JD LX266 Tuff Torq K62A Fluid Change

[racer12306]

Just picked up a LX266 to use for miscellaneous yard work after selling my ZTR to switch to a robotic mower. It looks great. As any used vehicle, I want to change all the fluids and such.

This transaxle seems interesting.

There are two drains, two fills, an internal filter and a claim that for the two sides of the unit “Oil will not flow between compartments.”
https://files-us-prod.cms.commerce.dynamics.com/cms/api/jhddjbbnpf/binary/MA2oic

Had to get a first mow in today before rain this weekend and before I got it hot I noticed the reservoir was overfilled. So in my ignorance and just unscrewed the little black fill plug and let it drain out until the reservoir was at the full line. Also the fluid clearly flows from the hydro side to the gear side.

I know what the “official” paperwork says but it seems that if I open the gear side fill plug and pour down the reservoir to fill, then it’ll just push air out the gear side fill plug and maybe require minimal purging. I’ll still purge of course.

Note: the JD has a remote elevated reservoir, not a transaxle mounted reservoir.

Am I completely off base?

Thoughts?

 

[TCL]

I have the same transmission in an LX255. I drain the gear case through its drain plug and refill that side using the black plug located on the transmissionmission. I then drain the hydro side and refill that side via the reservoir under the seat.
Cruise around for a little bit and top off the reservoir as needed.

 

[racer12306]

I have the same transmission in an LX255. I drain the gear case through its drain plug and refill that side using the black plug located on the transmissionmission. I then drain the hydro side and refill that side via the reservoir under the seat.
Cruise around for a little bit and top off the reservoir as needed.

So the hydro side doesn’t drain when the gear side is drained?

 

[martinq]

I can look up some info on the K62A from Deere and Tuff Torq. I'm pretty sure there is some cross flow between the two areas but I'll get back to you. Hope you are using a quality J20D fluid like Deere HyGard LV.

 

[martinq]

From the Tuff Torq pdf:
K62 & K66 Oil Changing Procedure

Refill transmission through both locations on top of K62/K66 housing. (See Fig. #2) The plastic elbow on fill port of hydro chamber will be attached to a remotely located expansion reservoir via a rubber tube. Fill the hydro chamber through port on top of OEM supplied reservoir and bring oil level to FILL LINE usually embossed on side of plastic tank. Finally top off gear chamber and reinstall both caps.

If vehicle is equipped with a K62 the transaxle will need to be purged of air before using. Follow purging guide attached.

PURGING AIR FROM HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSIONS
1. Check oil level.
2. Place vehicle’s drive axle on jack stands with wheels off floor.
3. Start engine and operate at low idle speed.
4. Repeat opening and closing bypass (tow) valve while alternately depressing
forward and reverse pedal(s).
5. When axles start to rotate, increase engine speed.
6. Repeat quick starts and panic stops until transaxle give full response.
7. Remove jack stands while placing vehicle’s wheels on floor.
8. Recheck and top-off oil to level indication.

 

[JTK]

That's a sweet old machine and an excellent transmissionaxle. It's a great thing having the separate housings IMO. My ~2006 Craftsman LT2000 riding mower uses a peerless/Tecumseh hydrostatic transmission with separate reservoirs as well. The differential holds gear oil and the hydrostat holds 20w50 engine oil. They're totally different housings built into one unit like that old K62.

 

[racer12306]

I can look up some info on the K62A from Deere and Tuff Torq. I'm pretty sure there is some cross flow between the two areas but I'll get back to you. Hope you are using a quality J20D fluid like Deere HyGard LV.

Thanks for the info. That’s pretty similar to what I found. There is for sure transfer between the units on mine.

I’m going with 15w50 based on Tuff Torq suggesting 5w50 and this won’t be used in the winter.

 

[JTK]

K62's don't use low viscosity hydraulic fluids. I would go with 20w50.

 

[UNC054]

I sucked/pumped out a little over two quarts from my K61 on the LX188 two weeks ago and put in Mobil 1 15w50. Not sure what was in in before other than the 10w30 top off I'd occasionally do when checking it. Drove it this weekend mowing a bit and seems fine.