Tiller-mule drive
 

Hi Guys: I'm considering a tiller attachment for my 1650 and/or possible 1200 use. Forum research indicates that there may be a difference between the standard equipment (mower) mule drive and a tiller mule drive. Is there a difference??? My drive pulleys are at a sleight angle from frame parallel. Also, what keeps the really long belt from flopping around under the tractor? Any help would be appreciated, as I have to drive about 150 miles to look at this item. If anyone has a complete unit within 150 miles of Cleveland, Ohio, and wants to sell it, I'd be interested in talking with you. Thanks, Case

Technically, I believe there is a difference. However, YMMV. On a 1450 I had, I'd use the same mule drive for the deck as I did with the tiller, and never had a single problem. As far as the belt flop question, if everything is adjusted right, there shouldn't be a problem. It was designed that way, has worked that way for many, many years, and should continue to work that way if maintained properly :beerchug:

mule tiller
 

Thanks JB! Also, if anyone has a motorized, self contained, tow behind tiller for sale, I might consider that. I know Sears and DP sold them, probably others. Thanks, again, Case

It depends on which deck you have if the mule drive is different. If you have the 44a, or 50a then the pulleys are angled and will not work with the tiller. Any other deck will have the straight drive pulleys which is correct for the tiller.

I had a 44A on the 1450 I had :bigthink:

Agrifab makes and sells self contained pull behind tillers, you could check that option out as well.

I've heard of people getting lucky and the angled pulley mule drive working. I've also heard of the angled ones throwing the belts and/or shredding the belt. I personally have a couple of each mule drive so I just switch them out. I have no personal experience using the angled mule drive.

I used the angled pulleys on a 109 with 2 extensions on it and it would throw the belt if I tried to go too deep. I switched to a tiller with one extension and it would throw the belt only every once in awhile.

I had never gotten around to installing my mule drive with the straight pulleys but that is happening next when I put this tiller on my 1650.

Some may not know but there is a belt guide that bolts to the diff/trans(?) and I believe that it serves the purpose of helping keep the belt on. No guide on a hydro, just standard shift.

The hydro's had a belt guide also Mike. Shaped a little different then the standard shift.

Do you have a reference photo or parts diagram? I couldn't find one and I knew the belt guide I had for a standard transmission wouldn't fit my hydro.

I think I remember my manual on the tiller showed installation on a standard transmission? Been awhile so I could be wrong.