John Deere L120/K66 Transmission Upgrade!

[@Wydoin]

I put the K66 upgrade kit from RJR on my L130 3-4 years ago. I did it by myself with only a couple of hiccups. The instructions are very easy and straightforward. It's not just the transmission there are other parts involved to be able swap out the tranny. I later upgraded to the bigger knobby tires. I have so much more power with this new transmission. Can't believe JD never did anything about the CRAP K46 that came from factory. I never have any slow down or over heat. I can check the fluid with ease and change it just as easy.

[@RobHoffmann20]

Wydoin I'm in the same boat, no issues what so ever just oil changes and I regurally tow with it and misuse the tractor but it has been flawless. My next modification will be tires and replacing steering and bushings with berings for the front wheels

[@Wydoin]

RobHoffmann20 I just finished repairing my steering i.e. The steering plate and the gear were worn out. I couldn't turn steering to the right. As far as the tires go. They made a lot of difference in how the tractor operates. No more spin outs on wet grass. The farm style tractor tires that you can now upgrade to are awesome!

[@RobHoffmann20]

Wydoin I have replaced the steering gear also (in this video actually) and it has made a huge difference. Just now the spindles need attention the bushings are totally shot and I read of a bering replacement/ upgrade. My tires are also dry rotted so likely in the spring ill be swapping those out. I currently have tubes in the rear tires because they kept leaking. At least now I can air down the tires of needed. Do the lugged ties work well in the snow of are chains sill required? I use mine with the snowblower in the winter.

[@Wydoin]

RobHoffmann20 The lugged tires are Great! My yard has a little slope to it, so needless to say with turf tires that come on it spinning and tearing up the lawn can be an issue. Haven't done a lot of snow with this one. Although I did just get hold of a plow for mine. I'll have to let you know.

[@healthyamerican]

i am going to buy one of these with 630 hours on it when these people are moving in a couple weeks. i`m paying $325 for it and comes with bagger system and a plow. i heard it run and the vtwin sounds good. the seat is torn in several spots and some paint is gone from the deck. the right front tire is worn much more than the left. i hope i`m not making a mistake

[@mikedawg7814]

This is awesome...you know every DIYer including myself is thinking, why do I need to pay RJR big bucks for a k66? Like how many extra mods were required beyond just replacing the transaxle? I'm guessing it's proprietary info since you didn't share any of that magic sauce in your vid. Great job though. I just got a FREE 2009 LA 135 with only 210 hours on the meter. Looks great but no power on hills. I opened up the K46 and the bad news is that everything looks good in there. Maybe some scoring under the pump. Going to try a rebuild kit for now...but dang I wish I could do the K66 and just forget about ever touching it again except for maintenance.

[@RobHoffmann20]

If I recall correctly some additional brackets were required. The honest truth, I was lacking the time to self engineer a solution. Replacement tractors were were an option however I needed an upgraded model with more capability. To get into the same machine was at the time the same cost for the upgraded K66. That meant A used tractor with the same glass rear end. Better equipped units only went up in price. Since mine was running well I figured this was my best option. I actually beat this thing well beyond what I should! Its well worth the upgrade to me. Down the road a larger tractor is something I would love to consider but for now this is working perfectly. Thank you for watching. Hope you enjoyed. Best of luck with your project. Cheers!

[@7viewerlogic670]

Nice upgrade! Hey if you still live there could you do a quick video of those farm buildings? I've never seen one like the one you were working in. I believe it was a corn crib.

[@RobHoffmann20]

I do still live there! the slanted roof was for chickens and corn dying as far as I know. now it's mostly lawnmower and chevette parking haha the other taller building (hay loft barn) had to be demolished due to safety concerns. thanks for watching! cheers!

[@7viewerlogic670]

@@RobHoffmann20 Thanks for the reply. Yes many of the cattle barns have been demolished, they are very expensive to keep up. Are you in Canada?

[@RobHoffmann20]

@@7viewerlogic670 yes I am actually. sothern ontario. in some other videos of mine im actually working in the chicken coop, the 30 year old car in 30 days video. it's a neat structure. it needs some attention but that is on my short list

[@7viewerlogic670]

@@RobHoffmann20 Cool thanks!

[@strangeproductions1988]

hey could you do a video on the chip and how to install just a more in dept video

[@thekingsilverado9004]

He got lucky most of em lock up on ya then ya gotta pull the shaft keys out just to get em your shop...

[@RobHoffmann20]

Mine got rather crunchy, it was not happy to be doing anything. I did push it back to the barn which was several hundred feet away and was not an easy task. I can easily see how they could lock up in that situation. I have been running this machine to date with the new rear and I Regularly abuse it well beyond its intention/design. It has not yet let me down! hands down the best upgrade I have ever made on this machine.

[@thekingsilverado9004]

@@RobHoffmann20 Rob that proves my case of what I do here. There is life after death for lawn mowers that is... Wish I could do it with people & pets too I'd be a millionaire... Always keep a zombie tractor even if you think your place ain't that big. it's that big when it's at the bottom of the steepest part of your lawn and you are feeling that friggin stupid as U push it up that hill. Happened to my Dad when he was about 63 years old and naw I don't need no more shit under feet he told me about 5 years prior to that. After his heart attack Well I gave him that old AMERICAN MADE MTD you know the ones all solid ole metal and horses balls for rear ends in em. He had me completely redo that old MTD I kept it for him because I have another one em and this one was literally bought by an old guy that passed away when it was just being put together. Found it on Craigslist for 300 bucks couldn't get there fast enough it was like mine the people that had mine said they discovered after using it month or two it wasn't big enough for their uses so they moth balled it sold it on craigslist about 4 years ago is where I got the one I use here literally not a spec of dirt on it still has the original air filter in it yet it's not even dirty... So I have 2 brand new like 1991 MTD's that literally kick ass. Like good running Silverado's U can never have too many of em no such thing in my book. I also keep and hold 2 Craftsman's one is the GT 5000 2 speed axle with snow blower on it and a back up bohemuth of a GT 6000 2 speed axle I put a Kawasaki 26hp liquid cooled in it complete with gauges and after cooler for the oil and chrome pipe stack I got immature one evening while pounding beers wondering what to do with a piece of a very long chrome pipe meant as sanitary pipe for a commercial industrial vanity it was like 5 feet long and it looked cool as hell when I held it up to that exhaust pipe sticking out the side of that GT6000 ... Made a mount and I have a stack on her now.... Mowing the lawn sucks but ya can make it more fun ya just gotta let that little kid inside loose at times... At least that works 4 me Rob...

[@lisadubois6580]

I have a John Deere L120 that is getting fixed

[@daboi0840]

Lisa DuBois same

[@daboi0840]

My jd l120 just got a new gear on it

[@RobHoffmann20]

Was it a factory replacement or did you upgrade?

[@daboi0840]

My great uncle fixed it

[@G56AG]

That hole in the transaxle that let the oil leak out didn't do it any good either! LOL

[@RobHoffmann20]

Haha no it definitely didn't help

[@diyguy3165]

Do you recall how much gear oil and hydrostatic transmission oil you put in? I have a similar transmission that I would like to do an oil change on. The transmission is quite old but still runs good, simply draining and measuring may no be precise enough. Thx.

[@RobHoffmann20]

I have this video that may help you out! thanks for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqm5aJqoqMp1qqM

[@Moxie4358]

Lol the part we’re you we’re spinning the tired was funny!! 🤣

[@RobHoffmann20]

Davids World The differential was TOASTED! Lol it was pretty funny looking at those gears and how smooth they became

[@nathanratchford9996]

Good work. I wish the kit was cheaper!

[@RobHoffmann20]

in my opinion it was worth it. it's literally like a new machine. last weekend I was out for about 6 hours towing with the deere. Airating, spreading seed, Rolling and never once did it hesitate. it has a constant torque curve up hill compared to flat ground. And ill tow my utility trailer loaded with fire wood. for me it's perfect.

[@cristogreyling4736]

what size rims have you got on the front - looks bigger than the standard rims?

[@RobHoffmann20]

I'll have a look but those were from the factory, I think the L120 and L110 had different size front and rear rims.

[@Articunknown]

Hey rob can u do a update on the blazer soon

[@RobHoffmann20]

you got it man! I'll make something in the next couple days. any special requests?

[@Articunknown]

the system and like a bit of every thing

[@adam1973adam]

whats the cost of a new transmission? I have a L120 and after about 20 to 30 mins I loose power and it wont move until I let it cool down then its fine for another 20 mins and does the same thing over again/

[@RobHoffmann20]

These are the guys to talk too about your failing trans. www.rjrtractor.com/

[@EverestRicardoSolis]

RobHoffmann20 Nice video can you let me know where to get the k66 now, other the expensive site that sell the kit i have a L111 an if you have to change a lot of part in your deere or is other option on the market rather that n k66 thanks

[@timothyharris9709]

where did you get that hitch system?

[@RobHoffmann20]

That was something I built as im towing with the rider often. just bolted to the weight brackets. pretty simple

[@johnsteele8073]

LOL... Say I wonder if that giant tow hitch you have welded on there has anything to do with smoking that stock transmission in 300 hours ?!?!. You might want to run some Amsoil hydraulic in it

[@RobHoffmann20]

John Steele it was ruined when I got the mower, I did swap oil before this was destroyed. It was nothing but shavings. you should see the new videos now. I actually ripped that tow hitch off and had to upgrade. That's what happens when you pull the barn apart lol

[@RobHoffmann20]

John Steele also those stock hydrostatic transaxels require a specific oil. I had done allot of research prior to and had found this issue was a common one with many people.

[@johnsteele8073]

RobHoffmann20 no it doesn't. They use a variety of crappy oil mostly conventional that way that they fail. Amsoil is going to be a huge upgrade over what you have in there because I'm sure it's not real synthetic. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed your video... It's just if anyone else is watching Amsoil is the best stuff for your mower. My in-laws just gave me a 500 hour la135...oil never changed k46. Hopefully I'm not too late seems to quiet right down with new fluid

[@RobHoffmann20]

John Steele According to dealer spec when new my transaxel required 5W-50 Castrol full synthetic motor oil. Despite the 2 attempts to change and replace the fluid mine did eventually fail. however this was a used tractor when I bought it. Hard to say the type of life it lived before I got it. I do tow with It but since the replacement it's a completly new machine with how It handles a normally difficult task. It was at the point with the original when after running for 15 min cutting the grass I needed to park on top of the sprinkler to cool it down as it would basically crawl to a stop at full throttle. If they you replace your fluid and find shavings I would suggest replacing the pump and any components showing wear. That may help with life of the transaxel. Good luck with your tractor and hopefully it doesn't give you to much trouble. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@TheAgentAssassin]

"hills" ruined mine D130 I put a k66 in mine and what a difference

[@Unsocial01]

What was total cost of parts ? Had to exceed mower value, no?

[@RobHoffmann20]

could have bought a used mower. but honestly I'm happy with the fix. i have ask the torque i could ever need. was about half of a new machine. install was super easy.

[@cmh2111]

I paid $2200 CND for my D110, the kit is $1898 US. Doesn't make sense for me. My JD dealer told me to always tow/cut grass at full throttle, and I should never have a problem. Time will tell.

[@billkissick6268]

@@cmh2111 LOL the dealer is blowing smoke. Yes, you should always mow at full throttle. But unless you are mowing a flat postage stamp yard, the K46 is JUNK. You can change the oil yourself but it's a nightmare, and the JD dealer won't do anything but replace with the same crap transaxle WHEN it fails.

[@wdk535]

Where did you get that K 66 replacement kit?

[@RobHoffmann20]

wdk535 www.rjrtractor.com

[@themfknightrider420]

you spent 2k on a tranny, you could of got a new mower for that

[@RobHoffmann20]

300Six the price tag was not quite that extensive, that option was cheaper than a new mower as an upgraded model better suited for my needs would be near the 6k range and also I had purchased the snow blower which may not be compatible with a larger/ more heavy duty model. For me the money was well worth it

[@mikedar8484]

There are a few different models of the K66, but 3-400$ should be all you spend for a new one.

[@johnsteele8073]

300Six yep. And anything less than 4500 has the same crappy k40 tranny.

[@obnubdonbstub8166]

Which of the K66 models did you use?

[@RobHoffmann20]

ob nub donb stub I used the kit from RJR tractor. They supplied all bolts and brackets required. Im not positive on which k66 was used however it was specific to my tractor.

[@chadmelerine6920]

Where u bought paint for car body an deck

[@RobHoffmann20]

Chad Melerine I found the paint at my local hardware store. They will typically have popular colours like "John Deere green" in both aerosol and liquid form. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@steverugerguy9606]

What oil did you put in it?

[@RobHoffmann20]

Hi there! I would have used the supplied oil. I think it was a 40W50. I suggest you check your model for specific directions as to what fluid it requires. That's for watching. Cheers!

[@steverugerguy9606]

@@RobHoffmann20 I know they now recommend 5w50 or 15w50...any good 50 weight oil now for the k46...i was just wondering what they sent or recommended for the 66....thanks...good vid.

[@RobHoffmann20]

@@steverugerguy9606 i wasn't aware of that very interesting! Thanks again. Cheers

[@oldsoulgarage2982]

the transaxle that came out is it a TL-200?because it looks the same on the Tuff Torq website and on my john deere d125 i think i have the same trans. And where can would you go to buy a k66? a tractor junkyard?

[@RobHoffmann20]

classic gamer Hello and thanks for the comment, I believe the old transaxle in mine was a K46, the upgrade was to the K66. I ordered my upgrade kit with all hardware belts rims and brackets from rjrtractor(dot)com

[@oldsoulgarage2982]

OK thanks for the info I've heard about him but I don't think I have an extra $1800 laying around I'm not exactly of age to buy my own things yet either so i'll do more research but thanks anyway. PS you should do a video pulling something heavy around like that 1200lbs rock to show us just how good the trans is or do the snow plow video you said earlier!

[@RobHoffmann20]

classic gamer if you check out my channel I have a few videos using the snow blower, I also have recently towed a 2005 Cadillac Deville, I've towed barn beams, I've filled my trailer with smaller rocks and towed that also, im actually bending the trailer hitch doing what I do but that mower has guts finally! It was well worth the cost it's better than a new machine.

[@oldsoulgarage2982]

OK i will definitely take the k66 into consideration just need to get my hands on one and over the winter swap it out with the TL-200 i have! also one last question what grade of oil did you use in the k66 I've read Tuff Torq recommends 5w-50?

[@RobHoffmann20]

classic gamer all of my maintenance is based on the company I bought it from, I believe it's a 5w50 oil which I change every 6 months.

[@wdk535]

Maybe would have been easier to remove wheels first?

[@RobHoffmann20]

wdk535 That would have been perfect but one of the wheels seized on the axel, luckely I was replacing the whole thing. That means new rims and upgraded axles.

[@randybeard6040]

The New Upgrade Transmission Cost 1000 Dollars to much money to Invest in a 13 year old Mower even tho the Kohler engine is Great and uses No Oil...

[@RobHoffmann20]

To me 1000 bucks to upgrade my machine and increase the towing capacity and make it more reliable is money well spent. A more capable machine could be 10,000. Im still running the machine today, it's used for towing, mowing and snow blowing. Im very satisfied with the purchase.

[@themfknightrider420]

was you rockcrawling lol

[@RobHoffmann20]

300Six lol the old trans was just worn and beat up. I actually drove it under no load when it finally popped