Much time has passed since this thread started but I still found it very helpful with my JD L111 and D140 transmission oil change. The L111 Tuff torq T40 had 350 hrs on it when she failed and I ended up buying a replacement tranny... the rest of the machine was in good nick so for me it was worth it. Now that it's done another 50 hours with the new tranny it was time to change the oil. I pretty much followed the procedure above to do the job. When it came to removing the breather plug, I learned that you have to be careful not to damage it. Gently remove the "rubbery cap" from the breather valve itself and , Using a screwdriver and hammer, lightly tap upward against the hard edge of the plug. Once out, I just took an accurate measurement of the quantity that came out, (tilting and rolling it around to ensure it all drained out), and put the same qty of Mobil 1 5w50 Fully synthetic in. Precisely 1,970mls. I took it real slow pouring it in. 1 litre first, then the rest after turning the unit over and around a bit. Reassembly was straight forward. Apply grease to the axels, never sieze to the bolts and make sure the belt and tensioner are as they should be before priming and purging air. The D140 was more or less exactly the same. It had 50 hours on it so I went ahead and changed the tranny oil in it as well. It too took just under 2 Litres. I was glad I changed it because the oil that came out was already discoloured. Both machines have benefited from this. They seem to be quieter and smoother in operation now. In the future I'll be paying a bit more attention to the tranny when cleaning it. The fins on the casting are prone to clogging up with dirt and crap which causes the unit to run too hot. And heat is the killer. Trev.

LOL this more fun than starting a chevy / ford debate. I was guessing MTD because they seem to own everything these days, well not everything, but alot of mower companies that once were independent. That and the sears site said my part was not going to be original, but a "authorized" substitute. Neighbor said his tractor is in the white building and just grab it whenever you need to. He has another JD in there, bigger, not sure of the model, but he won't part with it, I already asked. At least I don't have to sweat the grass being two feet high before I'm up and running again. May have to fix a few other things on that old tractor....wink. In the mean time, you guys feel free to chat amoungst yourselves.....lol

Both are nice machines. The Kubota is a little smaller, and as you point out, not compatible with a back hoe. The 62C deck on the Deere will cut your lawn faster (I like that combo anyway, as it has a greater overlap over the tires for more effective edging etc). I think it would come down to whether or not you want a used machine (albeit hardly broken in for a diesel sub-CUT) or a new. The other factor would be, which dealer do you get better vibes from? Cheers JDFANATIC

"mowie" is right. You need to find out what happened; what caused the noise, and the smoke? The best way to start is to look under the tractor. My first guess is it must have something to do with the transmission drive belt. My first rule of thumb in solving mechanical problems is: Always eliminate the cheapest possible causes first.