Would like a discussion about transmissions. Back in the corner of the barn is an MTD (as best I remember) from long ago. 12 hp Briggs, 38" cut. The shift lever was simply forward and reverse plus a lever that moved a variable pulley to change ratios. Sort of an early variation of the CVT. MTD called it "Transmatic". Used the mower until the engine was well worn and the deck engagement lever/cutting height adjustment (all one lever) was about worn out. Ran that mower for at least 15 years. Not instant reverse, but it proved to be very durable.
Next was Murray Select with 21 or 22 hp and Peerless hydrostatic axle. The original axle lasted 11 years and the (absolutely new) replacement lasted just one year.
My Craftsman DYS4500 with TuffTorq axle scared me recently just before 300 hours but belt replacement seems to have cleared that problem.
It appears that the units Sears now advertises with travel speed of 7.5 mph must be the General CVT as the older ones with TuffTorq ( mine) were about 5.6 mph. Is this an easy way to identify the new transmission just from an ad?
Anyone here with user experience with the CVT?
One supposes that much testing was done prior to changing transmission suppliers. Reasons to change would be cost, durability, ease of use-- but I do not know how the CVT measures up in these categories.
I never have driven a CVT car. But more manufacturers are adopting them. I know one potential buyer who drove one and decided to just keep his old car.
"Be not the first by whom the new are tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside".
Alexander Pope
This post was edited by bus_driver on Sat, Jun 21, 14 at 16:31
tomplum
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tuckermaclain
bus_driverOriginal Author