How Quite is a QL????
 

Guys,

I'm asking this as my QL is quite loud. Don't notice it too much for a little bit, but then I cranked up my Briggs lawnmower- wow it's quiter. I'm guessing the cub is 90-95 db and the lawnmower is 80-85 db.

I cannot imagine that the side panels do much- transmission of sound through metal and glass is about 98-99%. Anyone try a layer of dynamat inside?

Maybe I need some muffler repairs?

M

Side panels serve the purpose of helping direct the air flow to keep it cool. They are not intended to be optional as I understand it.

Even tho they are called a Quiet Line, they aren't too quiet. You might check into a new muffler, but the single cylinder Kohlers are just loud and vibrate a lot. All that metal vibrating adds to the noise level.

Make sure the motor mounts are good and not allowing the motor to bounce around much. Then check all the engine tins and especially check all the muffler housing pieces and make sure they aren't vibrating and rattling any. Also the clutch if it's a gear drive. If all of that is tight and working properly as it was intended to they are quiet tractors. Unfortunately very few of them are like this.
Also remember, new motors since the 70's got a lot quieter over the years so a newer motor will be quieter than a quietline was when new.

I'm suprised ive had two QL's and they are both very quite, with the side panels on it was a little bit noticably quiter.

Its hard to find a single cylinder kohler that is quiet. My solution? Ear plugs. :biggrin2:

All of the QL tractors I have had were quieter than my older model Cub Cadets. Ear protection is still needed though; even today's engines aren't quiet enough to not damage your ears.

Thanks..

That's about what I guessed. I'm planning on pulling the engine, doing the cradle mod, new iso mounts and rag discs.. but that will be after the mowing season is over.
My guess is it's just louder than I like but it runs good!

Don't have any reference point to mowing with earlier Cubs and that's why I asked.

QUIET WHAT?!?!?! WHAT DID YOU SAY????!!!!

Nothing quiet bout my :Kohler1::Cub7:

This thread promted me to so some decibel readings with my mini sound level meter. All taken with the engines warm, out in the yard (no traffic or neighborhood noise), with meter at my right ear while sitting upright in the seat, and no body rattle noise. The low number is with engine at idle, high number with engine at highest speed (no load).

149 (stock muffler) 76 db / 93 db

149 (with optional quiet muffler) 75 db / 90 db

1450 (stock muffler) 73 db / 88 db
I've got a new/improved muffler which is advertised as being quieter due to more internal baffles, but I haven't yet installed it.

682 (KT17 Series 1 engine) 74 db / 88 db

Not measured is my 782 with Magnum 18 engine. That will have to wait until I replace the head gasket.

The 1450 and 682 are discernably quieter than the 149's at high engine speed.