Hi Kyle,
I can't find much info online without getting parts numbers off the mower.
You really need to know how good the Hydrostatic drive is and how much a replacement will cost or can it be rebuilt ,
because the cost of Repair: If a hydrostatic transmission fails and is a sealed unit, replacement can sometimes be more expensive than the mower is worth.
Some info I looked up below on different Hydrostatic drives may be worth considering if buying a Ride On Mower with a Hydrostatic drive.
Identify the Existing Hydrostatic Transmission (Crucial Step!)
The most important thing is to identify the exact make and model of the hydrostatic transmission currently in your AMC Territory. It's highly unlikely AMC manufactures their own. It will almost certainly be made by a major supplier like:
Tuff Torq: Very common in residential and mid-range mowers.
Hydro-Gear: Another major player, especially in zero-turn mowers and higher-end residential units.
Danfoss/Eaton: More common in commercial and heavy-duty hydraulic applications, but can be found in some larger mowers.
General Transmissions (GT): Also supplies transmissions for outdoor power equipment.
Where to find the model number:
Look directly on the transmission unit: There will usually be a sticker or a plate with the manufacturer's name and model number. It might be dirty, so clean it carefully. You might need to jack up the mower and get underneath.
Check your owner's manual: If you have the original owner's manual for your AMC Territory, it should list the specifications, including the transmission model.
Contact an AMC Mower dealer (in Australia): They might be able to look up the parts list for your specific model year and tell you which transmission it uses.
With the Hydrostatic Drive, upon inspection
Listen for unusual noises: A healthy hydrostatic drive should operate smoothly and quietly.
Test responsiveness: Drive it around and observe how it responds to changes in speed and direction. Any jerky movements or hesitation could be a sign of issues.
Check for leaks: Look for any signs of hydraulic fluid leaks around the transmission.
Ask for Service Records: If purchasing used, inquire about any maintenance history, especially fluid changes for the hydrostatic system.
Potential Considerations with Hydrostatic Drives:
While hydrostatic drives are excellent, it's worth being aware of a few things:
Maintenance: Some less expensive hydrostatic transmissions (especially in "big box" store mowers) might be sealed units that are not easily serviceable (e.g., fluid changes). Higher-end units, like some Hydro-Gear models, often have spin-on filters and allow for easier fluid changes, which is beneficial for longevity, particularly in demanding conditions (like hills).
Heat: Hydrostatic transmissions can generate heat, and if overstressed (e.g., on steep hills with heavy loads), they can sometimes overheat or wear prematurely. This is why proper fluid levels and maintenance are important.
I'd go with a ride on mower that you can easily get parts for and can easily look up reviews.
Tuff Torq is a very reputable manufacturer of hydrostatic transmissions for lawn and garden equipment, and a Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission in a new Cox Stockman ride-on mower is generally considered to be a good thing.
Here's a breakdown of why, and what to consider:
Why Tuff Torq is a Good Brand
Industry Leader: Tuff Torq (a subsidiary of Kanzaki, a Japanese company) is a leading OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supplier of hydrostatic transaxles for many major lawn tractor and zero-turn mower brands, including John Deere, Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, and many others. This widespread adoption speaks to their quality and reliability.
Integrated Design (IHT): Tuff Torq is known for its "Integrated Hydrostatic Transaxle" (IHT) systems, which combine the hydrostatic transmission and the axle into one compact unit. This design is robust, efficient, and helps keep manufacturing costs down for mower companies, making hydrostatic drive accessible in a wider range of mowers.
Quality and Durability: Tuff Torq has a strong reputation for manufacturing high-quality components. They employ advanced manufacturing processes, including robotic machining and automated quality checks, to ensure consistency and durability. Their "L.O.G.I.C. case system" is designed for longevity and smooth operation.
Smooth Operation: As discussed previously, hydrostatic transmissions offer smooth, clutch-less, and infinitely variable speed control, which makes mowing much more comfortable and efficient.
The Specifics of the Tuff Torq K46 in the Cox Stockman
Based on information for the Cox Stockman, particularly models like the "Stockman 32"" (CTH15C32), they often come with the Tuff Torq K46 hydrostatic transaxle.
The K46 is a very common and widely used hydrostatic transmission in entry-level to mid-range lawn tractors and some residential zero-turn mowers.
Is the K46 "good"?
For its intended use, yes: The K46 is excellent for typical residential mowing on flat to moderately sloped yards. It provides all the benefits of hydrostatic drive (smooth operation, variable speed) and is generally reliable within its design limits.
Limitations (important to understand): The K46 is designed for lighter-duty applications compared to more robust Tuff Torq models (like the K57, K62, K66, or K72). If you have:
Steep hills: Prolonged operation on steep inclines can put a lot of strain on a K46, leading to overheating and premature wear, especially if you're pulling a cart or other heavy attachments.
Frequent towing/heavy loads: The K46 is not designed for heavy-duty towing.
Large acreage (multiple acres): While it can mow large areas, if you're frequently mowing for extended periods in demanding conditions, a more heavy-duty transmission might offer greater longevity.
Commercial use: The K46 is generally not recommended for commercial applications.
Many of the issues people encounter with a K46 are due to using it beyond its design capabilities, rather than inherent flaws in the transmission itself.
Cox Stockman Specifics
The Cox Stockman is an Australian-designed mower, known for its durability and suitability for Australian conditions. The fact that it comes with a Tuff Torq K46 suggests it's positioned as a reliable residential mower. Some Cox Stockman models also feature a built-in differential with the Tuff Torq transmission, which is a good feature for enhanced maneuverability and traction.
Understand Your Property: Be realistic about your lawn's size, terrain (especially hills), and whether you plan to tow anything heavy. If you have significant hills or plan heavy use, ask the dealer if the K46 is truly sufficient, or if a model with a heavier-duty Tuff Torq (or another brand's equivalent) would be more appropriate.
Maintenance: While many K46 units are "sealed for life" by some OEMs (meaning fluid changes are not officially recommended), some enthusiasts and service centers do change the fluid and filter to extend life. Ask the dealer about recommended maintenance for the specific K46 in that Cox Stockman model.
Warranty: Understand the warranty provided by Cox and Tuff Torq for the transmission.
a Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission (especially the K46 model typically found in the Cox Stockman) is a good, reliable choice for general residential mowing. Just be aware of its limitations if your property or intended use is particularly demanding.
This is an excellent question, as the serviceability of Tuff Torq transaxles is a common point of discussion among mower owners!
Here's the general breakdown for the Tuff Torq K57, K62, K66, and K72:
The "Sealed Unit" Misconception
It's a common misconception that many Tuff Torq transmissions, especially the lower-end ones, are completely "sealed for life" and cannot be serviced. While some mower manufacturers (the OEMs that buy from Tuff Torq) might market them this way or not include maintenance in their manuals, Tuff Torq itself generally designs these units to be serviceable, or at least rebuildable, to varying degrees.
The difference often comes down to:
OEM Recommendations: What the mower manufacturer puts in their manual.
Tuff Torq's Design: What Tuff Torq engineers for the unit.
Ease of Service: How easy it is for an average person or even a mechanic to perform the service.
Serviceability by Model:
Tuff Torq K57, K62, K66, and K72 are generally considered serviceable.
These models are all designed with drain and fill ports, and Tuff Torq provides information (often through their aftermarket services or technical documents) on how to drain and refill the oil. They also offer rebuild kits for many of these models.
K57: While sometimes grouped with the K46 (which is often sealed without external drain/fill ports on many OEM applications), the K57 is generally designed to be serviced. Tuff Torq themselves offer repair tips and oil service procedures for the K57, indicating it can be opened and refilled. You might need to remove the transaxle from the mower to access the fill port (often under the pulley/fan).
K62: This model typically has clear drain and fill ports. Tuff Torq provides specific instructions for draining oil from both the gear chamber and hydrostatic chamber, and for refilling. They also detail the air purging procedure.
K66: Similar to the K62, the K66 is designed for serviceability with distinct drain and fill ports for both the hydrostatic and gear compartments. It often has an external expansion reservoir, making oil level checks and topping up easier. Tuff Torq offers repair kits and detailed maintenance procedures for the K66.
K72: The K72 is a robust unit often found in garden tractors and some commercial applications. It is definitely designed to be serviced, with accessible drain and fill points. It's often praised for its ability to have the oil changed, and Tuff Torq provides comprehensive technical information for it, including assembly diagrams and repair procedures.
Someone else may have had experience with the AMC Territory Mower here but as you say can't find anything online.
Cheers
Max.
