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K46 Tuff Torq Transmisson
#1
GovtMule66
GovtMule66
Has anyone on this forum ever purchased a new K46 transmisson directly from Tuff Torq?
Will Tuff Torq sell complete transmissons to the general public or do we have to go through a supplier of theirs?
My Dad owns a 2010 model John Deere D170 which has been garage kept since he purchased it. Unfortunately though the lawm mower now has over 500 hours on it and the transmisson has all but quit. We have changed the oil in transmisson each year but this last oil change did little to help our issue. Our yard is 3/4 hills & slope with very little flat terrain which probably hasn't helped his lawn mower. The mower still looks brand new and to me is worth putting money back in versus buying a new mower.
I tried emailing Tuff Torq this morning but never received a answer back. If anyone knows for certain that Tuff Torq sells to the general public I would appreciate you letting me know. If we must go through a supplier I would appreciate any websites you may have which sells a K46.
Thank You
Will Tuff Torq sell complete transmissons to the general public or do we have to go through a supplier of theirs?
My Dad owns a 2010 model John Deere D170 which has been garage kept since he purchased it. Unfortunately though the lawm mower now has over 500 hours on it and the transmisson has all but quit. We have changed the oil in transmisson each year but this last oil change did little to help our issue. Our yard is 3/4 hills & slope with very little flat terrain which probably hasn't helped his lawn mower. The mower still looks brand new and to me is worth putting money back in versus buying a new mower.
I tried emailing Tuff Torq this morning but never received a answer back. If anyone knows for certain that Tuff Torq sells to the general public I would appreciate you letting me know. If we must go through a supplier I would appreciate any websites you may have which sells a K46.
Thank You
Attachments
#2
P
Paffman60
P
Paffman60
I myself have X300 John Deere with the same transmission and have a few problems, to say the least. The first problem I had with the transmission it was growling loudly and didn't move too good. So like yourself I went to Tuff Torq and they wanted just a mear 1000 bucks for a new one. So after thinking only a 1000 bucks, that's 1/3 of what I paid for the mower new, I started looking at more info on these transmissions I found out they are just a throwaway part. Because you can buy one for only 1000 bucks, are they crazy? Second, this transmission is one that doesn't have a filter and a plug to drain the fluid out like the next X model up has which is quite a bit more in price. Anyway, I ended up buying parts to rebuild it and it lasted another 4 years and then back to bad again. I then just looked on eBay and found one for 600 dollars brand new and bought it and have used it for 5 years and need to change the fluid which isn't easy. There are J/D dealers that will sell them cheaper than Tuff Torq so just look a bit. Good luck to you.
#3
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
Yes the transmission is 1/3 the price of mower, the engine is another 1/3 and all the other bits make up the last 1/3 , more or less.
If the tranny has gone then you either rebuild it or replace it but with an upgrade the next model up with drain plugs, & replaceable filters.
Again it all goes back to purchasers who live in cloud cookoo land where everything they want to own is there for them at a price they can easily pay for .
If you go to Mulligans Transmissions web page you will see they list most of the common transmissions then all of the direct replacement upgrades
If the tranny has gone then you either rebuild it or replace it but with an upgrade the next model up with drain plugs, & replaceable filters.
Again it all goes back to purchasers who live in cloud cookoo land where everything they want to own is there for them at a price they can easily pay for .
If you go to Mulligans Transmissions web page you will see they list most of the common transmissions then all of the direct replacement upgrades
#4
N
nbpt100
N
nbpt100
Thanks for that info Bert. They say it is not serviceable but it sure seems like it is a good idea change it periodically. Not easy but doable for anyone with average mechanical ability. Sorta like the Briggs engine they tell you there is never a need to change the oil. If you want it to last well beyond the warranty period, I certainly would.
Just wondering what oil people have used in their Tuff Torq K46 or K58. I have read people find they run more quiet with synthetic 5w-50 or 15w-50. If you never intend to use the tractor in the cold weather the 15w-50 seems to be reasonable.
Just wondering what oil people have used in their Tuff Torq K46 or K58. I have read people find they run more quiet with synthetic 5w-50 or 15w-50. If you never intend to use the tractor in the cold weather the 15w-50 seems to be reasonable.
#5
7394
7394
Don't know on the Tough Torq, but just found this, & it has info for factory lubricants :
www.tufftorq.com
FAQ - Tuff Torq Corporation
www.tufftorq.com
#6
N
nbpt100
N
nbpt100
5w-50 is not that common but I was at an O'reilly's today and saw Lucas 5w - 50 on the shelf.
#7
7394
7394
If that best suits your weather temps..
#8
StarTech
StarTech
Tuff Torq oil is 15W50 Synthetic so that is what they recommend for these transaxles.
As for complete unit costs it depends if you are individual or a repair shop. This unit currently retails for $710.61 per my distributor. Now my cost is considerably lower as a shop owner but I need to make a profit. Now online dealer prices can vary as it depends on their pricing structure.
As for complete unit costs it depends if you are individual or a repair shop. This unit currently retails for $710.61 per my distributor. Now my cost is considerably lower as a shop owner but I need to make a profit. Now online dealer prices can vary as it depends on their pricing structure.
#9
N
nbpt100
N
nbpt100
Tuff Torq oil is 15W50 Synthetic so that is what they recommend for these transaxles.
As for complete unit costs it depends if you are individual or a repair shop. This unit currently retails for $710.61 per my distributor. Now my cost is considerably lower as a shop owner but I need to make a profit. Now online dealer prices can vary as it depends on their pricing structure.
#10
N
nbpt100
N
nbpt100
Thanks Star Tech. Some have speculated it is 5w-50 since they say that has been the factory fill on some of the units. They do keep it a mystery. If you take a look at the attached you will see the factory fill ranges from JD Hy-Gard-Low or Hy viscosity to 10w-30 to Synthetic 5w-50. If someone uses their tractor in the winter wouldn't you think Synthetic 5w -50 may be better?
Do you rebuild them or do you find it is not worth doing so and just install new?. The Rebuild kits on Ebay are $375 and up.
Do you rebuild them or do you find it is not worth doing so and just install new?. The Rebuild kits on Ebay are $375 and up.
Attachments
#11
StarTech
StarTech
Then my rep gave me the wrong specs for the 187Q0899000 oil. It is known to happen at times but we do depend on ours reps to gave us the correct specs. Thanks for the correction.
As for rebuild I haven't needed to do any yet. So far it only seals, and a few oil and filter changes due water entry cause by bad seals.
As for rebuild I haven't needed to do any yet. So far it only seals, and a few oil and filter changes due water entry cause by bad seals.
#12
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
JD specify 10W50 in their trannys which is why they fail earlier than other brands
The apparent logic behind this so the tranny will function down to -20 C pushing snow around to + 50 C cutting meter tall weeds in high summer .
I have had limited success changing oil from 10W50 to 20W50.
Some had gotten another 5 seasons & counting out of them while others are lucky to get another one.
all depends upon how bad the hydro was damaged before I get my hands on it .
Down here with the exclusive franchise deals I can not rebuild one for less than the new replacement price.
Good thing is supply & demand has kicked in and now there are a couple of workshops that specialize in rebuilding worn transmissions for less than I can buy a motor/pump kit .
I find it amazing that in a country like the USA there is no a hundred machine shops rebuilding hydros like there was when automatic transmission were first introduced .
The apparent logic behind this so the tranny will function down to -20 C pushing snow around to + 50 C cutting meter tall weeds in high summer .
I have had limited success changing oil from 10W50 to 20W50.
Some had gotten another 5 seasons & counting out of them while others are lucky to get another one.
all depends upon how bad the hydro was damaged before I get my hands on it .
Down here with the exclusive franchise deals I can not rebuild one for less than the new replacement price.
Good thing is supply & demand has kicked in and now there are a couple of workshops that specialize in rebuilding worn transmissions for less than I can buy a motor/pump kit .
I find it amazing that in a country like the USA there is no a hundred machine shops rebuilding hydros like there was when automatic transmission were first introduced .
#13
Hammermechanicman
Hammermechanicman
I don't know of any dealers who will crack open ANY hydro on a mower or rebuild an engine. Was explained to me like this. By the time they remove, rebuild, reinstall and warranty a unit it is cheaper to just install new hyrdo or engine and warranty is from the manufacturer and not the dealer.
#14
7394
7394
Sad but true..it is cheaper to just install new hyrdo or engine and warranty is from the manufacturer and not the dealer.
#15
B
bertsmobile1
Know a mechanic that does that ?
They teach auto electricians how to strip & rewire magnetos & motors
Know any one who does that either ?
I have done a couple but the need for an extreme clean dust free work space makes it way to difficult .
Having sid that the 2 I did are running strong .
For less than I can buy the replacement parts the local transmission specialist will clean strip repair rebuild and purge the box so all I have to do is fit it
For that he charges 1/4 the replacement of the box & gives a 6 month warranty
Why would I bother doing the work myself ?
B
bertsmobile1
At trade school they teach mechanics how to strip lap & shim a diffI don't know of any dealers who will crack open ANY hydro on a mower or rebuild an engine. Was explained to me like this. By the time they remove, rebuild, reinstall and warranty a unit it is cheaper to just install new hyrdo or engine and warranty is from the manufacturer and not the dealer.
Know a mechanic that does that ?
They teach auto electricians how to strip & rewire magnetos & motors
Know any one who does that either ?
I have done a couple but the need for an extreme clean dust free work space makes it way to difficult .
Having sid that the 2 I did are running strong .
For less than I can buy the replacement parts the local transmission specialist will clean strip repair rebuild and purge the box so all I have to do is fit it
For that he charges 1/4 the replacement of the box & gives a 6 month warranty
Why would I bother doing the work myself ?
#16
StarTech
StarTech
Here it is nearly impossible to find a machine shop to do any thing. Back when I was a lot younger these shops were around and I did get a lot machine work done by them. For example getting a vehicle engine block and cylinder heads done back in the 80s was easy. The last time I tried getting an engine block resized it was impossible to find a local shop. All I could was a rebuilt short block where I had to accept what setup they did instead of me installing my own mods.
Currently for my shop needs I am looking at buying a small lathe/mill myself as I am constantly having to make my own specialized tools. I don't really have the room to spare for it but I reckon I can fit it in somehow.
Even the hydraulic hose shop that I used is gone now due his son's dope habit. The owner just couldn't keep with the son's legal bills and maintain the shop too.
Currently for my shop needs I am looking at buying a small lathe/mill myself as I am constantly having to make my own specialized tools. I don't really have the room to spare for it but I reckon I can fit it in somehow.
Even the hydraulic hose shop that I used is gone now due his son's dope habit. The owner just couldn't keep with the son's legal bills and maintain the shop too.
#17
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
Yep,
Mill , lathe , bench saw , sanding disc , shaping machine, brooching press , valve facer ,plus 3 drill presses & 3 pedistal grinders .
Got to have all of this stuff now days because the machine shops have all gone .
There is a reason why I work at a bench outside & that is because there is no space inside
As luck would have it I got a good crank man & an excellent cylinder borer but they are a 1/2 day away
Mill , lathe , bench saw , sanding disc , shaping machine, brooching press , valve facer ,plus 3 drill presses & 3 pedistal grinders .
Got to have all of this stuff now days because the machine shops have all gone .
There is a reason why I work at a bench outside & that is because there is no space inside
As luck would have it I got a good crank man & an excellent cylinder borer but they are a 1/2 day away
#18
N
nbpt100
N
nbpt100
With stuff made in 3rd world countries very inexpensively it becomes more economical to have disposable items. When was the last time you saw a shoe repair shop? This could change over time but for now it is a disposable society here in the USA.
#19
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
Unfortunately the planet is not a disposable item
And slowly the people are starting to realize it
3 major level floods here in 4 months
Never happened with that frequency before
The greatest amount of coastal land erosion the previous year
And 1 year earlier the largest bushfire ever recorded
In Europe the worst floods ever
Some things cost a lot more than money and if we want to keep living on the planet then we had better start to remember how to repair things rather than throw away .
When I was at college the medical professors used to say that our generation could very well be the last one to die of old age.
Now days they are saying that our generation will probably be the longest lived as the environment collapses & becomes unable to support the current population.
And slowly the people are starting to realize it
3 major level floods here in 4 months
Never happened with that frequency before
The greatest amount of coastal land erosion the previous year
And 1 year earlier the largest bushfire ever recorded
In Europe the worst floods ever
Some things cost a lot more than money and if we want to keep living on the planet then we had better start to remember how to repair things rather than throw away .
When I was at college the medical professors used to say that our generation could very well be the last one to die of old age.
Now days they are saying that our generation will probably be the longest lived as the environment collapses & becomes unable to support the current population.
#20
N
nbpt100
I try to keep things out of the land fill as long as I can. Those who value making an extra $25 do not fix what I do. If I can not fix something I try to sell it for parts. However there is ultimately a time when it can no longer serve a useful purpose and then I break it down and recycle the metals and plastics separately.
If I had the resources I would invest in some Machine shop equipment and do more interms of repairing engines and transmissions.
N
nbpt100
We are changing the topic here but it is an important one. Unfortunately there is a lot of money being spent to cast doubt on the fact that the oceans are getting warmer and changing the weather and that we can do something about it.Unfortunately the planet is not a disposable item
And slowly the people are starting to realize it
3 major level floods here in 4 months
Never happened with that frequency before
The greatest amount of coastal land erosion the previous year
And 1 year earlier the largest bushfire ever recorded
In Europe the worst floods ever
Some things cost a lot more than money and if we want to keep living on the planet then we had better start to remember how to repair things rather than throw away .
When I was at college the medical professors used to say that our generation could very well be the last one to die of old age.
Now days they are saying that our generation will probably be the longest lived as the environment collapses & becomes unable to support the current population.
I try to keep things out of the land fill as long as I can. Those who value making an extra $25 do not fix what I do. If I can not fix something I try to sell it for parts. However there is ultimately a time when it can no longer serve a useful purpose and then I break it down and recycle the metals and plastics separately.
If I had the resources I would invest in some Machine shop equipment and do more interms of repairing engines and transmissions.
#21
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
Yes
The whole thing is driven by greed
The consumer actually pays nearly the same if they buy cheap and replace rather than repair
The big difference in Stihl, Husqvarna, Briggs, Stanley GE, Ford etc etc etc get nearly all of the money with the disposal system and higher volumes allows greater profits from lower margins making the goods appear to be cheaper but if course the consumption of resources increases at a massive rate & of course it costs the consumers time as being worth zero while they are continually deciding what to buy
With the repair method, the factories do not get the volume so as they need to make the same amount of total profit, prices have to rise
On top of that they only get one lot of profits from you every 20 to 30 years because the repairer makes the profits from repair.
I get my boots resoled
The combat heel & sole costs $ 35 wholesale and the bootmaker charges $ 15 to fit them including stitching the toe on because the modern glues are nowhere near as strong as the old Benzine based ones were
New boots are only $ 50 so the ones I am wearing now that have been resoled 5 times could have been replaced but it takes a long time to wear in a pair of steel caps & of course the old boot can not be recycled
The workshop produces one 5 gal bucket of garbage a month and my house generates two 5 gallon buckets of waste a year.
Everything that can be recycled or repurposed is.
200 football fields of native forrest are cut down annually just to make the packaging for apple I phones in order to save the extra $ 1.75 per package it would cost to use 100% recycled paper, and that is on a $ 500+ phone which has over $ 300 of gross mark up
The whole thing is driven by greed
The consumer actually pays nearly the same if they buy cheap and replace rather than repair
The big difference in Stihl, Husqvarna, Briggs, Stanley GE, Ford etc etc etc get nearly all of the money with the disposal system and higher volumes allows greater profits from lower margins making the goods appear to be cheaper but if course the consumption of resources increases at a massive rate & of course it costs the consumers time as being worth zero while they are continually deciding what to buy
With the repair method, the factories do not get the volume so as they need to make the same amount of total profit, prices have to rise
On top of that they only get one lot of profits from you every 20 to 30 years because the repairer makes the profits from repair.
I get my boots resoled
The combat heel & sole costs $ 35 wholesale and the bootmaker charges $ 15 to fit them including stitching the toe on because the modern glues are nowhere near as strong as the old Benzine based ones were
New boots are only $ 50 so the ones I am wearing now that have been resoled 5 times could have been replaced but it takes a long time to wear in a pair of steel caps & of course the old boot can not be recycled
The workshop produces one 5 gal bucket of garbage a month and my house generates two 5 gallon buckets of waste a year.
Everything that can be recycled or repurposed is.
200 football fields of native forrest are cut down annually just to make the packaging for apple I phones in order to save the extra $ 1.75 per package it would cost to use 100% recycled paper, and that is on a $ 500+ phone which has over $ 300 of gross mark up
#22
Hammermechanicman
Hammermechanicman
The cardboard my little one mans shop generates from parts shipments is staggering. Most parts are boxed then shipped in another box. My recycling bin is overflowing every week with cardboard.
#23
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
This is one reason why I keep a large inventory and with a bit of luck only have to place on order on each supplier each monthThe cardboard my little one mans shop generates from parts shipments is staggering. Most parts are boxed then shipped in another box. My recycling bin is overflowing every week with cardboard.
#24
M
mechanic mark
Make sure to write down all information from barcode sticker at backside right of transaxle & give this information to whomever you talk to, numbers must match.
Please keep us informed, thanks, Mark
M
mechanic mark
Give Tuff Torque a call in the a.m. & ask for price of KIT vs. cost of new K46. 1-423-585-2000 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.Has anyone on this forum ever purchased a new K46 transmisson directly from Tuff Torq?
Will Tuff Torq sell complete transmissons to the general public or do we have to go through a supplier of theirs?
My Dad owns a 2010 model John Deere D170 which has been garage kept since he purchased it. Unfortunately though the lawm mower now has over 500 hours on it and the transmisson has all but quit. We have changed the oil in transmisson each year but this last oil change did little to help our issue. Our yard is 3/4 hills & slope with very little flat terrain which probably hasn't helped his lawn mower. The mower still looks brand new and to me is worth putting money back in versus buying a new mower.
I tried emailing Tuff Torq this morning but never received a answer back. If anyone knows for certain that Tuff Torq sells to the general public I would appreciate you letting me know. If we must go through a supplier I would appreciate any websites you may have which sells a K46.
Thank You
Please keep us informed, thanks, Mark