Observations of Quietline Vibration

weaverama · #1 05-01-2009, 08:18 AM

I have two Quietlines, one is a 1000 and the other is a 1650 with a K321. I just got the 1650 running after pulling the head and cleaning it up a bit. The original ISO mounts and cradle were all in good shape so I elected not to have the cradle modification done. The 1000 has a stock K241 but since it is a mild pulling tractor I installed the Brian Miller solid mounts.

I did a side by side comparison last night and they weren't even close. The 1000 runs through the entire RPM range much more smoothly than the 1650. Vibration transmission to the seat is much less on the 1000. Loping along at idle the big 321 really gets the tractor swaying back and forth. It doesn't really bother me and I kinda think it looks cool, for now.

Just thought I would offer up these results. We occasionally hear concerns about the solid mounts shaking you to death but this is not my experience. I would recommend the solid mounts to anyone who happens to be pulling their engine (and doesn't mind going non OEM) and will probably go ahead and install them on the 1650 when the opportunity comes up.

Rich

Randy Littrell · #2 05-01-2009, 08:35 AM

Part of the difference is that the 10 horse has a shorter stroke than the 16 horse. The 16 has a much larger and heavier piston so it has more natural vibration. I would try the solid mounts on the 16 before you make up your mind. I think you will find alot more vibration out of the 16. But......If you are happy with it, then thats all that matters!

Randy

RChristensen · #3 05-01-2009, 11:15 AM

Weaverman Why don't you change out the mounts to the solid ones on the 1650 and let us know how it works. The only ones that I know that have done it are using them for pullers and probably have them balanced.

It's one thing to do a pull with a tractor for a short distance but entirely different when you are mowing or plowing for three to four hours a day.

By the way save your old ISO rubbers if they are in good condition as somebody else would probably be glad to take them off your hands.

Yosemite Sam · #4 05-01-2009, 06:03 PM

I can't say from first hand experience but I've heard that the 16 hp Kohler's do vibrate more than the smaller Kohler's. Your 321 shouldn't be all that bad with solid mounts.

drysumpjet · #5 05-05-2009, 04:18 PM

For a tractor that will spend it hours mowing, I prefer the rubber mounts. As others have said, they are smooth at idle and almost vibration free at WOT. WOT is ideal for mowing. I have found extended part throttle use with rubber mounts (without balance gears) rather miserable, so much so it breaks up the sheetmetal thru-out the tractor.

For tractors that spend their time doing ground engagement work, towing, etc., where as part throttle is utilized the most, I prefer a combination of solid mounting and the dreaded balance (grenade) gears. My opinion is balance gears do provide substantial smoothness at mid-range where as rubber mounting without the gears is extremely rough. Another plus is tractors set up for ground engagement work tend not to be used for extended periods of time at WOT as compared to mowers so maybe the gears will last longer at the slower speeds. I have balance gears in my converted 169s and the 16HP motors are relatively smooth.

If one is considering the use of balance gears, consider replacing shafts, bearings, shims, and clips during a rebuild. I'm guessing loose main crankshaft bearings may aggravate the balance gears too. Be careful in selecting balance gear replacement needle bearings, there are some variances as outlined in the latest on-line Kohler manual.

And of course your results may vary!!