Hydrostatic transaxle having a casing split along one or more vertical

Abstract

A fully integrated hydrostatic transaxle formed of three housing members, a hydrostatic transmission and axle housing member joined to a differential housing member along a vertical plane and joined to a hydrostatic transmission mounting plate and cover member along a horizontal plane. A hydrostatic transmission is connected to and suspended from the mounting plate and cover member. In a second embodiment, a hydrostatic transmission is mounted to a hydrostatic transmission and axle housing member, which in turn is fastened to a center housing member. The center housing member is in turn connected to an axle and differential housing member. The interfaces defined by where the housing members are joined together define substantially parallel vertical planes. Means for effectively unlocking the transmission and the differential is provided so that the operator can push the vehicle without encountering the resistance of back driving the hydrostatic transmission. A neutral position adjustment mechanism provides a tactile indication of the neutral position, and the mechanism can be readjusted to define the correct neutral position.