TuffTorq K46 Repair Guide with Pictures

[wactbn]

I was looking for some info on another transmission and found this link to new K46 transaxles for $219. I have bought from these people in the past and they are good to work with, have been around for a long time

TUFF TORQ K46 TRANSAXLE

I wish you had posted this a few weeks ago. It would have been much cheaper ($256.74 including UPS Ground shipping to me in NH) than the $1700 K66 upgrade I just installed in my L130. I couldn't find any new K46's for less than $350 + shipping in November, and I didn't want to take any chances with a used unit.

 

[JRobyn]

That IS a deal! Wonder if they also have any Hydro-Gear models at this kind of price?

- Jay

ps - looks like only r/l ZTR axles.

 

[DadofTim]

Greetings, I am changing the T-40 hydro-static transmission oil to Tuff Torq 5-50 full syn on a D130 with 17 hrs, I removed the black plastic plug and turned it upside down. The oil level was low according to the refill instructions and it seems like only a quart or so drained out. My questions are; is the a method to get more oil out of the case? (I tried flipping end for end and tipping it back and forth) Also when I refill it; do I need to burp the air out of the system and if so how?
Thanks
For reference the oil color/smell was normal and there was a small amount of sparkle (likely aluminum) , and the magnet was clean

 

[DadofTim]

Greetings, I am changing the T-40 hydro-static transmission oil to Tuff Torq 5-50 full syn on a D130 with 17 hrs, I removed the black plastic plug and turned it upside down. The oil level was low according to the refill instructions and it seems like only a quart or so drained out. My questions are; is the a method to get more oil out of the case? (I tried flipping end for end and tipping it back and forth) Also when I refill it; do I need to burp the air out of the system and if so how?
Thanks
For reference the oil color/smell was normal and there was a small amount of sparkle (likely aluminum) , and the magnet was clean

I checked the drained oil and it was over 2 quarts/liters. I also filled it with two litters plus a couple of oz out of a third liter of TT 5-50 and that filled it to within a half inch of the top. I replaced the (new) cap and re-installed the transmission, when I started it up it wouldn't move forward or backward then after a few attempts it began to move (must of needed to bleed the air out of it). Further road/drive test will have to wait for warmer weather.

 

[ByronMill]

I had to take my deck off to replace a bad spindle.

Thinking of 'servicing the tranny',(sounds funny when you say it!) . Is there any way i can leave it on the frame and just drill a hole in the bottom to drain the oil out? and then add new oil through a 'hole' in the top?

this thread is incredibly long?nd no i didn't look through all the posts to see if anyone else has done it.

Just trying to find a way to save time.

thanks in advance

If you want to add the bottom drain you actually have to drill and tap 2 holes. There are 2 separate compartments inside the transaxle and there would need to be a drain in each side to empty it without dumping it over. The fill access port (under the fan and pulley, not the more accessible vent plug) houses the opening between the 2 chambers.

If you do want to install the 2 drains there are actually bosses cast into the bottom case that are the locations that TuffTorq drills and taps for units they send out with drain ports. There is a data/instruction sheet available off their website showing where to drill.

You will still have the problem of how to get the oil in the case again once you drain it.

 

[ByronMill]

I have a k46 but how do you get the vent off with out ripping the ruber to fill with oil

You are not supposed to remove the vent. The fill access is located in the middle under the fan/pulley. It is a flat black plug or cap. Under there is another magnet that needs cleaning. It also is the area where the inlet ports to each of the 2 internal chambers are located. It is also the point where you observe for the proper fill level. You have to remove the fan and pulley to access it.

 

[gtunney]

Thought I'd provide an update on the Tuff Torq build on my T40 to K57. After 75 hours of use on the rebuilt transmission for my JD L118, I decided to drain the unit and do a complete refill. The unit was doing fine since the overhaul, but I wanted to be safe. The oil that drained out did not look healthy. It was a milky brown - like coffee with milk in it. Not sure if that is normal.

We completely drained it and refilled with the recommended synthetic 5W-50. Worked all of the air out of it and it was fine right away. I cut the lawn that evening and performance seemed the same. It was still fine and has for the most part run fine since.

Now I'm approaching 200 hours (around 480 total for the tractor) and the end of my fourth season on the rebuilt transmission and still seems to be working fine. I have noticed some increased shuddering while making tight turns so I'm going to drain and replace the oil again before I start using it in the spring. I'll check in with the Tuff Torq guys to see if the shuddering in tight turns is a big issue. I'm wondering if the K57 changes cause issues with the 18" turn radius the tractor is originally rated for.

On a different note, I did have to have a couple of gaskets replace on the engine last season as it was burning and leaking oil.

If I have any more major issues, like the transmission failing again or the engine becoming a problem, I will just get a new, heavier duty tractor.

 

[essexcoupe]

Hi All, new here,
what amazing site, thanks especially to Lotsofgreengrass
I am down under in Auckland,
New Zealand
Mine has the death rattle, lost most of its drive and real noisy
would this be a replacement k46 box stated above would it go into a Lt166 transaxle
or does anyone know where 1 can find 1 at a good price
best I can find at the moment is 720 us$
jd no am880203 or am122742
I have been looking at the original post and it seems that you can only by kits now
as my mechanical (hot rodding) side said lets strip it and rebuild it
is this the case?
I have a K51B-lt axle

thanks for your help

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Hi All, new here,
what amazing site, thanks especially to Lotsofgreengrass
I am down under in Auckland,
New Zealand
Mine has the death rattle, lost most of its drive and real noisy
would this be a replacement k46 box stated above would it go into a Lt166 transaxle
or does anyone know where 1 can find 1 at a good price
best I can find at the moment is 720 us$
jd no am880203 or am122742
I have been looking at the original post and it seems that you can only by kits now
as my mechanical (hot rodding) side said lets strip it and rebuild it
is this the case?
I have a K51B-lt axle

thanks for your help

look at post #791

welcome aboard too!

 

[essexcoupe]

thanks will look now :thumbsup:
Saw this will it fit a LT166 ?