Transmission upgrade for X300?

[AKfish]

I've read several posts regarding the problems with the K46 transmission and the X300 lawn tractors.

Too light duty, unable to tow with or adequate to mow hills with, not able to service; i.e. change or add fluid and of course - if they fail (or more correctly - when they fail) it costs nearly 50% the price of a new machine to repair/replace.

Am I on track here....?

As the happy owner of a X300R (2 years and 46hrs) I'd like to know if anyone has replaced the K46 with a more rugged and reliable tranny - say, the K58 from a JD320 machine?

Is that a possibility?

I would hate to give up on my X300R if the tranny were to go and would seriously consider such a DIY project to "get 'er back onto the green" if that was a likely solution.

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

AKfish,
I posted a month or so back asking about the X300R with no responses. How do you like yours? I will be following this thread with interest.

It would seem to be a good size for trimming borders and I like the fact that nothing sticks out on the sides.

 

[AKfish]

Steve;

It's a great lawn tractor - in my experience. I've been using it on my two, small horse pastures (little over an acre, I'd guess) and have had no problems, whatsoever.

Have a fertilizer attachment and a 40 gallon tow-behind sprayer for it. Pastures are mostly level with just a couple of small rises (not really hills..).

I've pushed it on wet grass and plugged it -- but -- I can very nearly guarantee; that it will mow and bag when the side blowers/baggers would plug just driving around the edge of the field - just thinking about it! :thumbsup: The short, direct flow to the rear bagger is a big advantage over the side mount - IMO.

Of course, what I really like is the maneuverability and ability to get in close to fence-lines, etc from either side. Really sweet! No worries about banging into something or having to always approach your mowing direction from the same side.

What I don't like is a rather weak reverse. The power response in reverse is not as "direct" as forward. But, then forward is not a "whiplash" experience, either.. I chalk it up as a function of belt-drive tractors, generally.

Was surprised to read of the tranny concerns that X300 owner's have... That's why I posted and

hit a dry hole for responses....

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

AKfish,
Thanks for the info

 

[deerechris]

See replacing K46 (K46BR3) transmission on an X300 with a K66Y, which was accomplished with a little cutting, a little fabrication and new wheels/tires.

 

[stevem5215]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/164892-tufftorq-k46-repair-guide-pictures.html

Really, really good info on how to fix the K46 with pictures.

Steve

 

[MRehak]

What a timely discussion....
I just took my X300 2007 model (57 Hours) only used for two seasons in PA...Babied and Garage Kept I might add, in for service because it would not move.
I received a call this morning from the Service Tech that was evaluating my problem who informed me that my trasmission was shot. $800.00 to fix. Obviously, I am very disappointed in this. I have about 1/2 acre of grass with a bit of a hill in the back yard. I spent the extra money to buy what I thought was a much more heavy duty machine than the Home Depot version John Deere, but....seems like wasted money. Granted, the frame is much heavier and the engine is supposedly a better engine, but that all doesn't matter if the trasmission dosent hold up. I have a call into John Deere Customer Service who opened a case and told me that a manager would be contacting me in the next few days to discuss. In the meantime, I have no idea what else I can do.

 

[deerechris]

What a timely discussion....
I just took my X300 2007 model (57 Hours) only used for two seasons in PA...Babied and Garage Kept I might add, in for service because it would not move.
I received a call this morning from the Service Tech that was evaluating my problem who informed me that my trasmission was shot. $800.00 to fix. Obviously, I am very disappointed in this. I have about 1/2 acre of grass with a bit of a hill in the back yard. I spent the extra money to buy what I thought was a much more heavy duty machine than the Home Depot version John Deere, but....seems like wasted money. Granted, the frame is much heavier and the engine is supposedly a better engine, but that all doesn't matter if the trasmission dosent hold up. I have a call into John Deere Customer Service who opened a case and told me that a manager would be contacting me in the next few days to discuss. In the meantime, I have no idea what else I can do.

Do you not have the four year / 300 hour warranty (PDF link)?

If you can't get the repair under warranty for some reason, maybe a small engine shop would be able to rebuild the transmission for you, since apparently the parts are available.

 

[Terry5153]

Check these people out:

Tuff Torq service rep: Derrick Dalton (423) 585-1977

Roger Daisley roger@jd-k66-upgrade.com

jamesmaurer.com Search for John Deere Hydrostat, long discussion there.

 

[maniek]

Hi Guys. I did an diy transmission cooling upgrade in my JD x300r.
It's only prototype but so far it works grand.

here is the link: John Deere x300r, Tuff Torq k46 DIY cooling upgrade - YouTube