|
| Have a vintage Ranch King (MTD 139.652 F205) that I like to keep in service. The Transmatic is exhibiting the classic symptoms of needing the drive belts changed (seems like I had done it just a year or so before ...), but I'd like opinions on whether additional work is needed before I order parts.
A) Speed selector in lower (1 - 3) speeds do not change ground speed. Selector in 4 nets higher speed, with the classic sensitivity to pulling back on the clutch/brake pedal.
Looking through the Transmatic system, it appears to require a near-perfect balance of effective belt length, and spring tension. Are the springs typically suspect? Are there any adjustments to be made? Any wear points to look for in the pivots? An unrelated question. I had replaced the deck belt with what should have been the correct replacement, but the blades never completely lose power with the deck lever all the way back. Does anyone know the correct belt length for the 38 inch deck? Thanks! |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
- Posted by ggoyeneche New Jersey (My Page) on Sat, May 21, 11 at 12:09
| Transmatic (CVT) is actually a pretty good transmission, considering MTD cut a lot of corners elsewhere in their designs. For example, the single speed Peerless rear axle is definitely weak. That said, most important thing is to replace belts with OEM. The sizing is close, but slightly different from standard 5L or "B" power transmission belts. The rear belt is 954-0281 and is 44 7/32 (comm'l 5/8 x 44" B41) and the front belt is 954-280A (5/8 x 53, B50). I've used commercial, sometimes with success, and other times had to go back in and replace. Since you're already having issues, I'd stay OEM. Since you're not getting into the lower speeds, I'd check the sliding flange of the two-part transmatic pulley. May need to be lightly lube to get full range of motion. Brakes is not a transmatic problem per se, but could be an adjustment issue. Check to two pads on the transmission disk brake and make sure the pins aren't frozen and corroded. Take apart, polish, relube and assemble. You might also need new pads 917-0678 (about $4 each). If you need to rock the tractor to shift forward and reverse, the clutch may not be fully disengaging the transaxle. Lastly correct deck belt is 954-0329A which is 69 9/32". Can usually substitute commercial 5/8 x 69 or B66, but since you're having trouble the additional 9/32" of the OEM may make a difference. |
|
| Thanks for the information! On closer inspection, I found that somewhere along the line I had lost the 932-0556 spring, which helps to tension the drive system. Just guessing that this is the culprit ... Can you please confirm the 954-0281 P/N? Partstree (ARI) shows the 954-0370. I think that I have the Stens 265108 (MTD 9540281 will-fit) on there now, though. Thanks! |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Tractors Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.