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4tees · 05-16-2011, 08:54 AM

I purchased a Husqvarna LGT 2654 tractor about 4 years ago at Lowes. I purchased this model because it was supposed to be heavier duty, it was even rated for ground engaging applications. As many are far too aware (and as I was not at the time of purchase), this tractor has the substandard Tuff Torq k46 transmission. I live in the mountains, and mow about 3/4 of an acre of very steep terrain. At approxamately 100 hours my transmission began losing all power after about 15 minutes of use. After researching several sites on the web (including the excellent k46 rebuild thread here) I first tried changing the oil in my transmission; it ran a tiny bit better for a few minutes longer, but still was bad. I bit the bullet and ordered both hydraulic motors and the center section from Tuff Torq (for a bit under $350), did the rebuild, and viola........it would now run for about 30 minutes before loosing most of its power (at least now it would very slowly creep back up to the house).

Frustrated, I spoke to Tuff Torq technical support; they had no solution for me other than to buy a new k46 transmission (why, so I could spend $650 just to see it fail again?). I then looked on e-bay to see what used transmissions might be found. I noticed that the mounts on a k71B transmission looked very similar to my K46. I did some further research and found that John Deere uses the same or very similar frames for their tractors with a K46 transmission, and those with a K71. I called Roger who sells the John Deere transmission upgrade kits and asked him if he though a k71B could work in a Husky LGT2654. He said he wasnt certain, but he very helpfully described the locations and motions of the controls on the K71 transmission. From his description, the pictures on e-bay, and the parts breakdown from Tuff Torq, I thought there was a good chance I could replace the K46 in my Husky with a K71B from an older (2003) John Deere.....so I went ahead and bid on the transmission......and won! I paid less than half the price of a new K46 (including the shipping).

The K71B transmission arrived a few days later. When I lifted it under the tractor I was much relieved to see that everything was indeed very close to to the mounting points and control connections of the old K46, even though the K71 is MUCH larger and heavier. I had to do a few minor modifications to the frame (because the K71 had to be mounted about 1 inch further back than the K46), including drilling some new holes, and making two cuts and bends. I also had to make one simple piece to connect the brake, and modify the reverse switch bracket and swap out the JD switch with the one from the K46 (one is NO, the other is NC). The entire swap out, including modifications took me one day to complete.

The tractor now climbs hills with ease, and seems more stable (the k71 is a bit wider than the K46 so the tires stick out a bit further). It handled my 30 minute mountain mowing torture test with ease. Hopefully this much more robust transmission will be up to the task I was led to believe the original one was when I bought it.

The intent of my posting is to let others know there are other solutions to fix a tractor with a failed K46 other than wasting time on a rebuild that may or may not work. I would imagine other Tuff Torq models would work with similar minor modifications (possible to do with nothing more than hand tools) as long as they were used in similar John Deere, Craftsman, Simplicity, Husqvarna, and any other tractors built using similar frames, components, and control layouts (it is my understanding most of the tractors sold at major retailers are essentially built on the same assembly lines regardless of brand).

**tractor beam** · 05-16-2011, 09:09 AM

Welcome to the forum 4Tees! I admire your determination. I would have most likely bit the bullet and bought something more industrial, though I love modifying things and making them better. You should have documented your remodel with lots of pictures, cause we love that sort of thing! Glad to hear you are back in the seat again!

**wjjones** · 05-16-2011, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4tees

I purchased a Husqvarna LGT 2654 tractor about 4 years ago at Lowes. I purchased this model because it was supposed to be heavier duty, it was even rated for ground engaging applications. As many are far too aware (and as I was not at the time of purchase), this tractor has the substandard Tuff Torq k46 transmission. I live in the mountains, and mow about 3/4 of an acre of very steep terrain. At approxamately 100 hours my transmission began losing all power after about 15 minutes of use. After researching several sites on the web (including the excellent k46 rebuild thread here) I first tried changing the oil in my transmission; it ran a tiny bit better for a few minutes longer, but still was bad. I bit the bullet and ordered both hydraulic motors and the center section from Tuff Torq (for a bit under $350), did the rebuild, and viola........it would now run for about 30 minutes before loosing most of its power (at least now it would very slowly creep back up to the house).

Frustrated, I spoke to Tuff Torq technical support; they had no solution for me other than to buy a new k46 transmission (why, so I could spend $650 just to see it fail again?). I then looked on e-bay to see what used transmissions might be found. I noticed that the mounts on a k71B transmission looked very similar to my K46. I did some further research and found that John Deere uses the same or very similar frames for their tractors with a K46 transmission, and those with a K71. I called Roger who sells the John Deere transmission upgrade kits and asked him if he though a k71B could work in a Husky LGT2654. He said he wasnt certain, but he very helpfully described the locations and motions of the controls on the K71 transmission. From his description, the pictures on e-bay, and the parts breakdown from Tuff Torq, I thought there was a good chance I could replace the K46 in my Husky with a K71B from an older (2003) John Deere.....so I went ahead and bid on the transmission......and won! I paid less than half the price of a new K46 (including the shipping).

The K71B transmission arrived a few days later. When I lifted it under the tractor I was much relieved to see that everything was indeed very close to to the mounting points and control connections of the old K46, even though the K71 is MUCH larger and heavier. I had to do a few minor modifications to the frame (because the K71 had to be mounted about 1 inch further back than the K46), including drilling some new holes, and making two cuts and bends. I also had to make one simple piece to connect the brake, and modify the reverse switch bracket and swap out the JD switch with the one from the K46 (one is NO, the other is NC). The entire swap out, including modifications took me one day to complete.

The tractor now climbs hills with ease, and seems more stable (the k71 is a bit wider than the K46 so the tires stick out a bit further). It handled my 30 minute mountain mowing torture test with ease. Hopefully this much more robust transmission will be up to the task I was led to believe the original one was when I bought it.

The intent of my posting is to let others know there are other solutions to fix a tractor with a failed K46 other than wasting time on a rebuild that may or may not work. I would imagine other Tuff Torq models would work with similar minor modifications (possible to do with nothing more than hand tools) as long as they were used in similar John Deere, Craftsman, Simplicity, Husqvarna, and any other tractors built using similar frames, components, and control layouts (it is my understanding most of the tractors sold at major retailers are essentially built on the same assembly lines regardless of brand).

Yep i know Husqvarna, and Craftsman are the same on most models my ys4500 Craftsman is pretty much identical to the Husqvarnas that where built the same year. Not the body but the mechanical parts such as the deck, steering system, and rearend/hydro..etc.. I am liking those new models though Of Husqvarna like the Husqvarna GTH26V52LS.. I wish they would retro fit a fab deck for the older models..

rsmith335 · 05-16-2011, 07:44 PM

Box stores, they spec the type of transmissions ect. That's why they are cheaper in price and quality. Bosch tankless water heater Co. was selling to Lowes and the experence about broke Bosch, they (Bosch ) has a bad rep now and they really build a great unit, if you don't buy it from a box store.

4tees · 05-17-2011, 05:12 AM

I'm not much of a picture taker, so I didn't take any pictures during the process.....plus I wouldn't want to show how messy things get when I am working on a project like this

. The good news is the tractor performed exceptionally well today; hauling perhaps 20 heaping loads of dirt dumped in by my excavators trackhoe while he was doing a job for us.

**tractor beam** · 05-17-2011, 11:01 AM

Good to hear. Don't break something else now darn it!

rivgar · 04-21-2012, 05:08 PM

Which wheels did you use when you upgraded from the K46 to the K71?
I just got a great deal on a K71 and I am going to replace the POS K46 in my Husqvarna YTH2146 XP.

Thanks!

4tees · 04-24-2012, 08:55 AM

I used the wheels that came with my k46, they fit the hubs of my k71 perfectly

**wjjones** · 04-24-2012, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4tees

I used the wheels that came with my k46, they fit the hubs of my k71 perfectly

Good to hear it worked out for you....

..

rivgar · 04-24-2012, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4tees

I used the wheels that came with my k46, they fit the hubs of my k71 perfectly

Unfortunately the rims with my K46 were 3/4" keyed drive axle and will not fit my K71B one inch five bolt hub. I bought a set of hubs for my K71 but they are made for 23x10.50x12 tires and the old rear tires off my Husq. YTH2146 had 20x10.00-8 tires.
That is going to raise the rear end of my tractor 1.5" so I will have to find a way to make that work so the mower deck rides flat. I do not know what the options are for front tires to raise the front end an equal amount.
If any one has done this I am looking for suggestions. I hope to put the K71 in this weekend.

Thanks!

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