the pulleys are binding,that slot is just allowing the pulley the travel it needs and is not ment to force the ratio, but when going back to slow speed it does force the pulley closed, l would pull the belts and clean the pulleyhalves until they move free,
When I have to get under my 110 I jack up the front with a floor jack and slide the ramps in the opposite direction you have yours, makes for more room underneath.
Hey CJ, the Garage Gang can be a lot of help here. Put up a video showing the problem in as much detail as possible. Make sure Broncocarl92, Mustie1, velvethamma, and wtbm123 see it. Those are the mower experts. :) Good luck!
The sheeve does slide, but not as easily as it probably should. I took the belts off once, sanded the axle in the middle, and added a little white lithium grease. Before that it wouldn't really slide at all.
Holy cow, John! She's looking clean! You will be painting before me..I will watch eagerly Tractor-- I have no clue-- I still have a mower that makes me do most of the work
Thanks, I think the next step will be to pull out the pulley and give it a once-over. I'll check into the other things you mentioned, thanks for the tips.
John my $.02 ... Used to have a JD318 with variator, bought new in '79. Every time you open a service or operating manual for JD variators there is a warning regarding moving the variator with the engine shut down. This puts high stress on the linkage and allows the belt(s) to be pinched in the sheave. My experience with it was to remove and clean / drylube the whole assy annually. The amount of debris that collects on the spline shafts will amaze you. Recommend a JD service man for your model.
It's been a while since I've had one of these in but I believe you're missing a spring. The spring should always be pulling the variator pulley one direction and the variator lever limits the movement. The slot in the metal tab allows for the tractor to start out slow and move to the predetermined varitor speed setting. The weld looks completely factory.
I am here learning, my neighbor just gave me his craftsman LT1000, he bought another one because the blade is not turning, I don't much about them first time on one. So I am checking it out and some channels to figure out how to fix it, then I will give it to moms. You will get it John...CJ..
I had problems with the engine running poorly when I first got it, that was the first hurdle. I ended up replacing the ignition coil and spark plug wire, that seems to have fixed the problem. Runs good now. And I think I have the variator working now, video to come soon.
First, to really see how the Variator works the tractor needs to be running so the belts and shiv can interact. As the belts wear it all needs to be adjusted, and it's a procedure that needs to be done in a particular order to get it to work the way it should. There is a video on TH-cam that shows how to do it step by step..
Thanks Mark. Good news! I was able to get a replacement variator this past week. I can now see just how bad my old one is! Replacement video coming soon. Thanks for watching!
I have a 1967 JD, 112. It has the same problem, except there is no clutch pedal, (opposite of your issue with it being heavy) This means the brakes do not work, nor are you able to shift into gear while it is running. The speed variator never had much tension to it, but always worked just fine. I'm wondering if it's all connected somehow with a broken or missing spring, or broken pulley. It's being worked on at the moment, hoping it will get resolved soon. Interesting I came across this video.
Thanks for the diagram but my set up is not like that. I think its like yours with two peddels. Must be a between model years upgrade. I got everything back except that large spring and the small spring hook up. Not sure where it goes as it fell out when I remived the varator. Thanks for any help. Dave Its tough laying on your back
If anyone is watching in 2024, the variable speed lever will not move the pulleys while not running or sitting still. It will only move them under a load.
Let me know what happens with it. In my case, I believe the only spring is on the clutch pedal. The variator doesn't have a spring as far as I can tell. Its the clutch spring plus the tension of the belts that keeps it in position, and it is limited by the variator lever.
I am also having troubles with my variable speed. Whenever I move it forward it does nothing but make a rattling noise. I don't know whether one of the pulleys is lose, or whether i need to adjust something, or whats going on. Also when i put the mower in third gear it also makes a rattling noise.
No it is only to push down on the link. This is to slow down the tractor when moving into high grass or down hill. Now it sounds like you may need to just polish up the the variator shaft and the bushing in the bearing center mine is part no. M40161 M on my 65 110. It will need a small amount of oil a drop or two every time you cut or take it out. but looking at the Frankenstein work that was done in the past on it they may not have done the periodic services. Check out my variator video.
I checked but didn't see a variator vid on your channel, is it set to public? I did take the variator apart and polished the shaft but the shieve bearing is so worn that its loose causing it to get a little off angle and bind. I can get a new shieve but they are $150!
A variable speed clutch like that only adjusts under load and on the fly. So you have to put it in low when you end your day so that you start in low when you begin your day. The rotation of the belts moves the variable pulley. I've searched all over your site to find how you fixed the engine problem but found nothing. I had a similar problem and ended up rewiring the tractor and changing out the ignition switch. Problem solved. BTW the dash has been changed out, not the mechanisms.
I will take it apart this weekend. Its not easy, I did it once to clean up the axle that the sheave rides on. As far as the belt goes, its the John Deere factory replacement part from the John Deere, thats all I know.
Ohhhhhh -- I see how it is.. so I'm NOT super-picky... Well, you got me there, I guess. I'm not trying o make the masterpiece you are going to end up with. Since I'm learning, I'm willing to give it "my best" shot while still maintaining the option to re-do any part of it (so not really doing my "best"-- but not hurrying, either)
do you no any one that can help me with my 112 j.d patio tractor runs but idle only i rebuilt carb but fuel pump not sure about i took it off and cleaned it but nothing.
go to JDParts.com and look up pdf the parts diagram for that tractor. I belive your missing something. seems like a spring is missing like someone else suggested. replaceing your variator is not going to fix the problem. clean and lubricate the variator sheave with wd-40. its probably nothing serious and inexpencive to fix.
it has only been up a short time and has 244 views maybe I need to rename it to help every one find it. I had a lot of trouble out of mine due to a nasty weld hiding up in the dark I found it when it went thonk. and broke.
oh yeah your pto assembly is off a later 200 series and is not correct for your tractor the control lever for your pto is off a 200 series tractor as well. it would normally come up through the dash under the steering wheel. but if it works it works
I am also having with my variator. I removed it from the tractor and clean and dry lube. I have reinstalled it but not sure where the small spring goes. When I had taken it apart the spring was disconected and just fell out. Also how did you hook the large spring that works the brake pedel. I not sure how to pull and get it hook as it is very strong.
the pulleys are binding,that slot is just allowing the pulley the travel it needs and is not ment to force the ratio, but when going back to slow speed it does force the pulley closed, l would pull the belts and clean the pulleyhalves until they move free,
Thanks Mustie. I don't think the pulley comes apart, but I'm going to pull it out this weekend and take a look.
When I have to get under my 110 I jack up the front with a floor jack and slide the ramps in the opposite direction you have yours, makes for more room underneath.
Thanks man, I'll do that. I appreciate you taking the time to take a look. I found a few diagrams today I will do a comparison on camera.
Hey CJ, the Garage Gang can be a lot of help here. Put up a video showing the problem in as much detail as possible. Make sure Broncocarl92, Mustie1, velvethamma, and wtbm123 see it. Those are the mower experts. :) Good luck!
I'll take a look and see if I can figure out if there's a missing spring. Thanks for helping out man.
The sheeve does slide, but not as easily as it probably should. I took the belts off once, sanded the axle in the middle, and added a little white lithium grease. Before that it wouldn't really slide at all.
Holy cow, John! She's looking clean! You will be painting before me..I will watch eagerly
Tractor-- I have no clue-- I still have a mower that makes me do most of the work
Damn thats pretty impressive! Sorry about your troubles though, definitely worth rebuilding the motor!
Thanks Reuben, I appreciate the support regardless. Thanks for the compliment, I doubt I'll be painting before you because I'm being super picky.
Do those pulleys slide? Or are they frozen together? That's the first thing I would check. Just take the belts off and see if it moves easy.
On the side is a cap that you move and fit a 3/4 socket and loosen to adjust the variator. Then tighten after adjusting.
Especially with an injured back. :) I'll try to get out there in the next couple of days and get a video for you!
Thanks man I appreciate it. This old beast has a lot of life left in it I know it.
My 112 just blew up, she had a good 45+ years with no engine problems.
kameron holmes predator swap it
Thanks, I think the next step will be to pull out the pulley and give it a once-over. I'll check into the other things you mentioned, thanks for the tips.
tks a bunch will do! I will first break it down like you did and see what the problem is..tks John!
John my $.02 ...
Used to have a JD318 with variator, bought new in '79. Every time you open a service or operating manual for JD variators there is a warning regarding moving the variator with the engine shut down. This puts high stress on the linkage and allows the belt(s) to be pinched in the sheave. My experience with it was to remove and clean / drylube the whole assy annually. The amount of debris that collects on the spline shafts will amaze you. Recommend a JD service man for your model.
Anyone reading this now, a 318 does not have variator because it's a hydro transmission and is driveshaft driven.
It's been a while since I've had one of these in but I believe you're missing a spring. The spring should always be pulling the variator pulley one direction and the variator lever limits the movement. The slot in the metal tab allows for the tractor to start out slow and move to the predetermined varitor speed setting.
The weld looks completely factory.
I Agree clean the pulleys and make sure they slide free. Don`t take much for them to kinda stick.
I am here learning, my neighbor just gave me his craftsman LT1000, he bought another one because the blade is not turning, I don't much about them first time on one. So I am checking it out and some channels to figure out how to fix it, then I will give it to moms. You will get it John...CJ..
Thanks Terry I think I'll take it apart again and see if its sticking.
Ok, will do. Thanks for the help.
Thanks man, I think I'm almost there with great advice from the YTGG.
Will get back to you for sure, hoping to have it fixed by the end of this week/weekend!
I had problems with the engine running poorly when I first got it, that was the first hurdle. I ended up replacing the ignition coil and spark plug wire, that seems to have fixed the problem. Runs good now. And I think I have the variator working now, video to come soon.
First, to really see how the Variator works the tractor needs to be running so the belts and shiv can interact. As the belts wear it all needs to be adjusted, and it's a procedure that needs to be done in a particular order to get it to work the way it should. There is a video on TH-cam that shows how to do it step by step..
Thanks Mark. Good news! I was able to get a replacement variator this past week. I can now see just how bad my old one is! Replacement video coming soon. Thanks for watching!
The diameter of the belts play big into the performance variator, so it may be wise to replace them as well if you are doing the variator.
Thanks Doug, great advice.
I have a 1967 JD, 112. It has the same problem, except there is no clutch pedal, (opposite of your issue with it being heavy) This means the brakes do not work, nor are you able to shift into gear while it is running. The speed variator never had much tension to it, but always worked just fine. I'm wondering if it's all connected somehow with a broken or missing spring, or broken pulley. It's being worked on at the moment, hoping it will get resolved soon. Interesting I came across this video.
I actually just had it rebuilt, it's running like a champ, I just need to get the exhaust and the idle down then it will be set
Thanks for the diagram but my set up is not like that. I think its like yours with two peddels. Must be a between model years upgrade. I got everything back except that large spring and the small spring hook up. Not sure where it goes as it fell out when I remived the varator. Thanks for any help. Dave Its tough laying on your back
If anyone is watching in 2024, the variable speed lever will not move the pulleys while not running or sitting still. It will only move them under a load.
Let me know what happens with it. In my case, I believe the only spring is on the clutch pedal. The variator doesn't have a spring as far as I can tell. Its the clutch spring plus the tension of the belts that keeps it in position, and it is limited by the variator lever.
I am also having troubles with my variable speed. Whenever I move it forward it does nothing but make a rattling noise. I don't know whether one of the pulleys is lose, or whether i need to adjust something, or whats going on. Also when i put the mower in third gear it also makes a rattling noise.
No it is only to push down on the link. This is to slow down the tractor when moving into high grass or down hill. Now it sounds like you may need to just polish up the the variator shaft and the bushing in the bearing center mine is part no. M40161 M on my 65 110. It will need a small amount of oil a drop or two every time you cut or take it out. but looking at the Frankenstein work that was done in the past on it they may not have done the periodic services. Check out my variator video.
The deck lever works good, the PTO is jenky. Would love to find a good working factory mechanism to replace this PTO.
I checked but didn't see a variator vid on your channel, is it set to public? I did take the variator apart and polished the shaft but the shieve bearing is so worn that its loose causing it to get a little off angle and bind. I can get a new shieve but they are $150!
I think its in there right, definitely dry. I just uploaded another video that shows it in detail. Thanks Stu.
Like Broncocarl said, belt length is key. And if the variable speed pulley is not free, it will give you grief
A variable speed clutch like that only adjusts under load and on the fly. So you have to put it in low when you end your day so that you start in low when you begin your day. The rotation of the belts moves the variable pulley. I've searched all over your site to find how you fixed the engine problem but found nothing. I had a similar problem and ended up rewiring the tractor and changing out the ignition switch. Problem solved. BTW the dash has been changed out, not the mechanisms.
Thanks for watching Tom
Someone will be able to help..... I have no doubt.
hrmm it could be a missing spring. I'm going to put a video up this week for Dave Nessly so keep an eye out for it.
I will take it apart this weekend. Its not easy, I did it once to clean up the axle that the sheave rides on. As far as the belt goes, its the John Deere factory replacement part from the John Deere, thats all I know.
Ohhhhhh -- I see how it is.. so I'm NOT super-picky...
Well, you got me there, I guess. I'm not trying o make the masterpiece you are going to end up with. Since I'm learning, I'm willing to give it "my best" shot while still maintaining the option to re-do any part of it (so not really doing my "best"-- but not hurrying, either)
maybe the key next to it in wrong way. off 180. looks dry to would a little lub help. pullys should change size no ??
I'm starting to suspect the variable speed pulley
Take care of the injured back first,hope you get better as I know how a bad back can be.
do you no any one that can help me with my 112 j.d patio tractor runs but idle only i rebuilt carb but fuel pump not sure about i took it off and cleaned it but nothing.
Check to be sure that the governor linkage has been installed correctly. If it is, I'd ask over at tractorforum dott com.
go to JDParts.com and look up pdf the parts diagram for that tractor. I belive your missing something. seems like a spring is missing like someone else suggested. replaceing your variator is not going to fix the problem. clean and lubricate the variator sheave with wd-40. its probably nothing serious and inexpencive to fix.
Nothing wrong with mowing with old jd's they will out perform new dept store mowers anyday.
Hey Dave, I will send you a diagram and if that doesn't help I can make a video. Will send a PM shortly.
How did you make out with that buddy?
Got it working pretty well, but ended up selling the mower.
it has only been up a short time and has 244 views maybe I need to rename it to help every one find it. I had a lot of trouble out of mine due to a nasty weld hiding up in the dark I found it when it went thonk. and broke.
Check out my Video on the variator adjustment.
I just also had it painted tonight so check out my channel and ill post a video of it.
oh yeah your pto assembly is off a later 200 series and is not correct for your tractor the control lever for your pto is off a 200 series tractor as well. it would normally come up through the dash under the steering wheel. but if it works it works
I am also having with my variator. I removed it from the tractor and clean and dry lube. I have reinstalled it but not sure where the small spring goes. When I had taken it apart the spring was disconected and just fell out. Also how did you hook the large spring that works the brake pedel. I not sure how to pull and get it hook as it is very strong.