Thank you Eric, I’m having the same problem with mine but I have half the hours. Please post an update if you learn more. Your videos are awesome btw, it’s like being in a good friends shop sharing a beer and watching him do all the work : )
Ha! Thanks for the kind words. My final fix was to put the diff lock on, and remove the fuse so that it stays that way. Cheap, not ideal, but it works.
Same issue here. TS354XD 190hrs. actuator failure. Power to switch and to actuator but non responsive. Shipped to Husqvarna licensed dealer for warranty repair beginning of February but looking at end of March due to part shortages and shipping delays. This garden tractor has earned its keep with a front scoop ( moving sand clay mix, crusher run, concrete block and snow ), sleeve hitch box scraper, trailer and sled. I mounted a electric winch to it for pulling trees out of the woods. It came off the line February 2019 and rolled up the driveway that March. Although the lights failed within thr first 50hrs. of operation ( took your advice and installed a new and better set mounted to the hood- which cost much less ) this is the only thing to go wrong.
Please keep us uodated on this.... The lift really comes in handy for this kind of stuff no doubt. I was not aware your old one had a locking differential also. Thanks for posting this!!
Speaking as a mechanical engineer. You need to test this actuator controlled PTO when the engine is running and engaged. Also, I would not recommend using wheel weights as a means to add weight to the rear axle. It is a well known reason for premature X mission failure. Reason being is when you add weight directly to the axle and not the frame of the rear end, all the torque is absorbed into the differential and then the rear trans-axle. If the weight is put on the frame, the tires absorb the instantaneous changes in direction which lightens the immediate torque changes. The Husky dealer in the town I live in agrees with this hypothesis..
I was stoked when I scored a k66 on Facebook for a really good deal. Finding a k66 with a locker would be like hitting the lottery you never see them for sale used ever.
if you noticed that is spring loaded. thats so the actuator can travel full distance and not burn up. thing is there are clutch(dogs)on the axle shafts. when they dont line up the spring loading occurs. of you held one tire and rotated the other they will line up and the spring will push them together.
Thanks to you I'm getting a Simplicity Conquest with a K72 hydro! I'm going Johnny bucket/tooth rake, will have a sleeve hitch! Thanks buddy for helping me understand what a real garden tractor is!
Nice, I'm doing a build like that right now on my channel with a Cub Cadet 2544 Hydro Gear BDU10 similar to a K72 Doing the build like Erik's with a couple of twists. He's really the only good source for Johnny Product info right now. Hopefully I will get the sleeve hitch soon, ordered on the 8th.
In a video you made last year about this garden tractor you mentioned you were going to reinforce the frame. Would be great if you could make a video of that! Thanks, great video!
Just got my TS354XD. So new it has 0.2hrs on meter/ Snow, we usually have very little in Winter, but grass and weeds to take off after any rain. The 12v/cig lighter plug on left of the steering tower, is that hot all the time. Or only when key on or motor on. I want to drag 20g sprayer behind, but initial test didn't work. Tomorrow will check where the 12 comes from, to that plug, or maybe run power with batt. clips. to wagon with sprayer. (weeds, weeds, weeds, but the worse are the khaki weeds that are hard to kill). Will look for more input from you in future. Bill in San Angelo TX
You mentioned you owned a GT52XLSi. That smart switch is now a $300 replacement item - if you can find one. I waited 4 months to get mine repaired on a 2014 model. Otherwise the machine has been a jewel!
Watched this again. I wouldn't be surprised if they cheaped out on the actuator, so not really a K66 problem. If it was me, I would find a beefier one that would fit, dimension and throw lengthwise and consider it an upgrade.
Did you forget to swap out the Summer transmission fluid for the winter transmission fluid? Also the Blinker fluid need to be changed out on that model.
I look forward to my weekend dosage of FPF Videos..!! As usual, never a disappointment, and I always share them on my FB page. 1st, I feel like I am missing the video, where you tall us about your Big Blue Scissor lift ??? When did u get those?? I want!!! 2- is it possible, there is a 40 amp relay in line with the power that operates the actuator? possibly the relay could be going bad?. I found that on a few of my after market 12v light bars, the 30 amp relay inline can go bad.. and need replacing due to the large amount pf usage on operating it. anyways.. many thanx for your videos... we got rain ice last night and time to get my road cleared for driving!! cheers and again, thank you! be blessed and stay warm and safe... we have maple burning season on us here in Maine... maple syrup anyone?..hahhaha cheers!
my actuator has also failed tractor dealer quoted 6oo to fix and long wait for a replacement actuator ... 85 hours switch lit up and ammeter jumps when switched on as it should ... my fault for engaging it while moving ? might be... cheapest actuator assembly I have found on line is 499
@@FarpointFarms the tractor shop has my unit and has ordered the part but I have considered your suggestion for future and will be requesting the shop return my faulty unit and will see if I can rebuild it
Now that I’ve seen this mine will probably go out this year. Seems like I read. Somewhere that you should only engage it while the machine wheels are turning and then disengage it when you get unstuck. It is hard on the transmission and more difficult to turn when diff is locked. Should be used sparingly. My main drive wheel starts to spin/lose traction I engage by pressing switch and both wheels get traction. I pull clear and then disengage. I’m on a hilly mountain so I have to do this at least once every time I mow.
Somewhere you read some dyslexic advice. Locking differentials should normally NOT be engaged while any axles are turning. On something this small it’s just a weak electrical actuator forcing the engagement so it’s only causing extra wear on the actuator itself and the manual actually says it’s ok to engage while axles are turning on these mowers, but on real tractors, trucks and backhoes, you can do serious damage if you try to lock the differential while one drive axle is turning and one is not. It’s well documented and mentioned in many tractors operators manuals. Mesicks equipment channel has a good video about it. 👊
I think I'm having the same problem? Was it the main 20 amp fuse that blew? My actuator was makikng alot of noise and now I have power to switch but no response from rear differential actuator? Just before the actuator stopped responding, the 20 am fuse blew tow times in a row? I cant find a short anywhere in the wiring? I'm not sure if the rear differential was activated when the fuses blew but it would make sense? Thank you for posting!
I bench tested the actuator and it was working fine for a while. However, it is now making that over ratcheting sound? Did you determine the cause? I'm hoping I don't have to replace the actuator?
Any update on the differential? Did that lubrication fix continue to work? My tractor (TS354XD with 3 hours) seemed to make a similar noise as what you had.
Oh no! I love that tractor, honestly didn't think you'd have any issues with that diff. Digging your lift, though. Definitely sucks to be down with equipment, I'm in that limbo myself. Tuff Torq is easy to deal with and the parts prices are reasonable for the most part.
Great videos. I have one question. You mentioned that you got rid of your last husqvarna at around 300 hours. Why so soon? I have a ts348d with 200 hours and was considering investing in a dozer blade. I have a good deal lined up ($500 for the Husqvarna brand). I didn't want to do it if the tractor will fail soon. I put about 75 hours a year on it. I maintain the tractor well and I was going to change the trans fluid soon. This is my first tractor and i am not sure what to expect when it comes to tractor life. Not sure if I should buy the blade or save the $ for a SUT. Thoughts?
Not surprised to hear about an issue with the Husqvarna Tractor. I recently purchased one and to say I dislike it would be an understatement. Many issues which I won't get into here, but suffice it to say I will probably be getting rid of it by next mowing season.
The ELD on my Husqvarna GTH52XLS (K66ELD trans) just went out at 100 hrs, so I don't think yours is a a fluke. In my case, it appears the actuator has completely died; it's getting full voltage but no movement at all. Eight months out of warranty, and as you point out, it's an expensive part. :-(
This Tractor has some problems. One the seat is not adjustable to ANY degree at all. Second my cruise control functions did not work. The dealer wants to charge me for the truck to take it back to the shop, and back home. It not my problem, it's the manufacturer problem, the part is being shipped to the dealer, but it been almost 3 weeks, with no part. Won't deal with dealer anymore. Selling my tractor at the end of the season.
mine same model except 48" mower... is having transmission slipping -- ?? -- to completely stopping. about 125 hrs on garden tractor. I brought issue to my dealer when issue was just starting and he thought I was craZy. He said I might be using it too hard since I have 23" ag tires on it -- ??? It's a crappy over priced machine IMO!!
That is terrible to hear. I have just shy of 100 hours and other than the locking diff issue, mine is working well. Did you flush the trans fluid at 50 hours?
You are not alone, Eric! The same thing happened to my TS354XD with only 26 hours on it. Did you unmount the actuator to lube it, or just spray the visible part of the rod?
@@FarpointFarms My GT54LS does the same exact thing but doesn’t chatter however it buzzes when engaged. Oiling it has helped significantly though. Maybe it’s normal??
Mine is doing it now with 50 hours on it. My amp meter simultaneously fluctuates and occasionally blows the fuse. Did any of you figure out what’s happening? How to fix please comments
Myself doesn't buy anything in having a name I cannot quickly decipher and pronounce, same goes for in eating at restaurants. If I cannot pronounce the name of any food & drink eating establishment at 'first glance', I eat somewhere else, my wife hates that.
Thank you Eric, I’m having the same problem with mine but I have half the hours. Please post an update if you learn more. Your videos are awesome btw, it’s like being in a good friends shop sharing a beer and watching him do all the work : )
Ha! Thanks for the kind words. My final fix was to put the diff lock on, and remove the fuse so that it stays that way. Cheap, not ideal, but it works.
There's nothing wrong with it. Move your tractor forward it will lock.
Same issue here. TS354XD 190hrs. actuator failure. Power to switch and to actuator but non responsive. Shipped to Husqvarna licensed dealer for warranty repair beginning of February but looking at end of March due to part shortages and shipping delays. This garden tractor has earned its keep with a front scoop ( moving sand clay mix, crusher run, concrete block and snow ), sleeve hitch box scraper, trailer and sled. I mounted a electric winch to it for pulling trees out of the woods. It came off the line February 2019 and rolled up the driveway that March. Although the lights failed within thr first 50hrs. of operation ( took your advice and installed a new and better set mounted to the hood- which cost much less ) this is the only thing to go wrong.
I am sorry that yours went out too but glad that the mower has been so useful to you.
Please keep us uodated on this.... The lift really comes in handy for this kind of stuff no doubt. I was not aware your old one had a locking differential also. Thanks for posting this!!
Will do!
@@FarpointFarms one quick question. ... So after all that noise did it eventually go in or did it just make that noise and not engage at all?
Thank you for another video. I would appreciate it if we could see more videos about radio. God Bless!
Give TuffTorq a call they are nice folks to deal with and likely will be able to point in the right direction.
Good idea
I messaged tufftorq about mine they told me that it is a husqvarna problem, and I should work through them.
Speaking as a mechanical engineer. You need to test this actuator controlled PTO when the engine is running and engaged. Also, I would not recommend using wheel weights as a means to add weight to the rear axle. It is a well known reason for premature X mission failure. Reason being is when you add weight directly to the axle and not the frame of the rear end, all the torque is absorbed into the differential and then the rear trans-axle. If the weight is put on the frame, the tires absorb the instantaneous changes in direction which lightens the immediate torque changes. The Husky dealer in the town I live in agrees with this hypothesis..
Maybe, but loaded tires and wheel weights are the only reason I'm still alive.
With the low speed these wheels turn it shouldn't be much of an issue.
I was stoked when I scored a k66 on Facebook for a really good deal. Finding a k66 with a locker would be like hitting the lottery you never see them for sale used ever.
True. People that have them, tend to know what they have.
if you noticed that is spring loaded. thats so the actuator can travel full distance and not burn up. thing is there are clutch(dogs)on the axle shafts. when they dont line up the spring loading occurs. of you held one tire and rotated the other they will line up and the spring will push them together.
Cool, thanks for sharing the tips on how to get it lined up. I am sure that will save some headaches
Wished I'd seen your reply soon would've save me $160 burnt my actuator up messing around with it.
Thanks to you I'm getting a Simplicity Conquest with a K72 hydro! I'm going Johnny bucket/tooth rake, will have a sleeve hitch!
Thanks buddy for helping me understand what a real garden tractor is!
Nice, I'm doing a build like that right now on my channel with a Cub Cadet 2544 Hydro Gear BDU10 similar to a K72
Doing the build like Erik's with a couple of twists. He's really the only good source for Johnny Product info right now.
Hopefully I will get the sleeve hitch soon, ordered on the 8th.
In a video you made last year about this garden tractor you mentioned you were going to reinforce the frame. Would be great if you could make a video of that! Thanks, great video!
I am pretty sure on that model there is an adjuster on the end of the actuator you could take one turn out of the shaft and it should help it.
Just got my TS354XD. So new it has 0.2hrs on meter/ Snow, we usually have very little in Winter, but grass and weeds to take off after any rain. The 12v/cig lighter plug on left of the steering tower, is that hot all the time. Or only when key on or motor on. I want to drag 20g sprayer behind, but initial test didn't work. Tomorrow will check where the 12 comes from, to that plug, or maybe run power with batt. clips. to wagon with sprayer. (weeds, weeds, weeds, but the worse are the khaki weeds that are hard to kill). Will look for more input from you in future. Bill in San Angelo TX
Hey Eric I’m almost positive I seen you at the dalton hamfest yesterday!
That was me! You should have come over and said hi. A lot of other folks sure did!
You mentioned you owned a GT52XLSi. That smart switch is now a $300 replacement item - if you can find one. I waited 4 months to get mine repaired on a 2014 model. Otherwise the machine has been a jewel!
I sold Mine and bought this one. I hated that switch.
Watched this again.
I wouldn't be surprised if they cheaped out on the actuator, so not really a K66 problem.
If it was me, I would find a beefier one that would fit, dimension and throw lengthwise and consider it an upgrade.
Did you forget to swap out the Summer transmission fluid for the winter transmission fluid? Also the Blinker fluid need to be changed out on that model.
I will get right on that-
Funny that you just posted this video this morning .I'm thinking about buying nthis model myself.
I am glad that I could help
I look forward to my weekend dosage of FPF Videos..!! As usual, never a disappointment, and I always share them on my FB page.
1st, I feel like I am missing the video, where you tall us about your Big Blue Scissor lift ??? When did u get those?? I want!!!
2- is it possible, there is a 40 amp relay in line with the power that operates the actuator? possibly the relay could be going bad?. I found that on a few of my after market 12v light bars, the 30 amp relay inline can go bad.. and need replacing due to the large amount pf usage on operating it.
anyways.. many thanx for your videos... we got rain ice last night and time to get my road cleared for driving!! cheers and again, thank you! be blessed and stay warm and safe... we have maple burning season on us here in Maine... maple syrup anyone?..hahhaha cheers!
Nothing better than real maple syrup! I did not notice a relay on it unless it is build into the unit
my actuator has also failed tractor dealer quoted 6oo to fix and long wait for a replacement actuator ... 85 hours switch lit up and ammeter jumps when switched on as it should ... my fault for engaging it while moving ? might be... cheapest actuator assembly I have found on line is 499
I am sorry that you had the same issue- It is easy to replace, so you might buy one and do it yourself.
@@FarpointFarms the tractor shop has my unit and has ordered the part but I have considered your suggestion for future and will be requesting the shop return my faulty unit and will see if I can rebuild it
Now that I’ve seen this mine will probably go out this year. Seems like I read. Somewhere that you should only engage it while the machine wheels are turning and then disengage it when you get unstuck. It is hard on the transmission and more difficult to turn when diff is locked. Should be used sparingly. My main drive wheel starts to spin/lose traction I engage by pressing switch and both wheels get traction. I pull clear and then disengage. I’m on a hilly mountain so I have to do this at least once every time I mow.
Somewhere you read some dyslexic advice.
Locking differentials should normally NOT be engaged while any axles are turning.
On something this small it’s just a weak electrical actuator forcing the engagement so it’s only causing extra wear on the actuator itself and the manual actually says it’s ok to engage while axles are turning on these mowers, but on real tractors, trucks and backhoes, you can do serious damage if you try to lock the differential while one drive axle is turning and one is not.
It’s well documented and mentioned in many tractors operators manuals.
Mesicks equipment channel has a good video about it. 👊
I have seen where it's recommended to come to a complete stop and wait a couple seconds before engaging/disengaging the locker.@@jaxturner7288
I think I'm having the same problem? Was it the main 20 amp fuse that blew? My actuator was makikng alot of noise and now I have power to switch but no response from rear differential actuator? Just before the actuator stopped responding, the 20 am fuse blew tow times in a row? I cant find a short anywhere in the wiring? I'm not sure if the rear differential was activated when the fuses blew but it would make sense? Thank you for posting!
Yes. The actuator is drawing too much energy and that is what is killing the fuse.
I bench tested the actuator and it was working fine for a while. However, it is now making that over ratcheting sound? Did you determine the cause? I'm hoping I don't have to replace the actuator?
Any update on the differential? Did that lubrication fix continue to work? My tractor (TS354XD with 3 hours) seemed to make a similar noise as what you had.
So far so good. I've been leaving the diff turned on so I don't know if that has helped it stay working.
Oh no! I love that tractor, honestly didn't think you'd have any issues with that diff.
Digging your lift, though.
Definitely sucks to be down with equipment, I'm in that limbo myself.
Tuff Torq is easy to deal with and the parts prices are reasonable for the most part.
Great videos. I have one question. You mentioned that you got rid of your last husqvarna at around 300 hours. Why so soon? I have a ts348d with 200 hours and was considering investing in a dozer blade. I have a good deal lined up ($500 for the Husqvarna brand). I didn't want to do it if the tractor will fail soon. I put about 75 hours a year on it. I maintain the tractor well and I was going to change the trans fluid soon. This is my first tractor and i am not sure what to expect when it comes to tractor life. Not sure if I should buy the blade or save the $ for a SUT. Thoughts?
Not surprised to hear about an issue with the Husqvarna Tractor. I recently purchased one and to say I dislike it would be an understatement. Many issues which I won't get into here, but suffice it to say I will probably be getting rid of it by next mowing season.
The ELD on my Husqvarna GTH52XLS (K66ELD trans) just went out at 100 hrs, so I don't think yours is a a fluke. In my case, it appears the actuator has completely died; it's getting full voltage but no movement at all. Eight months out of warranty, and as you point out, it's an expensive part. :-(
What is the lift you use?
Harbor freight scissor lift. I have a few videos on it
What happened with the actuator? Did you have to replace it?
It has not given me anymore issues.
This Tractor has some problems. One the seat is not adjustable to ANY degree at all. Second my cruise control functions did not work. The dealer wants to charge me for the truck to take it back to the shop, and back home. It not my problem, it's the manufacturer problem, the part is being shipped to the dealer, but it been almost 3 weeks, with no part. Won't deal with dealer anymore. Selling my tractor at the end of the season.
Manufactures never pay for shipping/pick up even if it is a warranty issue. I don't agree with it, but that is how they all are. Sorry you had issues
@@FarpointFarms dealer picked up expenses of transporting the garden tractor to and from my house.
I would convert that to manual engagement using some steel rod!
Sounds like the Internal "Stop Switch" is either Dirty or Possibly Corroded...
I have almost that same exact model. Mine is an XD (whatever that means). Can you show where the lube points are in case mine goes out this spring?
Does your have a Kawasaki engine? I think it was the model for that engine. I am working on a video of a tune up that shows that. Stay tuned
@@FarpointFarms I will definitely be looking out for it! Thank you! I’m not home right now but I think it might be a Kohler. I can’t remember.
@@cptcurk192 X designates Kawasaki engine.
D designates locking differential.
@@jaxturner7288 thank you! 👍
Thanks for. The video
Any update on the transmission issue?
Ever since I lubricated it, it has been working just fine.
mine same model except 48" mower... is having transmission slipping -- ?? -- to completely stopping. about 125 hrs on garden tractor. I brought issue to my dealer when issue was just starting and he thought I was craZy. He said I might be using it too hard since I have 23" ag tires on it -- ??? It's a crappy over priced machine IMO!!
That is terrible to hear. I have just shy of 100 hours and other than the locking diff issue, mine is working well. Did you flush the trans fluid at 50 hours?
@@FarpointFarms took it to dealer shop and they did whatever required... hopefully
looking at JD X730. Looks Great except lots of $$
How has the tranny and ELD held up since this video?
I have had no issues since, I am still happy with my purchase on this mower.
You are not alone, Eric! The same thing happened to my TS354XD with only 26 hours on it. Did you unmount the actuator to lube it, or just spray the visible part of the rod?
We just lubed the part we could see and so far it is working well.
@@FarpointFarms
My GT54LS does the same exact thing but doesn’t chatter however it buzzes when engaged. Oiling it has helped significantly though. Maybe it’s normal??
Mine is doing it now with 50 hours on it. My amp meter simultaneously fluctuates and occasionally blows the fuse. Did any of you figure out what’s happening? How to fix please comments
I HAVE A HUSQVARNA TS 348 XD FOR GRASS THE BEST I HAVE EVER HAD
I do like it for cutting grass as well.
I bought a yth22v46 with a blower, :)
You know you are not supposed to engage that actuator when the tractor is not in motion. It needs to be moving or the gears can’t mesh properly.
Myself doesn't buy anything in having a name I cannot quickly decipher and pronounce, same goes for in eating at restaurants. If I cannot pronounce the name of any food & drink eating establishment at 'first glance', I eat somewhere else, my wife hates that.
Missing out on a lot.... When I buy Husqvarna, I’m reaching out to my Viking heritage. 😂
My name is JONNY Erickson I have a LGT 2654 HUSQVARNA LAWNMOWER
Forward and reverse. Slip
I haven't had that issue. About 250 hours on mine now.