Wondering About the Inherent K46 Problems

[JDL130]

Since my L130 trans failed I have been wondering about the inherent problems with the K46.

Could they have been exacerbated by the design of the L-series Deeres with those big tires? I swear they have downsized the tires even on the newer D-series. The older tractors didn't have huge tires either, at least not in this "class" of tractor.

I would assume a bigger tire = more rotational force and stress on internal parts?

Also, I wonder if the heat problem is not exacerbated by the boxed-in rear with the hitch plate on it. I've noticed on the new X300+ Deeres the rear area has much more open metal, probably for servicing the trans, but also possibly for airflow around the transmission?

I can't think the silly little belt-driven fan is doing much when the whole trans casing is basically in a hotbox.

 

[Topcat14]

Since my L130 trans failed I have been wondering about the inherent problems with the K46.

Could they have been exacerbated by the design of the L-series Deeres with those big tires? I swear they have downsized the tires even on the newer D-series. The older tractors didn't have huge tires either, at least not in this "class" of tractor.

I would assume a bigger tire = more rotational force and stress on internal parts?

Also, I wonder if the heat problem is not exacerbated by the boxed-in rear with the hitch plate on it. I've noticed on the new X300+ Deeres the rear area has much more open metal, probably for servicing the trans, but also possibly for airflow around the transmission?

I can't think the silly little belt-driven fan is doing much when the whole trans casing is basically in a hotbox.

There is no inherent problem with K46 transaxle, it is by far the most used transaxle for lawn tractors of all makes. 95% of all problems with K46 are owner induced ( asking it to do something it wasn稚 designed for) if you have more than 2 acres not the transmission for you, if you have severe hills not the transmission for you if you want to pull heavy cart full of rocks or topsoil not the transmission for you. Problem with many is you buy the tractor used and have no idea what if any abuse the former owner subjected tractor to. No matter what size engine pretty sure the k46 puts about 3hp to tires, so you can see not a lot of HP or torque. If you have a flat 2 acres or less , occasional aerate or tow the K46 will last years. And if you really want to extend life, every 200 hours or so replace oil in transmission and use 5-50 full synthetic

 

[Topcat14]

An oh yeah I should add- I do agree design could be better on older JD’s- I have a La135- that I have changed oil to synthetic , I am a fanatic on keeping my JD clean, but when I pulled out transaxle I had debris stuck in fins and on top- that again doesn’t help keep it cool. And make no mistake the enemy of the k46 is heat. My X300 has the slats as you referred too, not only does it promote better air flow it also allows me to use leaf blower to blow away any debris on transaxle, which can only help in the transmissions long time survival