The optional mulching kit allows you to mulch grass clippings and return nutrients to your soil for a healthy lawn. Put the lever on the fender in F and then press the right foot pedal. When you change the clutch please take pictures as you disassemble it. Check it out and then we can go from there to find the right mower for you. If you burnt up the transmission in your last two yard tractors then the CVT is a better choice. K46 transmissions are designed for lawn tractors with 18-20 in rear wheels and 42-50 inch decks. Home Depot: John Deere E160 48 in. Everyone wants them but no one wants to pay the extra money to get it. Only spending $1699 won’t get you anything capable of the tasks you mention. 2. He cut costs in the mold. The batteries alsodrives an electric motor that powers a cast iron geared transmission for the rear wheels. Hi Laurie, I have bad news and good news for you. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! In fact the Sears Service Techs feel the hydro is stronger and will hold up better than the manual trans. See it here on Sears.com: 19HP 42 in. To stop, pull them back. This model has the speed control on the LEFT fender. Instead of a variable pulley system uses a variable disk or ball/disk system. Just so you know the RZT is for mowing lawns. I want to have as durable a transmission as I can in this price range. Thanks so much. I have a 1/3 of an acre flat but I weigh over 300 lbs, I was told that a garden tractor would carry myweight better. If the transmission fluid level is low, particularly when you've recently filled the reservoir, check the area where you park the lawn tractor for evidence of a reddish-colored fluid which may indicate a transmission fluid leak. The owner suggested that I get an extended warranty on the d110 because some of the d110 hydrostatic transmission have experienced problems after about 2 years. When I changed the speed set lever there was no change. If you like to work on them and you want to take the time you can sometimes get a really good deal on a tractor with a bad engine. The Bronco has performed very well considering the punishment it has taken but it’s time to get a new one. The “automatic” has two belts and if you ever use your tractor to pull heavier loads (like loads of dirt in your cart) you will wear out these belts. The 46 cuts the best and can handle up to 2 acres. The Raven MPV-7100/a> uses a hybrid drive system. Manual transmissions today do not have a clutch like a car or truck has. Stay in control with a manual transmission as you chew through heavy growth. Hi Erick, Yes, Hustler is a good brand and they make great high end residential and commercial mowers. Craftsman has a few garden tractors that have the heavy duty transmission. Right, you pull back on the handle. You can find people who have had problems with the K46 in the heavier D160, D170 Deere’s and the LGT Husqvarna tractors. To do it right and to have it last at least as long as the first one you have to have clean room conditions. If you want a fabricated deck and locking diff it will have to be the Husqvarna GT52XLSi or GT54LS. So, I’m not even interested in finding that out. I don’t mind doing some modifications to accommodate something different. The new Briggs Platinum is smoother than your old 21 HP “boxer.” For you I feel this may be exactly the mower you are looking for. 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. Have about 2 weeks left on warranty. The transmission is designed for 42-48 inch deck and 18-20 inch rear wheels. What would you get between the three? Here is the tractor: 24HP 54″ Complete Start™ Turn Tight® Garden Tractor – Non CA. I have a 3% grade in my yard from front to back and I just hauled 90, 11 lb street pavers on a 4 wheel Gorilla Cart up that 400-foot slope with my zero turn mower. He received an Electronic Technician certificate from the U.S. Navy BE/E school, NTC Great Lakes. The dealer will want $1200 or more to replace it when it fails. 22 HP V-Twin Gas Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor. Two hydrostatic transmissions are mounted side-by-side in the residential zero turns. Because the transmissions were so heavy there was a lot of weight on the rear wheels and you could pull just about anything with them including moldboard plows. When you let out the clutch it is now really jerky. They use the belt tensioner from the engine to the transmission to start and stop the tractor. I just thought when you said, it’s probably a T2 or less, you weren’t sure. Best Riding Lawn Mowers - The ULTIMATE Guide | SuaveYards.com, 2019 Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP 50 at Home Depot, Craftsman 19A30003799 42–46″ 2-Bin Bagger, http://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. It can also get too heavy with wet grass. If you have large open areas to mow the cheaper manual works just as well because you just put it in a gear and go…go…go. I guess I’ve been spoiled by my old Sears Craftsman II. By the way Mahindra is the largest utility tractor manufacture in the world. The CVT sounds like the transmission I will look for. that I cannot use. The clutch is basically an electromagnet and the windings don’t always go bad all at once. It’s possible to download the document as PDF or print. It will last you a long time. In this price range would you recommend a auto cvt trans or a hydrostatic? I have a Craftsman 19HP, Model 917.20380 42″ riding mower, purchased new in 2014. Lastly, I’ve noted that you’re a very helpful person to people who have questions. I may give up the traction control if it is to save some money. Equal in specs and life. I have about 3 acres. 24HP 54″ Complete Start™ Turn Tight® Garden Tractor – Non CA, 19HP 42 in. START FIXING. Tuff Torq told me that a new $1000 transmission would last no more than 100 hrs if I bought one. Never even see any of them anywhere. I need a garden tractor for hilly aerating in Georgia clay. Either a fender mounted lever or foot control varies the speed and direction. He has written articles for Possumliving.com and Woodsloafing.com online, and in print for "Backwoodsman Magazine." There is “a guy” who offers a complete K66 upgrade kit here: K66 Upgrade Kits, Hey Paul, 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. Instead of one bar like a shopping  cart, the bar is split in two and you move each side to make it move.). 365 day right part guaranteed return policy. consist of batteries, electronic controllers and electric motors. The $12-1300 machines are now all using a light duty CVT. I was looking between jd X310 with K58 and Kawasaki. Hi Justin, It really depends on what you are doing with it. In March 2015 I purchased a brand new Troy bilt super bronco 50/vat 50” hydrostatic lawn mower and I used it occasionally to pull a light weight trailer to haul brush- I punch an extended warranty’s from Lowes and this past Oct the tractor would not go forward or reverse. Would this be a cvt variable pulley type? Are there any that are of better value that I should consider? The names that I see locally are John Deere, Toro, Husqvarna, X Marks, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Ariens, Kohler, Poulan, and Stihl. Have been warned that the use of plastic-nylon gears in their hydrostatic transmissions can be problematic. That tractor is made for Craftsman by MTD. Do you know of any true manual shift gear drives? The trans is a Hydro-Gear 314-0510. There should be less than 1/4 inch difference in height. @Anthony, at this time I am not trusting the descriptions on sears.com. Then take the two and make one. Use this link to check it out on Sears.com: You usually set the ground speed and then “shuttle” tractor forward and reverse as you mow. That motor then drives the differential at a very low RPM. But the hydros with foot controls on all the Craftsman mowers comes with cruise control and drives very similar to a car so many people like that. Bill. I recently purchased my first piece of property so now I’ve been researching lawn tractors until everything is becoming a blurred mess in my head. But also remember there are about 1,000,000 million of these transmissions sold EACH year. Waste of money! I can not afford a new one so I’m looking for this option. Durability wise which type would you recommend? But I also have people who don’t like the high foot control and the slow reverse in the Element V. So I recommend the K46 if you mow lawn and do light yard work. In there you can find the trans part numbers. Don’t have the engine running on the slope for more than 30-45 seconds at a time. The transmission will last. A smaller gas engine (13 hp) charges batteries. What do you think about deck width. Now, the trans is great for what you are going to use the tractor for. I am looking for a rider mower to handle a less than 1/2 acre lot, flat terrain, very few trees shrubs. Hi Randy, I NEVER recommend used unless you can work on them yourself. Feel free to ask any other questions you may have. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 Printed In USA OperatOr’s Manual Safe Operation … The majority of the tractors are designed for you normal, suburban lawn. If you have hilly property a manual tranny might make sense as the hydrostatic doesn't have any "engine braking" so it speeds up some when you go down a hill. Thanks, Ray, Hi Ray, The 3-bin bagger is for older Craftsman tractors made by Husqvarna. Take pictures (with your cellphone) as you take it out of the linkages. What do you think of these Hustler ZTM? If you purchase online they offer Free delivery, an extra 5% off. My parents have a slightly older Saber by John Deere, but the hydrostatic Trans needs to be rebuild. I have even thought about putting the old Peerless manual transmission from the Murray in the John Deere. The garden tractor and estate tractor hydrostatic transmissions are heavier and built to handle heavy loads and ground engaging attachments. The insulation around the individual wires of the coil fail over time and eventually the whole winding will short out (and catch on fire if you put too big of a fuse in the wiring). Typically you will need to replace the engine to trans belt a little more often using it on hills (every 3-4 years instead of every 6-8 years). Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I recommend a smaller dealer That sell Kioti, Mahindra or Massey Ferguson over the big corporate dealerships, like John Deere that have 20 or 30 other stores. Any concern on the transmission of the ~2004 Simplicity Regent Hydro 14? I do like the CVT in the Poulan Pro PB20A46. I have had it about 9 yrs. Many years ago I used a JD 212 w/ a 4spd manual and the manual suited me fine. This technology is beneficial because it uses less fuel to mow your lawn and is quieter than using lawn tractors with larger engines. With the rest of the tractor in excellent condition, including a Kohler K341 engine with only 200 hours, do I have any options to retrofit an entirely different transmission? Release the clutch/brake gradually. Thank you for your answer, it helps me a lot. I was thinking about purchasing Husqvarna YT42DXLS 42’ lawn tractor 21.5 hp Kawasaki. Marlton, NJ. It can cause steering problems and overload the rear axle. I may just have to give in a get a foot pedal mower. It has a transmission strong enough for your hills and a deck that will hold up well. Right now, I’d gladly give $3000 for a new Murray like the one that I bought in 1989. The tractors were made by two different companies (the Toro was made by MTD?) Just remember ZTR’s are lawnmowers – not field mowers – so cut the grass when it gets no more than 12 inches tall. Designed to handle all types of grass, the Craftsman 25586 46" 19 HP 7-speed manual gear riding mower delivers superior performance when it comes to mowing time. I looked for a review about the Deere d110. An “automatic” transmission on the gray Craftsmans is a variable speed belt drive. The current X300 series John Deere’s cost considerably more than the Husqvarna, Cub Cadet and Craftsman Garden tractors. I have an 1/2 acre with mostly hills with some trees and bushes. It also has the largest wheels, heaviest trans and you can get a good dozer/snow blade for it. Tractors with the transmissions G7, G730 and K66 are all heavier than the XT2 with the K58. I’m not really concerned about the mowing part. I think I’ve narrowed it down thanks to you. Paul, I just found your info, this is fantastic. You answered all my questions. The biggest issue people were having – the trans has been replaced this year with a more dependable unit (that’s why the model number change). There are two types of these transmissions used in Lawn & Garden equipment, hydrostatic enclosed single and hydrostatic enclosed dual. Thanks again. I contacted Sears and they told me all the current garden tractors use the K 58 transmission? Randy. Built very rugged, but they put the K46 Tuff Torq transmission in it…..same one that they use in the smallest mower that they make. They do not list the transmission specs for the mowers (only that it is hydrostatic, and you were able to give me that information). The most common transmission for lawn tractors today is an internal pump and motor drive system called the hydrostatic transmission. I will always recommend a pedal control Hydrostatic Transmission over a manual or an “automatic” for the new kid. Be sure you have the model number and serial number off the frame of your mower. Once you are moving, advance the speed control to a speed you are comfortable with. The only sound you hear is the pump. You charge the mower using normal household current. I have been using it to mow last fall and so far this year (my Dixon zero-turn has failed permanently) I also use it to pull 600-800 lb loads of dirt, sand and landscape rocks. TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. Ps I have a goat section, but don’t know what life it’s had for the first 462 hrs. You do not need to depress that pedal to shift the tractor. Note: I am never on the slope for more than 10-20 seconds, but don’t want to stress the tranny to early failure. Can you recommend a good mower , I’m on a small budget but need one I can use on like I said a level small yard no hard cutting just it has to carry me. Use our part lists, interactive diagrams, accessories and expert repair advice to make your repairs easy. – Next, place one rear wheel on the ground and spin the free wheel. To stop the tractor pull the lever back to the middle position or lift your foot off the pedal. I’m thinking it’s either the transaxle or clutch. I am a victim of the John Deere LA175 that is worthless…….won’t even go up a hill. The second tractor is a dealer only model. Over the XT1 GT50: Additional 4″ and fabricated deck and ball bearing front wheels. I plow my drive in winter and my yard is on a hill so I use the transmission heavily.I need to rebuild the transmission again but think I would be better off buying. Again thanks for your time and most valuable experience. I’d check with your local Ariens/Gravely dealer to see if they can get a replacement. The Super Bronco XP 50 has 20 inch rear wheels and the 50-inch deck so it was made correctly for the trans. 2. You can’t find reviews because Simplicity Tractors are not sold online. This transmission is tougher, lighter weight and takes less power than the very popular Tuff Torq K46 and Hydro-Gear T2 hydrostatic transmissions. The price is right. If you engage the PTO, you will have to disengage it before backing up. @ Michael, Thanks again. More importantly, I’m a bit worried about how the hydro will hold up to handling my hills. The shorter wheelbase does turn better than the old 20409. Get a set of original equipment blades (from a Simplicity dealer) and compare them to your blades. Hi Paul, I just bought a 2015 Craftsman 19HP 42″ tight turn mower. Please read these articles and reviews. Of these brands, Cub Cadet, Troybilt, and Snapper. Paul I want one that sounds like my old car!” That is really what is going on with most of the reviews of the CVT. Hi David, Husqvarna is the only one of the three still using the K66. I have misplaced the manual but I think this is a hydrostatic transmission. Be careful to route the clutch wire in the same way as the one you took off or it could catch and tear itself up when you go to use it after the repair. Want kind of a work horse. Thanks Paul This model has a shiftier on the fender. It does not have cruise so you have to keep your foot on the pedal all the time when you are moving. It takes some practice to start and stop a manual transmission tractor. I’ll leave comments on my “new to me” home owner purchase. Just go to husqvarna.com to check them out. Turn the key and start the tractor. That’s why I’m here to help you find the best for you. You can save even more money and still have a great garden tractor with the Craftsman Pro 20445 and Craftsman Pro 20443. Do you prefer them over the Tuff Torqs? But you know that already – that’s the same way your old mower worked. It should turn smoothly without grinding noises. Has the traction control but still the k46 transmission. Trying to find a suitable replacement for this mower is becoming a real chore. "Lawn Tractor Operator's Manual;" MTD LLC; 2004. Also do you have any info about the KOHLER 7000 ELITE SERIES 24hp engine ? Hi Jason, That tractor does not use the RS800 CVT. You may have been looking at the 20381. As of right now Craftsman is the only brand that has this CVT. @Joe, I don’t know. A few of the brands want you to buy – and then buy again a few years later. 25-HP V-Twin Kohler, Craftsman 54″ Fast Auto 24 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin Turn Tight® Garden Tractor Model 20408. 247.28901 lawn mower pdf manual download. If you ever want to use it to push snow it will hold up. Maybe that’s the best I can do? I want to get what will work the best and if need be will save a little longer for the better transmission of needed but if the one above will work I’d rather get it. Bob, If the Simplicity is leaving a strip of grass in the middle with new blades usually that means you have the wrong blades. I am looking at getting the 2015 Cub Cadet XT2 GX54. Do all hydrostatic transmissions use these type gears? Do you know what tranny the new 2014 ariens from home depot uses? To back up? The question is about the trans? On models with a hydrostatic trans they list it as a hydrostatic one. I would like to check the bolts, what is the article you are referencing in your earlier reply? These batteries then are used to power the lawn mower just like an all electric lawn mower. It looks like some of the Cub Cadet GT and John Deere gt use the k58. Is it hopeless for me? How important would traction control compared to the transmission be in your opinion? If you want a striping kit I suggest going to your Simplicity dealer and looking at the Broadmore or Conquest tractors. And what are the types/model transmissions each is equipped with? Low back seat provides long term comfort during extended use. This is how I make money to keep this website up and running. Yes, The only real solution is to upgrade the transmission. Do you think this mower will hold up in hilly terrain? I am pretty sure Cub Cadet has a better warranty program. 7-Speed Shift-on-the-Go® transmission for smooth change of speed and direction and operator-controlled reverse mowing. They are designed to give you hundreds of hours of service for normal use. 4. Thank you, This is different than any other description I have found concerning transmission problems on this tractor, so I was wondering if you had any thoughts? This is a dependable  transmission that will give you years of service. Could you tell me the craftsman and John Deere and cadet equivalent to the Husqvarna TS354X? and can I fix that problem?thanks,shane. Paul, Have 2/3 acre with steep hill up along side of house, want to pull an aerator, leery of K46 tranny .. can you confirm what tranny is in 42″ Craftsman Pro 27038 tractor … will it handle the work and what is expected life? With the RS 800 there is more mechanical reduction using gears so you will hear more “noise” from the trans. Dennis. Hi Ryan, I don’t know. You move the shift lever and it changes the diameter of the two drive pulleys on the top of the gear case. mowing deck with side discharge on the CVT transmission from G.T. Go to searspartsdirect.com and enter 917.20385 as the model number. 30-40 years ago gear drive transmissions were about the only transmission available for your tractor. 1. Sears calls this heavy duty unit a "Premium Hydrostatic Transmission". Release the pedal to resume speed. Hi Randy, If you’ve had a Craftsman before with the fender shift lever the 25587’s controls are opposite. You will have to change these belts more often than the one belt in the hydro model. Help. Traction control and fabricated deck. Seven speed transmission for precise mower speed adjustment depending on terrain. While waiting for it to arrive I read the manual and researched the web and found that it might be the 30 amp fuse,so we found and changed it and it started right up. Great article – interesting and informative. That alone will cost you an additional $250-$400 before you get it home. Hi Jerry, Both transmissions are the toughest you can find in the $3000-$6000 price range. So do you think the Craftsman t240 46 inch deck will be better than the t260 50 inch deck? Then the PTO popped again.