Towing with K46 - what is limitation?

15 years ago

I could use my JD LT160 with K46 hydro to move a boat trailer around my flat yard. My question is really what causes Hydro failure, towing a lot of weight for very short distances, or towing/working the hydro enough that it overheats without chance to cool down? My general understanding is that it is heat that damages the hydro, not actually the amount of weight. Under that view, if the tractor can pull the trailer without spinning, etc., then towing the 2500 pound boat rig about 100 feet now and then would not actually be doing it much harm. Note that i haven't proven that the LT is able to pull this trailer, but I would give it a try if it is temperature and not weight that does the camage. If it can't pull the 2500 pound rig, it might still be able to move a lighter, 1200 pound rig the same distance, so same question still applies - heat or weight as teh real killer.

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Comments (3)

engine_tech
15 years ago
Heat normally, that's why you always need to run the engine at full throttle so the fan speed stays up. Heat will thin the oil to the point that you lose your lube film and you start getting metal on metal damage. A hydro can heat up quickly, but a short job like what you are talking about probably won't hurt a thing.

Be careful of tongue weight. I think a K46 won't take much more than 200lbs max.

Also remember that there are not relief valves in these transmissions. Spinning the rear tires is the fuse/relief. If the load is big enough, and the traction is great enough, something could go pop inside if it can't spin.
davidandkasie
15 years ago
also, if this is not FLAT land i would not do it with either listed above. moving somethign ain't a problem but stopping it is!

i have used my L130 with a k46 to plow my garden before. i put a electric sleeve hitch on it and used it to pull a cultivator and disc. the tranny would get HOT quick and smell burnt in no time. tires rrarely slipped. i changed the oil in the hydro a few months later and it was burnt big time and thick.
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njdpo
15 years ago
I have frequently wondered about this as well - and i was thinking short runs with heavy weight might not be so bad... So I'm kinda on board with what engine_tech is saying.

In my case I was given a beat up sears 10/30 rider/mulcher tractor with a wasted 30 inch mower deck.

I tossed the 30 inch deck and added a 1 7/8 ball hitch to the back of the unit. It has a 5 speed manual (no hydro) transmission and I use it hard several days a week for about 1 year now ...(wood, stone, trailers) I even picked up an extra trans-axle for it - just in case.

One last little mod was the mounting of some small red LED lights (Walmart + - $5) on the front and back of the tractor. As I use the Sears unit frequently during the later hours (and now even more so that the sun is setting earlier) i find that my rig is uniquely set up for the rough life.

I hesitate to use my Scotts (20hp/46) for this type of work - and actually cant since I dont have a ball hitch on the scotts.

Perhaps if you can find an old junker (w a gear tranny) - you might want to consider doing what im doing. It removes your worries about burning up the Hydro tranny...

My neighbor looks at this rig (and me) kinda funny when he sees me towing big loads of wood and stone around, (and various trailers). While hes doing the same with a little wheel barrow - I'm sure hes wishing he could borrow my rig.

Keep wishing pal - get your own mule !

Good luck to you...

Towing with K46 - what is limitation?

Comments (3)

engine_tech

davidandkasie

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