Swapping Tuff Torq K65 or K66 for a K71 or K72

Spring1898 · Apr 23, 2015

Greetings all!

Looking at a Sabre/Scotts 2554 with a bad trans. Could try to fill it with oil, but assuming it is dead...
I have heard that this is a possible swap given that these tractors (up to 2002) were built on the GT 275 chassis which used the K71. I already have a note into Tuff Torq about the differences in the transmissions, but I have heard of doing the swap from the k66 to the k71.

Anyone here done one? And what conversion was necessary? Does it just bolt on?
Does the model letter code matter A, B, C, J? I know some have either internal filters, external reservoirs, and diff locks, but physically will they be different?

Thanks

buickanddeere · Apr 24, 2015

The K66 is a respectable transmission. The tuff Torq site lists the specs on a comparison chart. Deere has been trying to cut costs on the new lawn tractors by using the feeble light weight K46 in all 100,200 , the 300 and 304. The lowest end JD lawn tractor I would consider is the 310 with a K57 iirc.

Spring1898 · Apr 24, 2015

Actually got a message from someone who did the swap.
You basically need a donor tractor to make it work and some fabbing.

But in regard to the k66, I am sure it is a good trans but there definitely seems to be a decent failure rate in certain JD applications. Lots of 2554 sabre/scotts and g100 tractors. Not sure how long they last after rebuild though.

MikePA · Apr 25, 2015

buickanddeere said:
The lowest end JD lawn tractor I would consider is the 310 with a K57 iirc.

The x310 has a K58 transaxle.

buickanddeere · Apr 25, 2015

MikePA said:
The x310 has a K58 transaxle.

Alright I was close with K57. That was 98.2% correct.Tuff Torq | LAWN & GARDEN TRANSAXLES

Gator6x4 · Apr 25, 2015

Spring1898 said:
Greetings all!

Looking at a Sabre/Scotts 2554 with a bad trans. Could try to fill it with oil, but assuming it is dead...
I have heard that this is a possible swap given that these tractors (up to 2002) were built on the GT 275 chassis which used the K71. I already have a note into Tuff Torq about the differences in the transmissions, but I have heard of doing the swap from the k66 to the k71.

Anyone here done one? And what conversion was necessary? Does it just bolt on?
Does the model letter code matter A, B, C, J? I know some have either internal filters, external reservoirs, and diff locks, but physically will they be different?

Thanks

You might have some luck by opening a communications link with this individual. He sells kits to convert the K46 to a K66 and he can probably provide some in-depth information as to the problems you will encounter. https://twitter.com/JohnDeereL130.

Ebay has listing for swapping in a K66 also in certain lawn mower. Looks pricey, might be cheaper just to purchase something else and part the Sabre out as parts. K66 Transaxle Upgrade Kit for John Deere L130 L120 Amp Others | eBay

buickanddeere · Apr 25, 2015

Given that the new JD X310 to X360 iirc run in the $4000-$5000 range for an all new machine with warranty. And the cost of transplanting a new K66 into an old light duty machine is nearing half the cost of a new medium duty machine. The new machine is becoming attractive.

Spring1898 · Apr 25, 2015

Well I kind of answered the question already above. Its too much work and just easier to rebuild the tranny.
But also, this was about installing a K71 into a tractor that already had a K66. K46 was not part of the original question.

jenkinsph · Apr 26, 2015

Spring1898 said:
Well I kind of answered the question already above. Its too much work and just easier to rebuild the tranny.
But also, this was about installing a K71 into a tractor that already had a K66. K46 was not part of the original question.

I agree that rebuilding is the easier way out. If the rest of the tractor is in good shape I would likely rebuild the present transmission and hope for the best.