Choosing a Tranny

[dglambert]

The power is meant for cutting the grass, not pushing or pulling heavy loads.

My LT180 has the K46, yes it needs a tranny oil change/possibly new parts. It is a 2005 model, so it has worked for 14 years so far.

You might try heavier weight oil in the summer.

I'm not sure I can go heavier than the 5W-50 recommended by Tuff Torq. Are you aware of a heavier oil that would work in this unit?

 

[radios1]

look at this thread. https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/164892-tufftorq-k46-repair-guide-pictures.html this is the best price I've found for the rebuild kit. IF NEEDED. Tuff Torq, Repair Kit K46 (cecr), 1A646, At Discounted Prices|Mulligans Parts Company

 

[dglambert]

look at this thread. https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/164892-tufftorq-k46-repair-guide-pictures.html this is the best price I've found for the rebuild kit. IF NEEDED. Tuff Torq, Repair Kit K46 (cecr), 1A6469954, At Discounted Prices|Mulligans Parts Company

Thanks -- that is a good price. Lord knows I've had this thing on & off the tractor enough times to have that part down. There were a couple interesting posts in there (#847, 848) that talked about use of Volvo Penta Synthetic 75W 90 Outboard Leg Oil.

With a little luck, I can keep this thing running enough to shop for a better option, as I still feel like the long-term solution is to find a heavier-duty tractor.

 

[radios1]

Thanks -- that is a good price. Lord knows I've had this thing on & off the tractor enough times to have that part down. There were a couple interesting posts in there (#847, 848) that talked about use of Volvo Penta Synthetic 75W 90 Outboard Leg Oil.

With a little luck, I can keep this thing running enough to shop for a better option, as I still feel like the long-term solution is to find a heavier-duty tractor.

the JD GT series was a true garden tractor, and you can buy them restored for a good price. the IH Cub cadet is another one, like the model 107 HST which could use a scaled down version of any implement of a full size tractor. and the transmission could be easily modified for competition pulling with a 27HP motor and very wide tires, it will take that HP with standard tires though.. and it can accept a FEL, which was one of many accessories made by the OEM..

 

[dougtrr2]

I am a fan of hydrostatic transmission. I had a JD318 and eventually went to a Kubota BX24. At one point I volunteered to mow a friends yard while he was waiting for a heart transplant. It was about two acres and he had a Craftsman with manual transmission. I hated it. 2nd gear was too slow and 3rd gear was too fast. After a while I borrowed a trailer and hauled my JD over. If you are mowing on a hill overbuy your tractor, you won't regret it.

Doug in SW IA

 

[SmallChange]

:laughing::laughing:
View attachment 604050

Hey, come on, life is hard enough without being made fun of. It'd be nice if my trans friends were welcome here. They can like to play with tractors too.

 

[dglambert]

the JD GT series was a true garden tractor, and you can buy them restored for a good price. the IH Cub cadet is another one, like the model 107 HST which could use a scaled down version of any implement of a full size tractor. and the transmission could be easily modified for competition pulling with a 27HP motor and very wide tires, it will take that HP with standard tires though.. and it can accept a FEL, which was one of many accessories made by the OEM..

Excellent - thanks. I've seen good things about the Cubs. I see a fair number of JD 316's and the occasional 425 for sale, too -- as near as I can tell, these were fairly well-built, too, weren't they?

 

[dglambert]

I am a fan of hydrostatic transmission. I had a JD318 and eventually went to a Kubota BX24. At one point I volunteered to mow a friends yard while he was waiting for a heart transplant. It was about two acres and he had a Craftsman with manual transmission. I hated it. 2nd gear was too slow and 3rd gear was too fast. After a while I borrowed a trailer and hauled my JD over. If you are mowing on a hill overbuy your tractor, you won't regret it.

Doug in SW IA

Thanks - I sure didn't think of this yard as "hilly", but it appears maybe it's more so than I'd considered.

 

[radios1]

Excellent - thanks. I've seen good things about the Cubs. I see a fair number of JD 316's and the occasional 425 for sale, too -- as near as I can tell, these were fairly well-built, too, weren't they?

YES!. if the manufacturer sells a plow for it, it's a Garden tractor, (heavy duty). that's what you want for longevity, what ever you use the tractor for.. about the Cubs, I was referencing the Cubs made by IH, international harvester, decades old. the new one's don't compare..

 

[LouNY]

When I finally changed the oil in my mower (JD 110) it was getting quite poor,
it wouldn't even do just the trimming.
I used Mobil 1 20w-50 it completely turned it around,
it at least doubled the power to the ground and doubled the time it was usable.