2 Tuff Torq K46's mated together

[Noncomposmentis]

Okay, the question is not particular to the K46 but could be any non-locked hydro transaxle. If you mated them end to end to make a transaxle twice the width with the connected axles locked to the tractor frame where they
couldn't rotate, would each one operate the free axle similarly to a zero turn?

 

[stsid1]

Don't know how long the spider gears would last spinning all the time.

 

[Noncomposmentis]

Ahh yes I see what you are saying, in that they normally jus take up the differential rate of rotation between the two axles and now they would be always engaged.

 

[Noncomposmentis]

So maybe it would be better to lock the differentials and not lock the unused axle?

 

[Xfaxman]

So maybe it would be better to lock the differentials and not lock the unused axle?

Right.
If you lock the unused axles to the frame so they can't spin, the using axles will spin twice as fast as normal.

 

[stsid1]

Your next problem is traction. The tire that spins is the one that losses traction, the other tire just sits there that has traction. You would need something with limited slip. That way power is to both wheels whether it has traction or not and you will still move. So if you tie the inner axles together, you won't move.

 

[stsid1]

What are you trying to build?

 

[Noncomposmentis]

So the locked/welded differential will make both axles spin and the spider gears are no concern. Don’t connect the axles of the two transaxles together Traction is guaranteed, at least power will be transmitted.

What am I wanting to build? I’ve had this configuration in mind for either a home made mower for an unused 6’ 3 point hitch mower I have - could be zero turn or front mower type both require individual wheel steering. Also though it might work for a tracked snow/mud toy. Not an immediate project but trying to understand the possibilities of these widely available transaxles.
Thanks to all for the replies.

 

[Xfaxman]

What am I wanting to build? I’ve had this configuration in mind for either a home made mower for an unused 6’ 3 point hitch mower I have - could be zero turn or front mower type both require individual wheel steering.

I know there are front deck zero turn mowers, but the rear wheel steer front deck mowers with a differential axle are awesome:

 

[npalen]

I remember combines with their rear wheel steering took a little "getting used to" in order to drive straight. Is that true with the Toro type mowers? I can see where the rear wheel steering would outshine a ZTR on slopes.

 

[Xfaxman]

I remember combines with their rear wheel steering took a little "getting used to" in order to drive straight. Is that true with the Toro type mowers?

I guess I got used to rear wheel steering pretty quick, no problem driving straight. They do turn very sharp:

Got my first one in 2003, a 1990 model 322D:

Still have it, added the loader:

 

[Noncomposmentis]

I guess I got used to rear wheel steering pretty quick, no problem driving straight. They do turn very sharp:
View attachment 742510

Got my first one in 2003, a 1990 model 322D:View attachment 742511

Still have it, added the loader:
View attachment 742514

Nice!

 

[npalen]

I guess I got used to rear wheel steering pretty quick, no problem driving straight. They do turn very sharp:
View attachment 742510

Got my first one in 2003, a 1990 model 322D:View attachment 742511

Still have it, added the loader:
View attachment 742514

The rear wheels are powered also?

 

[Xfaxman]

The rear wheels are powered also?

Yes, it has the four wheel drive option.

 

[WranglerX]

Personally I would be really happy if the K46 had a locker differential like so many tractors and off road vehicles.... One wheel spinning and one not requires a lot of body English to get traction some times....Maybe on next rebuild I will just weld the spider gears....

 

[stsid1]

Be hard turning like a atv, just have to turn hard and give it alot of throttle.

 

[Vigo327]

I've had similar thoughts about lawn tractor hydrostatic transaxles.

Another thing to keep in mind is you're not really limited to the rpm or axle weight loading limits of the transaxle if you just chain drive your axle shaft to another, probably larger and better supported axleshaft underneath and can include some gear ratio in the sprockets' tooth counts.