Thread for MF 1529

[tmajor]

The 1529 enjoys having a set of chains. I put a set on the rear tires and it made a notable difference for me here in northern Minnesota this winter.

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Yep! That's what it needs! I'd think about getting a set, to get out of this mess, but it will probably be, after I can get the truck to the road. I had a set on the Ford NAA, when I had a plow on it. Then I sold the plow, and I "believe" I gave the chains to somebody ..... If i could walk to my little shed, they might be there. ??

Where did you purchase your chains and tensioners?

 

[arizona98tj]

Got mine at Tirechain.com

 

[tmajor]

Got mine at Tirechain.com

Thanks! My friend had an old set, we had to dig them out of the snow. I cut them to length, got them on and finished getting the drive open. They make a world of difference! You don't feel like you're always on a banana peel. Had the truck stuck 3 times today. I'm ready for spring!

 

[arizona98tj]

Glad to hear you were able to get chained up. I know it made all the difference in the world....been there with that "your're always on a banana peel" feeling.

 

[tmajor]

I just finished refurbishing the "double ring chains"! ... I replaced the side chains, which were pretty badly worn. It got to be quite a project, even using a chain tool. I took it out in the snow, for a test. They got through, what is remaining. I had one hill, where the front end broke loose and left me sideways. :thumbsup:

 

[arizona98tj]

tmajor....congrats on getting the 1529 chains reworked. Sounds like they will be in good shape for years to come now. Never did any work on chains before....just installing and removing. I took mine off my 1529 about a week ago. While we could certainly get some snow yet, I doubt it would amount to much. The ground is warming up and the only snow I have is a couple of place where I piled it with the FEL. I picked up a Wallenstein chipper/shredder and as soon as things dry up a little more, I'll be able to give it a try.

 

[tmajor]

Being "old school", and always engaging any PTO operation, gradually with the clutch, I've always been nervous about the operation of "electric clutches", ... whether it be my ZTR mower or the MF 1529. Flipping that PTO switch to ON, seems like a very HARSH start! With the 1529/Brush hog, the start can be exacerbated by the blades not being in position, etc.. A friend was talking about a forage harvester with a big flywheel ... this made me picture the entire tractor flying apart, when engaging the PTO clutch. ... it has to be hard on the engine and everything between it and the implement.

So, this morning, I did a little Google homework and found the SoftStart Clutch Controller, which is supposed to soften the PTO clutch engagement, by electronically pulsing the clutch, until up to speed.

In talking to the MF dealer service/parts, I find, that they use the same device for the larger MF tractors. In my opinion, they are priced reasonably enough ($45), that, if I can get it hooked up and it works as intended, my mind will be more at ease, and I won't cringe, each time I engage the PTO, with a load on it.

Also, in talking to "Warner Clutches", they sell the same device to OEMs, for the same purpose.

In my head, I'm comparing: an hour to install the controller and a $45 cost, to 6 hours labor @ $60/hour and $500's in parts.

"SoftStart" demonstration video on a belt driven mower deck .... Your tractor doesn't have any idler pulleys, belts, etc., to "take the force", when starting the PTO.

 

[deanocraft]

That is an interesting product. I have only recently purchased my first PTO attachment, a flail mower, and so have only started it a few times. I did find a bit of vibration at first, but I found that the vibration is much less if I have the flail sitting on the ground when starting it. I also start it at idle rpm's. If you buy that gizmo, please post some pictures of how you installed it and let us know how it works. If you are a good enough guinea pig, I may buy one too!

 

[tmajor]

If you are a good enough guinea pig, I may buy one too!

LOL I've been a "guinea pig" for quite a few projects .. i.e. Getting "auto headlamps" on a 2012 Ford P/U, which didn't come with factory auto lamps.

I'll definitely post the results and means to get there.

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

Tom I had my dealer install the soft start controller under warranty. Basically no matter what I did my pto would break shear pins on my rotary cutter when I engaged the pto. It didn't matter what the rpm's were set at. It solved the problem so if it is only $45 I think it would be a good purchase.