LX885 Left Side Locked Up

[Arbo1]

Was out plowing some snow this evening, and the left wheels suddenly locked up. I at first thought that I was spinning on some ice, but then realized that the left wheels were not turning. They will not go forward or reverse. When operating the drive lever, it strains the engine like it is trying to go, but it won't. It acts just as though the parking brake is engaged, but on the left side only. Any ideas or help would be appreciated.

 

[Tazza]

Jack that side up, see if the wheels turn by hand the same amount till they stop. Its possible you broke a chain and its bound up, locking the wheels.
I don't know if it runs a gear reduction for the drive or not, its always possible it has failed. Start with the chain though, its the most common thing to go.

 

[AaronS88]

Jack that side up, see if the wheels turn by hand the same amount till they stop. Its possible you broke a chain and its bound up, locking the wheels.
I don't know if it runs a gear reduction for the drive or not, its always possible it has failed. Start with the chain though, its the most common thing to go.

If it is straining the engine my guess is it's not a drive chains. The LX885's have 2 drive chains, one that runs the rear axle, one that runs the front axle, from a double sprocket in the center. If one of them broke I think they would just run off the sprocket and you would have just lost your drive on that side. Taking the side cover off would be a quick way to check this. I would be more likely to lean towards a failure of the brake assembly or failure of the reduction gear box. Either way it will require a large amount of dis-assembly. To completely pull out the gear box the cab must be flipped and the steering controls, 2 speed assembly, drive motor, brake housing, all have to be removed.

 

[Arbo1]

If it is straining the engine my guess is it's not a drive chains. The LX885's have 2 drive chains, one that runs the rear axle, one that runs the front axle, from a double sprocket in the center. If one of them broke I think they would just run off the sprocket and you would have just lost your drive on that side. Taking the side cover off would be a quick way to check this. I would be more likely to lean towards a failure of the brake assembly or failure of the reduction gear box. Either way it will require a large amount of dis-assembly. To completely pull out the gear box the cab must be flipped and the steering controls, 2 speed assembly, drive motor, brake housing, all have to be removed.

Just an update...A bearing in the final drive gear box seized. Locked everything up, tighter than a drum. It was quite an adventure getting it on and off the trailer. We rebuilt the gear box with new bearings through-out. Parts and labor...1100.00, having my machine back...PRICELESS