Consumer Reports does list the Cub Cadet brand as more prone to problems but first that is based on just readers writing in and second the info is two years out of date. You put in a new fuse and it works for about 10 minutes and then blows the fuse. Hydro-Gear also offers larger and more productive commercial models including the ZT-5400 that offers two-speed operation up to 18 miles per hour for transporting. Personally, I would choose the E160. I like Cub Cadet because there are many local dealers and its easy to get parts and help if you need it. The 50 inch deck will get you mowing done in a couple of hours. He cut costs in the mold. There is a guy who offers a complete K66 upgrade kit here: K66 Upgrade Kits, Hey Paul, If you are mowing up and down that slope you are not on it for more than 30-45 sec. Over the XT1 GT50: Additional 4 and fabricated deck and ball bearing front wheels. Called Sears service dept and after 30 min they said the 25587 games a k46. But I started to have issues with the low level K46 ( the second 'NEW' trans with just a little under 100 hours) getting slower and slower. I noticed that my transaxle was starting to growl & whine and wasn't operating up to standard especially going uphill. Unlike zero-turn mowers that havetwo independent transaxles, ridingmowers have another feature that works with the transmission to create even more traction: the locking differential. Again these trans are designed for the application and most are not designed to pull loads, just mow and bag. One last thing. On the 2015 & the 2016 models of the Craftsman Pro Series model # 20442 , 46 , 24hp Kohler engine, what # is the current transmission on this model # 20442 ? i need to stay in the 2 to 3k price range , Is there any hope for that? How would it compare to the TS354D? On behalf of all of the lurkers who dont post questions/comments: thank you for your dedication to helping/informing others. on the CVT transmission from G.T. 25-HP V-Twin Kohler. This technology is beneficial because it uses less fuel to mow your lawn and is quieter than using lawn tractors with larger engines. (25) 25 product ratings - Genuine OEM Tuff Torq C6138 K46 Transmission Cap 187T0136300 168T2036300 T40. The Kohler 7000 is a residential engine. @Wayne, The Pro uses the K46 Tuff Torq hydrostatic. My D140 is 9 years old now and I have 430 hours on it. M. Mowertec Member. Not planning on using a tractor for ground type equipment, but possibly for carts, etc for a large flat open lawn. New parts are expensive but readily available. Until then, I have to assume you bought your tractor in the last year so it should be under warranty. Thanks Paul! Best Riding Lawn Mowers - The ULTIMATE Guide | SuaveYards.com, 2019 Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP 50 at Home Depot, Craftsman 19A30003799 4246 2-Bin Bagger, https://services.generaltransmissions.com/en/?lang=en, Craftsman 20407 48 24 HP V-Twin Briggs & Stratton with TurnTight Garden Tractor, Model #247255870 Craftsman lawn, tractor transmission, John Deere E140 48 in. The Cub Cadet tractors I showed you will do the job and last but they are twice the money you have budgeted. The 20443 and 20445 have the stronger K58 transmission. A hydros speed reduction is mainly done with the internal pump. Im not sure about the reliability of the website. Its working even though the tractor has fallen apart. Co., Ltd. Dec 18, 2018 / Info About K46 Thru K72 Transaxles. Several manufacturers produce hydrostatic lawn mower transmissions for different types of riding mowers. Ive also looked into the 25081. Thanks for any info. around $5000 plus the deck. 2011 Husqvarna MZ6128ZT at Sears! Recently got a 917_259530 hydro by craftsman that was running fine but now it wont move either direction now and I feel a slight tug. As of right now Craftsman is the only brand that has this CVT. If you have large open areas to mow the cheaper manual works just as well because you just put it in a gear and gogogo. Hi Laurie, I have bad news and good news for you. 20 V-Twin HP Briggs & Stratton Automatic Gas Front-Engine 960460063 uses the automatic. A Kohler or Kawasaki engine with a CVT transmission and heavy gauge deck with mulching included would be great. Both of these tractors are good machines and worth the extra $150-200 you need to spend. I go in tho talk to my local Cub dealer about that mower again .. and he says a used 4 year old Regent Simplicity he has with 255 hours is a better mower. Tuff Torq K46/T40 TRANSAXLE Resealing process Presented by TTC Time required: 30 minutes Note: Some models may vary in appearance. I know it doesnt have that total garden tractor size or look but just wanted to know your feelings on it for my uses. Think they weigh around 260 Lbs. The K62 is similar to the K66. This type of transmission takes practice to keep the tires from digging into your lawn but with a little practice these are very easy to use. Hitch looks like it has never been used. 3. What about the new composite axles? @Joe, HD has 6 different Ariens tractors this year. It make sense that it uses the same components to save money in manufacturing. Many people seem to have high-hopes for CVT transmissions. Craftsman has made many improvements including better steering, more legroom room, better seat, better engines and the the new CVT trans. Hi Keith, yes, the John Deere LA 175 is a lawn tractor. The only bagger that is available for the current 42-46 inch mowers is a 2-bag. That means at least new wheels and tires and probably hubs. This site is great and thank for all the advice. It is almost impossible to stall out the RS 800. The speed control is on the left fender. You need a lot of power and torque to get moving while maintaining grip for traction. Hi Lynn, I do not recommend a manual transmission. We have 4 dealers, not talking box stores, within a 25 mile radius. I replaced the clutch with new and the mower works fine. Thanks Paul! A20VA46 46 in. Paul: I am looking to replace by 2000 year model Sears garden tractor. You can shift-on-the-go with some models but to get the longest life most brands suggest you push down on the clutch/brake pedal and then shift to the speed you want. They will bend and give in places where aluminum will crack and steel will bend and not spring back (and get a memory). At what RPM does the transaxle operate? Thanks, The CVT sounds like the transmission I will look for. The TS354D, Troy-Bilt GT, Craftsman Pro GT and the Cub Cadet GT tractors have a heavy duty garden tractor trans. Is G.T. Its only about 4 inches longer but has a lot more room to get on and off. You can save even more money and still have a great garden tractor with the Craftsman Pro 20445 and Craftsman Pro 20443. Thanks again. I have a LA 175. The guys over there live and breathe modifying this stuff. Seems a bit quieter over the previous fluid. The tractor eventually will go slower than normal or slow to a stop going up a slope. . The K57 has some more features then the K46. They use the K58 trans in the Troy-Bilt GTs and I am not aware that it is even available with ELD. So Paul, having read probably 100 comments and your replys, would I be correct in saying that you would recommend the Craftsman 20391 with a CVT transmission over the Pro Series 20442 with the K46? Is it hopeless for me? Yeah I looked theyre black on the 2 auto models in store Are they the element v rs800-rt400 or is there another company making auto CVT these days? Now we come to the K66 upgrade. I was paying $50 week for one property (not huge but way < 4 acres) and the problem was the poor cut quality. I have a perfectly good well maintained B&S Intek 24 HP engine and tractor and it seems a shame . Ive got a little bit of leeway on the price range if the quality and reliability warrant it. Our local farm tractor supply store carries different models the Raptor SD and the Fastrak. Some of the Higher end Husqvarnas use the K66. Near the bottom of the page is a section called Inof & Guides Click on the replacement parts list. In general, the K66 is a much stronger axle in every way. But people who want a good reliable tractor will see right through the plastic front axle, cheap motor and duplicate hood and see that HD is just out for their money on this one. I have a very hilly and uneven 4 acres and haul things around with a trailer too. If replace, what higher performing transmissions would match up to my D140? wILL THE tUFF tORQ FIT IN A jOHN dEERE mODEL 145 AUTOMATIC ? More robust transmissions such as the K66 will be available in heavy-duty garden tractors as one of the parts that makes them well suited for heavy workloads. Great article interesting and informative. Hi Dennis, As usual, whoever you talked to didnt know the Craftsman line. I like the price much better. Correct me if Im wrong , you stated that this model had a K46 TUFF TORQ tanny & a K58 TUFF TORQ tanny . aware of the issue ? The life of a K46 is anywhere from 200-1000 hours depending on how you use it. https://todaysmower.com/general-transmissions-now-has-a-u-s-parts-service-and-sales-center/. Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 7:59 am Post subject: Re: K46 tuff torq transaxle T40 Indeed it does indicate the LT166 uses a K51. I dont review and test them but I will tell you the local dealer is just about as important as the actual brand of tractor. Ive gotten some good info off of this site already, will appreciate any more you can provide to help out. I dont know what division of Sears you are talking to. So its opposite of the lawn tractor he has now. Use this link to check it out on Sears.com: So what gives with this? By the way Mahindra is the largest utility tractor manufacture in the world. I have about 4 acres, flat, not too many obstacles. K46: Simple basic model; K57: Installs a charge pump to the K46 for higher HST efficiency and longer life; K58: Premium model with higher load capacity from K57; Models for heavy-load. Thanks for the great site and any helpful advice. What about one of those tow-behind 3 foot tillers with their own motor on them for garden work? Im just curious why a major component wasnt covered with their best in the business extended warranty. I have D140, 5 years old, with failing T40 transmission. After much research, I pulled the trigger on a Simplicity Prestige for my hilly and uneven yard but spent $8000 on it. PART NO. The Repair techs should have a spec sheet that helps them to understand if the trans is bad. Hello again Paul. You break it quickly. Hi Evan, A hill generally rules out a zero-turn so you should go with a lawn tractor. Spring? ), and a little less of a mohawk on the new bladesI notice the mohawk more when I have left the grass to grow an extra 1-2 days. They shift better, are much, much lighter and easier to use. Note: I am never on the slope for more than 10-20 seconds, but dont want to stress the tranny to early failure. Check the other wheel. This is not a common problem. After reading your articles and realizing I have a quality 14HP Vanguard Briggs engine, I am second guessing myself for buying the JD (not sure how well it will handle the hill with the transmission, and lower quality engine. If the engines were junk , why would KUBOTA have them in the first place ? Ive worn out 2 zturns doing this kind of stuff. So the manufactures listened and changed from the heavy, cumbersome tractors to lightweight tractors that mowed well, mowed faster, turned easier and didnt cause damage to our lawns. Should I be worried about the transmission? Really makes me appreciate how great that Craftsman has been to us; unfortunately, it also now has me worried about using it as we have all these yearshence, my questions above . MTD has their own CVT. Only spending $1699 wont get you anything capable of the tasks you mention. Craftsman is now using them in all Husqvarna built tractors except the Garden Tractors. All are Craftsmanmodel: 20409 (54 deck 24hp Briggs, 48 wheelbase, turn tight) and model: 27055 (54 deck 26hp Briggs, 40 wheelbase, turn tight extreme) and model: 27048 (50 deck, 26hp Kohler, locking differential, 40 wheelbase)no turn tightwhy?? I also talked to a Husqvarna dealer and he wasnt too excited about the RS 800. It can cause steering problems and overload the rear axle. Can I swap the trans between these two with slight modifications and put the Toro trans under the Saber? Now it is fine on flats but even for mowing it seems after the transmission warms up after 10 minutes or so, I cant go up the slightest incline no power. 2. These transmissions are not like the older styles though. I guess Ive been spoiled by my old Sears Craftsman II. Hi Paul, Ive been using a Troybilt Super Bronco 50 cut with the Kohler KT725 24HP engine for 4 years. Right? Ive read a number of your posts and I still cant decide between the manual and hydrostatic versions of the Craftsman LT3000 42 turn tight lawn tractor. Are these two more dependable, durable, in holding up doing basic pulling and towing work around the property? These transmissions are very easy to use. Craftsman Pro with larger tires, power steering, larger deck, arm rests, and a lot bigger Kohler 7000 Elite engine. Will I have the same problem in the future? You can get this tractor at Home Depot or you local Cub Cadet Dealer. The hydro also has built in braking. Maybe thats the best I can do? I dont have a good source for individual parts but here is a place to start General Trans Parts page. It uses a friction wheel and disk to change the forward speed of your rider. The K66 Upgrade Kit is a complete DIY replacement solution for your broken or . it is getting worn. What would be your suggestion to replace the trans? That is the right transmission for that mower. Im just wondering because if someone needs a replacement engine, they could buy whatever version of the engine block they can find the cheapest (possibly used) and use the old carb from their blown engine if thats the only difference. Other than that it was an excellent tractor and was a staple in the Craftsman line for years. What seems to be the best value for what I need is the Troy-bilt Super Bronco 54 XP GT garden tractor. Tran is slipping very badly, barely moving forward. For that extra money I would really expect them to last 2 to 3 times longer than the other brands. Any ideas? Do Google search using the trans part number. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Both, Richie Tractor in Knoxville, AND Tuff Torq who makes the worthless hydrostatic transmission in the thing laughed at me for buying it. Turn Tight Automatic Riding Mower, Cub Cadet Lawn Mowers XT1 Enduro Series GT 50 in. or Best Offer. Are higher RPM transaxles available without super high wheel spin? I tried to find out the difference between the 20HP through 25HP Kohler 7000 series (KT715-KT740) engines and have been unable to identify a difference except for the carb. Save. I'm about to change the oil for 5W-50 full synthetic. or inside the transmission? The correct bagger is the Craftsman 19A30003799 4246 2-Bin Bagger. @Anthony, Yes, the 20374 is a light duty CVT that uses the variable speed pulley. Do you think this mower will hold up in hilly terrain? What do you think of mower if this is true? I was looking through your top picks for 2018 and ran across the 25587. Are higher RPM transaxles available without super high wheel spin? I have only found one place in the US that repairs the old Sunstrands. (yrs old and well maintained. Looking for your advise on whether to try to figure out the mohawk issue on the Simplicity, or keep the D130, or look for something that is better suited for the hills. The biggest issue people were having the trans has been replaced this year with a more dependable unit (thats why the model number change). They seem to be quite sturdily built. The shorter wheelbase does turn better than the old 20409. It has the 20 inch rear tires. It's such a common problem, that when I went into my local John Deere dealer to see about getting my D170 fixed (200 hours on it), the guy at the counter . I would have to make more passes to complete the mowing but that is ok. Ive been told per call to MTD by a tech who supposedly went and looked up the trannys, while on the phone, for the Troy Bilts and said this is the model starting with the K46 tranny. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I cant find any true manual transmission mowers built in 2018. But our lean-to it was parked under collapsed under snow. That said, A good garden tractor with a heavy duty transmission that will last many years is going to be around $3000. Its true you get what you pay for when it comes to garden tractors (John Deere is the exception, except for their top of the line tractors and the Simplicity is still a better tractor).