Tractor hydro transmission rebuild part 1

[@alexcrouse]

Cleaning a decade or two of metal shavings out of one of these likely will be half way to brand new. Awesome video. Thanks for being the guy willing to open up the "not serviceable" transmission, saving me the hassle of ruing mine!

[@mkzee4]

Mike A. I have been looking for a hydrostatic transmission video so I could work on my husquarva lawn tractor.This happens to be the best video I found.

[@evydangarcia3242]

Disculpa q aceite llevá

[@jimbofinjam1306]

Another obvious thing to check before pulling the transmission is to make sure that the drive pulley (has both the mower deck and transmission pulleys) is spinning. My brother told me that my 42" Murray quit driving so he dropped the transmission for me (nice). So I tore it apart, found no problems, put it back together and reinstalled it back onto the lawn tractor. It still didn't work; then I noticed that the belt wasn't spinning. In my case the stamped key slot on the pulley sheared. So with my Dremel tool, I cut out the pulley's stamped key way and fabricated a new key from some 1/4" key stock. Worked great. On the Plus side, besides the education and upon breaking my mower; my brother went and bought his own mower.

[@toddwallace2037]

I just rebuilt 2 of these K46 axles and found wear or score marks on the aluminum body as well as the pump and motor. I lapped them smooth with a ground plate and 1200 grit wet & dry paper with kerosene to stop loading of the paper. I also felt the 5-50wt was to thin to do the job and used 2-50wt instead, no new parts at all and it works 200 percent better than it was. It will now climb a 40deg hill with no problem at all.

[@parkerbirch1475]

The one voice of reason gets smothered in the bull shit here! A person who knows usually wont be watching these videos! Thumbs up Todd, Thank you.

[@briansmobile1]

Hey thanks for making this video- I learned a lot from it, watched your ads, fixed my mower transmission and made a video with a shout-out and a link back to here. I liked the details, close ups, and tips!

[@doublewide6]

Hi, Thanks for the shout out I am familiar with your channel as well. I have looked and learned from a few of your videos keep up the good work. New sub from me.

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks again!

[@lobdsk]

Awesome vid I was just looking to change the oil and then after watching your vid I thought well hell if I'm pulling out the trany I should check out the gears there is some small pitting on the gears and the magnets had a tiny bit of debris. Thanks this was totally helpful

[@Mike-su8si]

I'm trying to find the axle clip for my older transmission Because I had a flat last year and pounded the rim off and it broke the clip and washer off inside the transmission I have it all apart I broke 4 torx screws so have to get another tool to take those out but I'm needing that clip that holds the axle and gear in place

[@LimeportTim]

Thanks for the informative video - Great explanations and very helpful in understanding how this thing works! My mower has 1000 hours and was struggling to climb hills after warming up. Luckily I was able to get this fixed on the cheap by changing out the oil. The magnet came out quite clean, indicating that I was not suffering from ground up gears. I figured I would try an oil change before sinking money into the pump and motor. Cleaning out the cooling fins probably contributed too - they were effectively "gone"... caked with oil, trimmings and other crap.

[@bretdeforest4855]

Before you remove the tranny make sure your motion belt is tight. Dirt piles up into brake linkage and prevents idler pulley from pulling the belt tight. Its hard to see with the mower deck on. Rebuilt the trans and nothing changed till I removed grassy dirt above the steering plate that kept the linkage from fully returning that keeps the belt tight. $350 mistake. Belt slipping wont let mower go up any small hill.

[@siedpe13]

Hi there, was hoping you might be able to give some advice to a custom project I have in mind. I'd like to have an external hydraulic pump with lines running into a lawnmower hydrostatic drive and bypass the pulley pump and just provide pressure remotely. How feasible does this sound, I'm not really familiar with the specifics of the internals of the hydrostatic transaxles

[@bcdoll01]

I'm having issues backing up and it makes a louder noise cant described it. I have no idea if it would be the transmission. Does this sound familiar? Plus not as much moving power. Any ideas?

[@greenmarine5]

Word to the wise, if this is your first time doing this, take pictures as you go, for reference when it's time for re assembly.

[@iwanaGoFast2010]

He made a whole video. Think before you type.

[@HB-yq8gy]

Absolutely pictures definitely!

[@reneparedes8736]

Do john deere stx38s have hydrostatic transmissions???

[@leepinnguin9682]

I can't find part 2...anything?

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

Hey doublewide6, our John Deere LA 175 sprung a leak this winter. There's oil coming out of the axle. Is there a seal where the axle is?

[@doublewide6]

There is a seal on both sides of the axle. Drop the transaxle drain out the oil that is left in there and add whatever oil I used in the video along with atp 205 leakstop. There is a plug ontop of the transaxle where you can add the oil. You can drop transaxle with wheels on (only about 4 bolts. Good luck. Bob amzn.to/2mRcw6y

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

doublewide6 Repairs LLC Thanks for the quick reply. I was wondering if there was a seal. I've been using atp 205 reseal after watching your video in our backhoe and it's really helped out a lot.

[@tajwindersingh9233]

I've got a troy bilt ride on mower 44'' it seems to start perfect and drives in reverse perfect but when I put it in forward it just sits there running.. Any ideas what could be the problem??? Some have said the transmission is completely gone and needs to replace or rebuild and I'm hoping that's not the case...Please give me some advice as to what I should do. I have tools and some experience. thanks.

[@rverro8478]

For starter, make sure that the whole exterior of the transmission is clean. I had similar problems with one that was given to me. It was packed with grass and whatsoever. Once cleaned-up, the engagement rods moved freely back and forth.

[@user-mn6ze7rm2p]

Hi Jeff. Thank you for posting. I have the same transmission in my Cub Cadet. Wanted to add oil to the wet clutch, but can't remove the hex plug. Is it clockwise or counter to remove? One more wrong attempt and I'll have stripped the tool fitting I fear.

[@doublewide6]

Thanks I tried my best. I hope it helps.

[@walter2670]

Hi, I got a k46 and when I press the brake, forward or reverse I hear a horrible grinding/screech. I notice the pulley has play when I wiggle it. Do you know if that pulley has a bearing? I have not pulled it from the tractor yet. Could that be what's my problem is. It has 438 hours on it

[@maureenbirgan8369]

doublewide6

[@forhooverhoover4930]

K46 transaxle transmissions repair. Maybe one reason that these K46 transaxle transmission output differential gears fail is that they are manufactured from Heat-Treated Powered Metal, according to the Tuff Torq website.

[@mindfreak001009]

the small bearing with spring and small shaft in it ...is that serves like a check valves or something? thanks...pls do correct me if i'm wrong..

[@stormy13815]

I was wondering where you get the spare parts for your transmission. Is there a website?

[@scolopede]

Hot oh mighty! I just found an stx38 hydro somebody gave up on, I pushed it home, only about a block away. I got the motor running but the trans does nothing. Thanks for the vid, this might help me out.

[@HarrryHarrry]

Hi. Does the gearbox has metric bolts?

[@MeadowFarmer]

In most cases the transmission probably does not have to be rebuilt. I changed the oil to Mobil One 15/50 and mixed in about a Dixie cup full of Lucas oil stabilizer in mine. It worked perfectly after and it only cost me $20 for the oil. It had been slipping real bad before that. I didn't even remove the wheels. I unbolted everything then picked the back end of the lawn tractor off the assembly and dumped the oil. It wasn't that hard and it only took about three hours.

[@rverro8478]

It's a good idea but, my concerns are, all the metal shavings on the magnets. I haven't cracked open mine yet and will try your idea first. Thanks for the input.

[@MeadowFarmer]

@@rverro8478 There's a small round magnet right under the fill cap that had some gunk with very fine shavings. it comes right out and I cleaned that off. I didn't want to open the casing, and I don't think it's really necessary. One of the rims was stuck hard on the axle so I just left the tires on and it wasn't a problem, so you can leave the rims on and just flip it when you get the assembly out. My mower is still working like new.

[@MrBrianohamill]

I have this exact mower. What are some signs that the transmission has problems? Mine is chattering/grinding when parking brake is released, and drive pulleys are fine.

[@notajp]

MrBrianohamill Check the pulley on the trans. They commonly strip the splines and need replaced. Taryl has a video on this problem.

[@orangecrush6776]

I know this is way too late (and I thank you and briansmobile for tremendous videos here) but if you look at the schematic closely from TuffTorq, the wedge is upside down in both yours and doublewide6's videos. The schematic shows the thicker side up as you both have placed it, however in the schematic the transmission is NOT upside down like you both have it. Did it not cause issues down the road?

[@jeffslater1879]

Hello doubleotsix this is Jeff I had a question for you I have a 1642 Scott’s ride mower and got the transmission out and before I tear into it I wanted your opinion on where to start .it tries to go than when you put your hand on the tires. It stops trying Thanks

[@bushelfoot]

It's very good to have all those particles on the magnet instead of in the oil... your gears are shot I could see that, the ones on the end of the axles..

[@raqueltovar1233]

Husqvarna link doesnt work.

[@Hughes500Bob]

Where did you find the exploded drawings.?I have a 165 JD Hydro.

[@The800sportsman]

I just called tuff torq and they say I can't buy just a motor and pump, I have to buy the whole kit which is $348.00. What the hell? Any ideas of where I can buy the pump and motor and filter without buying the whole kit?

[@onewayrick]

Would it be worth sending my transmission to someone (you?) to repair?? I bought a replacement and I just can't get up the nerve to throw the old one out......

[@dandugan824]

Can you help me out...again? I have a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917.256544. This tractor is used mainly for mulching and collecting fall leaves. Unfortunately, it doesn't move anymore. I can shift gears and, every once in a blue moon, it will engage and move forward (or backward depending on the gear shift selector). The mower deck works fine and the engine starts and runs (although it "surges" while idling) but the transmission wont engage. Do I need to replace a transmission, transaxle, take it out back and shoot it...? I'm retired and and was never very good at turning wrenches but I've repaired alot of my stuff just watching your videos and I really don't want to spend a small fortune on this, esp. since I bought a bagging system for it just last year. Any suggestions? Sorry about the lengthy post; I couldn't find an email address for you. Thanks-

[@joefro9473]

.45 caliber would be the best remedy for that thing !!! Good luck!!!!!

[@dandugan824]

@@joefro9473 Done! 3 years ago!

[@qstore4814]

Hello doublewide6. got a problem? rebuilt k46 hydro transmission with your tips thanks. however gearing has switched. when I use forward pedal, mower goes backward, when use reverse, goes forward, mower is using appropriate gear but in opposite direction. Suspect differential gears as I had moved them a bit but not removed them. I have new pump, motor and filter. Not a belt problem as there is only one short one from motor to transmission. Probably will have to remove and replace again. Mower is Husqvarna 155, with k46. Any Ideas?

[@TheRock0232]

qstore4814 Do you have the "wedge block" in upside down? I know on my Husqvarna K46 the wedge has the small end up when installing the motor. It is opposite big end up in these videos.

[@qstore4814]

Thanks for the tip. Already got the same info from Tuff Torq who are very helpful. You are on the money. Cheers.

[@bradmann8285]

qstore4814 What parts did you replace to fix yours? Was it the pump or the motor or both?

[@qstore4814]

Replace both plus filter, afterwards worked well. Mower now has electrical issues, and parts purchased will be up for sale as hardly used.

[@georgeshackley9770]

i own a craftman yt3000 with a peerless 6 speed i replace the shifting keys i for the love of me can get it into reverse when i disconecct the linkage and shift it by hand it goes into reverse just fine i do not know what to do next

[@geojor]

my transmission is leaking, any suggestions, thank you...is there a gasket in it?...

[@Matt_Chalice]

+pei bossman If the transmission has bolts all around it like this one in the video then yes it has a gasket, in fact you can buy gasket replacement kits for a lot of these transmissions. I can't understand why they say they are maintenance free and a sealed unit, when they sell gasket kits

[@wraith0127]

There are also 2 seals around the axles that are more common failure points.

[@MrPaulmc57]

is crafstman the same ?

[@nisw1918]

Where did you find the parts ? thanks

[@denisewilcox9370]

I have a hydrogear hydrostatic transmission with a BDU10L-256 hydrostatic unit. Pulled it apart and everything looked good. On center plate were some scratches. We milled them out and put everything together and nothing. No movement at all. Anybody have any suggestions on what to do next. Thanks....stumped in Virginia.

[@doublewide6]

Denise Wilcox jack up back wheels and run engine at idle speed for 10 minutes, If your not hearing a grinding it could be air.

[@denisewilcox9370]

Will try. Thanks.

[@johnmanning1006]

hi need your help on a dana spicer 4450-1 when the engine is off it shifts fine, every gear. when eng. is running it gets stuck in gear, I have to turn eng. off to put in rev. start, then turn off to put in 3rd. or 4th. I though it might be the keys, but why would it work when eng. is off? I looked inside of trans, it looks good no water, rust, lots of grease. could the keys work with eng. off an fail when eng. running? need help bad, ill owe you one. thanks John

[@doublewide6]

Half the battle is knowing how to preform the job, if you know that and take your time you can do it. Thanks again for watching.

[@jameshayhurst815]

Don’t. Loose. That. Little. Pin. In. The. IDS. Valve ?

[@junktinker]

the inch from the top is what I need to know for mine thanks man for the post.

[@2nomind]

Looks like a solid transmission, my craftsman 2014 outer case is all plastic, sears just replaces it with a new one. my trans went out with 200 hrs. its been down hill ever since with issues, besides the trans.

[@doublewide6]

The parts are from Tuff Torq and are really not that expensive.

[@Nudnik1]

I rebuild hydrostatic pumps and motors on heavy equipment. They use bronze shoes on pistons with high pressure oil feed in center vs angle plate. These are terrible on John Deere disposable transmission. Steel on steel .... Oil should be changed every season. Insane ... Good job. Check out Rexroth and Kawasaki pressure compensated hydrostatic pumps cost $35k.

[@donniedale3522]

these are tuff torq K46 junk piles. Just put in the new pump and motor for about 400.00 dollars, and if you mow much you can do it again in about 2-3 years. If you really want to get it right you can upgrade to a K66 transmisson for a mere 1800.00. Good advice get an old john deere 212 or 316 and forget the chinese junk. Your wallet will thank you.

[@EdmundRogersPhotography]

Ugh. Words to fear: "Spring Loaded". Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulwagner5367]

Great fix for a non serviceable unit wonder what JD charges to R&R a new one? Thanks For The tip on the syn 10-50 oil im changing mine to it.

[@brentonstephenson333]

Doublewide6, Love your video, would like to do up my transmission, but I can't find a spare parts site. Any ideas? I live in Australia, but will pay freight. Thanks.

[@damienvdb4034]

Why not drill and tap a drain oil to change oil easily and avoid wear?

[@robertgarcia2992]

Where do you find the schematics for the tuff torq transaxle?

[@nisw1918]

Thanks for the video you beat me to it . I live near one of John Deere assembly plants the workers say most components are made in China did you find that to be true ? Also it seems to me that the new John Deere decided to make throw away mowers that are made to last for x amount of time then hope the buyer buys a new one from them . My mower has a deck blade timing belt that goes bad about three times per season and is sold only at JD for $80 bucks as far as I can tell . also bad trans axle

[@Mike-su8si]

I have that type of transmission on my old 110 John deere

[@mkzee4]

Mike A. wonderful video t

[@fendermann1825]

Great video but I could never do anything thing like I'm mechanically challenged unless its take blades off greasing zerk fitting changing oil on mower I'm illiterate

[@murryloganiii8276]

R Dixon serial no.085074879 model 9688999702

[@vw4x4]

Think you wouls start by stating the make and model?

[@philthomsen8711]

Great job!

[@doublewide6]

Thanks!

[@vanalstyne9834]

Drop the tranny out, drain it, replace with 75w 90 gear oil. Job done. 40+ hours on it without a problem. Not one. KISS METHOD prevails again.

[@hddm3]

really well done!

[@FRIENDSofCAP]

One correctino to our video. I spoke to Gill in service at Tuff Torq today (Aug 1, 2017) and he said SAE5W/50 NOT5W/15) synthetic is recommended. FUI.

[@rverro8478]

Funny because the tech at John Queer told me that it had to be 5W30. I think I'll take your advice. Thicker oil makes sense.

[@FRIENDSofCAP]

R Verro No you definitely want to use 5W 50 according to the manufacturer but John Deere other manufacturers use a center viscosity one 10W-30 would you get your Bible read down quickly

[@nisw1918]

Small engine repair people tell us all who makes the best mowers . This comes from a JOHN DEERE tractor person make em better less CEO pay better mowers .

[@roninbadger7750]

video tutorial tip#6 dub the audio after.

[@pulliamrn]

5W-50 Synthetic

[@stevelamperta865]

looks like normal wear...

[@rwalker874]

Description says tractor, thats a lawn mower

[@parkerbirch1475]

Can it be both?

[@jimbofinjam1306]

Another obvious thing to check before pulling the transmission is to make sure that the drive pulley (has both the mower deck and transmission pulleys) is spinning. My brother told me that my 42" Murray quit driving so he dropped the transmission for me (nice). So I tore it apart, found no problems, put it back together and reinstalled it back onto the lawn tractor. It still didn't work; then I noticed that the belt wasn't spinning. In my case the stamped key slot on the pulley sheared. So with my Dremel tool, I cut out the pulley's stamped key way and fabricated a new key from some 1/4" key stock. Worked great. On the Plus side, besides the education and upon breaking my mower; my brother went and bought his own mower.