compact transmissions

[milkie62]

I have used a 265 challenger(yellow massey)all weekend.Whats everyones opinion on the fender shifter vs the stick in the middle shifter on the bigger tractors.I am impressed with the compacts but the shifter just seems chintzy to me.Think it will hold up over time ? How long have the compact series been out.If they will hold up as long as my massey 65 which is a 1958 model i might just go and buy one within the next couple of months..

[wrenchturner]

I have a MF1250 which is smiliar to the 265. The shifters on tractors with the shifter in the middle is lubricated by transmission fluid so very little wear is going to happen there. On the other hand, shifters on tractors like you used have some of the friction points exposed and are not lubricated and are going to wear over time. I do agree the design is a little cheesy and will cause some slack over time. However, having used both center shifted and side shifted transmissions I think the trade off is worth it. The manufacturers should have done a little better design on the side shifter linkage between the knob and transmission entrance. They seem only a little better than a home owner quality riding lawn mower linkage. Maybe the engineers figured the disign was good enough.

[dbail]

having seen the inside of a 1250, wear is not the problem. the flat deck with nothing in the way is great. my only problem is sometime i kick the range shifter {rabbit 1} out of gear with my leg.more space between seat and shifter is needed.