Difference between Tuff-Torq K46 and K62?

[92saturnsl2]

This spring I'm going to be buying a new Cub Cadet XT2 mower. I'm working through which options I want, and one thing I'm stuck on is that they're available with either a K46 and K62 Tuff-Torq transmission.

I don't see a huge price difference between the two, but I'm going to assume the K62 is better? Are both units serviceable? I plan on keeping this mower for many years and the ability to service the trans is highly desirable.

Anyone know anything about these and whether both (or one or the other) are fairly decent quality that will hold up to moderate duty? I have about an acre to mow and the terrain is fairly rough in some areas. The thread specifically pertains to the two transmissions and the perceived quality of each.

Here's an example of one equipped with the K62:

https://www.shfarmsupply.com/New-In...-Mower-XT2-LX46-EFI-Any-Location-5060687

 

[MParr]

Here's what I found for you.
https://www.tufftorq.com/products/lawn-garden/iht/

 

[gman2304]

I can't speak for the k62 but my k61 in my John Deere is 21 years old and has been trouble free. The K62 has a drain plug so if you want to change the oil you won't have to remove the hydro and split the case. The Tuff Torq site has a lot of good info on their hydro transmissions.

 

[Slick17601]

Go with the K62

 

[Driz]

I can't speak for the k62 but my k61 in my John Deere is 21 years old and has been trouble free. The K62 has a drain plug so if you want to change the oil you won't have to remove the hydro and split the case. The Tuff Torq site has a lot of good info on their hydro transmissions. [/quote

I'm pretty sure you can simply pull the transmission and dump those through the filler cap. I did one on a JD LA 135 and just refilled with Mobil 1 15w50 as someone had suggested. There's really not much to it.

 

[BrianF]

K62 should have bigger axles and handle more weight/torque than the K46. The 46 has to be pulled and tipped upside down to drain/fill. Its not hard but annoying none the less.

 

[SteveSRT8]

I have over 250 hours on a K46 in a 26hp/54inch mower we use to care for a few acres. Never a peep, oil changed twice. Seems fairly durable at this point...

 

[mattwithcats]

Just remember, Tuff Torq fills the transmission with 10w30 at the factory,
but recommends full synthetic 5W-50 as a fill...

5W-50 is unicorn tears, so most folks use 15W-50 from NAPA or Mobil 1...

 

[92saturnsl2]

Originally Posted by mattwithcats
Just remember, Tuff Torq fills the transmission with 10w30 at the factory,
but recommends full synthetic 5W-50 as a fill...

5W-50 is unicorn tears, so most folks use 15W-50 from NAPA or Mobil 1...


5w50 Castrol Syntec is fairly readily available.

 

[92saturnsl2]

Originally Posted by SteveSRT8
I have over 250 hours on a K46 in a 26hp/54inch mower we use to care for a few acres. Never a peep, oil changed twice. Seems fairly durable at this point...


How difficult to remove the unit in order to change the oil? Is there a filter to change?

 

[BrianF]

In my case (42" Craftsman T3200, which is an AYP unit) you have to block the back end of the mower off the ground, block the K46 to remove the wheels, fish out the free wheel lever, unbolt the K46 from the frame and as you lower it out you will have to remove the belt up and over the fan. I cant recall how long it took me but it was maybe 20 minutes or around there.

I cracked the case and cleaned out the magnets, which were full of ferric shavings. I think there was some sort of fine mesh basket filter in there but cant quite recall. I just wiped it all down, resealed with RTV and added some Motomaster (This particular oil was made by Shell) 5w50 synthetic. My wife bought the oil for about 46$ tax in for 5 litres, not sale price.

This was in the fall of 2016. I bought the mower used with about 120 or so hours on it. The PO did not do any maintenance on the K46 so it was original oil. I think I am at the 180 or so hour mark now and still no issues.

 

[2K2AcuraTL]

Originally Posted by BrianF
K62 should have bigger axles and handle more weight/torque than the K46. The 46 has to be pulled and tipped upside down to drain/fill. Its not hard but annoying none the less.



I am planning to drill and tap my K46 some times this spring.. if this winter will ever go away...

 

[BrianF]

Ahh yes, I remember seeing that same diagram. I contemplated doing that on mine but ran into an issue with access to the fill ports. On the AYP models the fuel tank sits on top of the transmission and there is little to no access to it.