Changing transaxel oil in X300

[Jimmm]

I get the feeling reading messages here and elsewhere that the transaxle in the X300 is a "disposable maintenance" item. Some say changing the oil helps, others say don't bother. If it might help I'm willing to try. I don't see anything that looks like a drain plug underneath the unit so other than taking the thing off the mower and turning it upside-down, is it possible to do an oil change while it's on the mower? I have one of those inboard boat engine suction pumps that has a small tube that gets inserted in the oil dipstick tube and pulls the oil up that way. Can same be done using what looks like a fill port near the top rear of the transaxle housing? What is the best thing to replace the fluid that is in there now? I've had good luck with MaxLife ATF for auto transmissions, and I also have Amsoil 0-20W and 10-30W motor oil but I can get something else if need be.

It's a 2013 X300 with 348 hours that mows 1 acre once a week in summer and once a month in winter. No hills. The transaxle PN is Tuff Torq 7A646084220. Knock on wood it's running fine. (I know I'll regret saying that now. )

 

[StarTech]

Tuff Torq uses 15W50 full synthetic oil. Alternate is SAE20W50 but is not the prefer oil.

And yes the transaxle has to be turned upside down or disassembly to drain the fluid. NO you can't get one suction tubes in there to do job. It would nic if you could and if they would spend a little extra expense and design them to have a drain plug.

 

[Jimmm]

Tuff Torq uses 15W50 full synthetic oil. Alternate is SAE20W50 but is not the prefer oil.

And yes the transaxle has to be turned upside down or disassembly to drain the fluid. NO you can't get one suction tubes in there to do job. It would nic if you could and if they would spend a little extra expense and design them to have a drain plug.

I see a place in the casting where it looks like drain plug might work. (see pic) I wonder what is behind that area and if drilling a hole there would damage anything if I only went far enough to break out. Then use a bottom tap to thread for a plug.

 

[StarTech]

It been quite sometime since I had been inside a K46 so I don't what is in that area. Five years is a long time in the repair business to remember an one off repair.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Take the tranny apart .
Inside there are filters and magnets that need to be cleaned / replaced.
Once apart go drill a drain hole , it would be a good idea.
However I am yet to find a domestic tranny that can be refilled while still in the mower unless it has an external overflow chamber.