John Deere's Plastic Transmission: Which Models Are Affected?

which john deere has plastic transmission

John Deere is a well-known manufacturer of tractors and lawnmowers. Some of their products have been found to have plastic transmissions, which has caused mixed reactions among customers. Models such as the D105 and E100 have been specifically mentioned in forums for their plastic transmissions, with some users reporting issues and seeking alternatives. Deere has issued recalls and repair kits for these transmission problems. This has sparked discussions about the quality of certain John Deere products and their competitors in the market.

Characteristics Values
Model E100, D105
Replacement Parts Tuff Tork K66, Hydro Gear, 3-speed without input pulley
Repair Kits 3 different repair kits available

shunpoly

John Deere E100 plastic transmission

The John Deere E100 tractor is believed to have a plastic transmission. This has been noted by tractor enthusiasts, who have also observed that the plastic transmission is prone to issues and may need to be replaced.

One such issue is the screw coming loose from the spring cap on the secondary transmission variator. While this can be fixed by taking off the transmission/rear axle and replacing the pulley, spring, and screw, it can lead to further problems. For example, the motion pedal may not come all the way up, requiring the operator to use their heel to shift gears. Additionally, the brakes may cease to function properly.

It is worth noting that some people have expressed disappointment in John Deere for using plastic parts in their transmissions, believing that the company should have used more durable materials.

Despite these concerns, the John Deere E100 tractor with its plastic transmission is still widely used, and owners continue to discuss and troubleshoot issues through online forums.

Understanding Plastic Drain Pipe Sizing

You may want to see also

shunpoly

John Deere D105 plastic transmission

The John Deere D105 is a lawn tractor that has been the subject of much discussion among tractor owners and enthusiasts due to its plastic transmission. Many owners have experienced issues with the plastic CVT transmission in the D105 tractor, resulting in a stop sale on all D105s in 2017 and a recall by Deere.

The plastic transmission in the D105 has been criticised for its lack of durability and propensity for failure. Owners have reported that their tractors became unusable after the CVT transmission died, leaving them with a difficult decision regarding repairs or replacements. Some have opted to replace the plastic transmission with an alternative, such as the Tuff Tork K66 or a Hydro Gear option, while others have considered bolting on a different transmission or swapping the engine into a better John Deere model.

Deere does offer repair kits for the plastic transmission, but some owners have expressed uncertainty about their effectiveness and pricing. The cost of installing a new plastic transmission is estimated at $550, which is a significant expense for a mower in the $650 range. Despite the issues, some owners have managed to find creative solutions to keep their D105 tractors running, demonstrating their dedication to the brand and their machines.

It is worth noting that the issue of plastic transmissions is not unique to the D105 model, as other John Deere models like the E100 have also been mentioned in forums for their plastic transmissions and associated problems. However, the D105's transmission issues seem to have garnered more attention and discussion online, indicating a more widespread occurrence of problems with this particular model.

shunpoly

John Deere K40 plastic transmission

The John Deere K40 transmission is a hydrostatic transmission used in lawn tractors. While it is not clear whether the K40 transmission is made of plastic, some John Deere tractors are known to have plastic parts. For instance, the John Deere E100 is said to have a plastic transmission.

John Deere K40 transmission is manufactured by Tuff Torq, a company that produces transmissions for lawn tractors. The K40 is known to be used in the John Deere L111 lawn tractor model. This model is known to have issues with oil leaks, with some users reporting that they had to replace the axle shaft seals multiple times due to fluid leaks.

The Tuff Torq K46, another transmission model by the same manufacturer, is also widely used in lawn tractors, including some John Deere models. However, this transmission model has received some criticism for its premature wear. Some owners have reported that the transmission only lasted a few years before needing to be replaced, which can be costly.

It is important to note that proper maintenance, such as regular oil changes and keeping the cooling fins clean, can help extend the lifespan of these transmissions. Additionally, some users have shared their experiences with repairing and rebuilding these transmissions, demonstrating that it is possible to extend their lifespan with the right care and knowledge.

While the John Deere K40 transmission may have its challenges with oil leaks, it is important for owners to understand their options. They can choose to repair or rebuild the transmission, seek assistance from mechanically inclined individuals, or consider selling the tractor as-is and taking the loss. Ultimately, the decision depends on the owner's preferences, resources, and willingness to tackle the issue.

shunpoly

John Deere K58 or higher plastic transmission

The K58 transmission is an upgrade from the K46 and is described as a "work tractor application" that is still light and compact. It is designed for higher-demand estate tractors and small garden tractors, with features such as heavier weight, better speed and response, auxiliary hydraulics support, and ground-engaging equipment support.

The K58 transmission is used in the John Deere X324 tractor. Some people have expressed concerns about the reliability of the K58 transmission, but these concerns may be unfounded. One user commented that they have seen "a lot of tractors come and go at the dealer [they] work at" and have "yet to see or hear about any problems with the hydro transmission". The only common issue they noted was with the trans pulley, which is an inexpensive repair.

Another user commented that they have had to do a Hydro replacement on the plastic transmission in the E100 lineup twice, which they found easy to do with donor parts.

The K58 transmission features a plastic cooling fan on top, which requires regular cleaning to prevent grass and dirt buildup.

While I cannot confirm if the K58 transmission or any higher versions are made of plastic, it is clear that plastic components are present in John Deere tractors and that maintenance and replacement of these parts may be necessary.

shunpoly

John Deere plastic transmission alternatives

The John Deere E100 and D105 tractors are known to have plastic transmissions. Deere released a recall for the D105 in September 2017 due to transmission issues. Deere also sells repair kits for the D105 transmission.

There are several alternatives to the plastic transmission in John Deere tractors. One option is to replace the plastic transmission with a Hydro transmission. This can be done using parts from a donor JD tractor, as mentioned by a user on My Tractor Forum. Another option is to look for alternative transmissions that can be bolted on, such as the Tuff Tork K66 or a Hydro Gear transmission, which are available at Surplus Center.

Some users have also suggested swapping the engine into a better JD tractor. For those looking for a more reliable transmission, it is recommended to consider the X310 and higher JD lawn and garden tractors, which feature the K58 or higher transaxle. These transaxles are known for their durability and performance.

It is worth noting that some lower-end Deere tractors have been observed to have black plastic transaxles, similar to those found in Ariens riding tractors. However, the quality of these box store riding mowers has been questioned, and it is suggested that only the X310 and higher JD models should be considered for a truly reliable machine.

Frequently asked questions

The John Deere E100 and D105 tractors have been noted to have plastic transmissions.

Plastic transmissions have been known to cause problems with motion pedals and brakes.

Tuff Tork K66, Hydro Gear, and 3-speed with linkage for the disk brake are some alternatives to a plastic transmission.

Yes, John Deere offers a repair kit for plastic transmission issues. It is also possible to replace the plastic transmission with a non-plastic one.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment