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I got a sweet 147 from my father-in-law and I'm trying to get it back in good working order. I found that the coupling attached to the shaft coming out of the hydrostatic transmission is attached to some drive shaft parts that I can't identify. I've been poring over the manuals (owner's and service) and the parts lists on the supply websites but I just cant find the parts. See the attached photos.

I found this because this mass of whirling looseness is hitting the tranny oil filter and popped a leak in it. The bigger problem is that the drive train needs to be fixed properly. I have a feeling I have a big job ahead of me.

I believe you need the driveshaft, which is item #1 on the attached parts list. Looks like your fan has lost all of its blades.

$110.30 is way too pricy for that shaft. Have you considered contacting Forum member Jeff in PA? He makes and sells them for a fraction of that cost and uses 4140 steel doing it.
CC Specialists has them as well for only a few dollars more along with anything else needed thus making for a one stop shopping trip, both make their own (or source them out) and pass the savings on to you

I can make a new driveshaft for you. Also check the rear pump coupler for excessive wear where the 3/8" driveshaft diameter fits in. At the engine, check to see if the drive hub is still in good shape. Once the driveshaft starts wobbling, it wears the slots.

It would be more cost effective to replace the worn parts at one time. If you need multiple parts, I can make a package deal for you

Jeff

I changed the front coupler setup on my 147 to the type used on the later quiet line. Much better setup!

What I'm seeing is a well-worn rag joint.

That is why they're called 'rag joints'...

Okay, so, the rag joint not only transmits torque, it allows compliance in both radial and longitudinal directions.

Radial meaning, the centerline of the driveshaft is not necessarily in-line with the plane of the driven end... a common cardan-type 'u-joint' does this.

The longitudinal compliance, is what you get when the frame flexes such that the shaft needs to move closer or farther from the driven end. A common U-joint will NOT allow this, unless it's in a slip yoke.

The rag joint has some advantages... first, it takes up very little space, second, it's very simple... third, it demands NO lubrication, and finally, it isolates... both vibration, and electricity.

The first is nice for things that involve human hands... no vibration is a really nice thing... and the second... It is not unusual for a bad ground to wind up making a driveline component the 'current flow path' for things like starter, or charging current... which ruins bearings, U-joints, gears, and hydrostat pumps.

Rag joints are most commonly found in steering columns of automobiles and light trucks. They can be used in engine couplings, but as you see here, they tend to take a beating.

If you want a more serious driveline:

download/file.php?id=17034

And... don't worry about the fan. I work the p!$$ out of Loader-Mutt, with a 24hp Honda, and the Hy-Tran warms up, but I've beat it relentlessly for 24 years... and I still haven't cooked the hydrostat unit.

And I mean... relentlessly...