Replacing Deere L118 Hydro (T40A) with any brand K46?

[JimR1998]

I have a Deere L118 lawn mower with a dying T40a, which I'm told is very similar to a K46. I dropped it and refreshed the oil, which gave me some life but it still loses power going up hills once it gets hot. I'm looking to get a few more years out of the tractor but don't want to spend $400+ and a full day doing a rebuild (I'm slow). New hydros are $700+.

On craigslist there are lots of Craftsman/TroyBilt/Husq/etc for cheap or free to take them away. If they have a K46 rear, can I use that? There's a Scotts model closeby for free (does not run) but the axle looks like mine.

I'm not looking to get involved with drilling new holes, re-figureing linkages, etc. Thanks.

 

[Spanner]

How about you drag the 'freebie' home and pull the transmission for a look?
Take some measurements, compare linkages, axle shaft diameter/length, Input pulley, etc.
If it is a definite no-go sell the trans and 'part-out' (as you guys say) and keep looking.

 

[Richard001]

there's nothing wrong with doing a little drilling, cutting and making new linkages to install a new or use transmission. On my old garden tractor, I'm on the third transmission.

Keeping my fingers crossed !

P.S. It's not the JD.