3 replies to this topic

[Madcap30]

Hi All, 

I am still learning about MF tractors before I buy one. I am looking at a MF12 as my other machines are bigger Kohler units. 

How do the Variable Speed drives work? Are they a typical gear box? I was under the impression that it was some type of belt drive. 

 

Another question....all things being equal between two tractors, would there be any reason to chose the vari-speed over a hydro?

 

Lastly, how hard is it to find a set of the wheel covers for these tractors?

 

Thanks

Adam

Edited by Madcap30, December 28, 2017 - 03:30 PM.

[boyscout862]

I'm not sure about the vari drive on MF but on my Simplicity it is variable pulleys and a belt. It can be a PIA to keep adjusted and expensive for a new belt. I'd go with the hydro. Wheel covers come up occassionally in a wide variety of conditions. On Epay they are very expensive. I have gotten some on the GTs that I buy. The last set had actually rotted through in small spots. Good Luck, Rick

[Madcap30]

Thanks Rick! I would imagine that the wheel covers would rot if the tractors saw much snow duty. 

 

I see some of the Techumseh engines that have what looks like a belt running off the outside of the flywheel under the shroud, while other just have a small bump for a starter bendix. Did some of them have a starter/ generator like to Kohler engines?

[MFDAC]

Hello Adam. The vari-speed is pretty much a pulley for two wide belts that has a center shiv that floats back and forth laterally. It isn't too bad to keep adjusted in my case at least. Occasionally, as the belts wear, the transaxle pulley needs shimming to keep the rear belt tensioner adjusted within it's correct range.

 

I had to re-power my 12G with a Honda clone engine and was able to get the vari-speed setup working fine with this new engine.

 

If you go to the "manuals" page on this site, you may be able to download the MF12G manual which explains all that adjusting stuff.

 

These pics are the vari-speed pulley from my 1975 MF12G

 

DAC

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