypassing.
Another strange thing (and the thing that makes it similar to the Deere that I need to look at) is that the left side wheels will start by not moving when you pull the lever. Then suddenly move very fast for about half a rotation and stop dead.
I cut open the hydraulic filter and found nothing interesting. I did find that the machine was 7 or 8 gallons low on hydraulic oil.
I thought that it may have been a drive coupler problem (because the client heard a noise) but the pump for the implements is mounted to the end of the dual hydro stats and the bucket lift and curl work fine even when the drive stops.
So... I am hoping to hear some theories. I sort of think that the hydro stat pumps are bad. I also hope to get a little service info. I need to know how to test the pumps and maybe what to look for in case drain tests for the drive motors.
