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Observations on a 6-lead transmission.

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tinsley207

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Greetings Forum Members,

Some of you may recall last year how I changed my 5260 from an 8-lead transmission to a 6-lead. This effectively lowered the range on my axle in both high and low speed without changing my RPM in the transmission. I've now had a year with this new transmission and I have to say.... it's wonderful! In fact I would go as far as saying that in general the 5260 really shines with this gear set. The 10's, 12's and 16 horse boys don't really have to worry about ground speed since they really have the guts to do the job, but the 5260 is an 8 horse and really benefits from having more time to do the work be it snowblowing or plowing. Also as most of you know it is nice to have a 5260 because it is lighter and nimbler and can go places where a 12 or 16 could get stuck. The only time I find I want more speed is when mowing but hey... that's what a collection is for right? A nice L-8 and I'm all set! I leave you with two videos made after the changeover, one you've seen before but also a snow blowing video. Let the discussion begin!

Snowblowing, Low-Low, throttle at max.
http://youtu.be/rdxvGFFtNjA

Rotary Plowing, Low-Low, throttle around 1/3-1/2.
http://youtu.be/A90Gd8UAKs0

And for posterity the original post with the changeover and lots of pics:
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=219538&highlight=
 
#2 ·
Speedwise, I think that should put you right in LI + GRWs territory, and it sure looks like it from the videos. I like that speed for rotary plowing and heavy brush mowing, and I can see how having a high axle range available would be nice, too (especially for getting to and from a job).

I suppose if I wind up with a junk 400-series and some spare time I might make a walkbehind 6-lead Swiftamatic. Looks handy!
 
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#3 ·
Nice snowblowing vid - looks like just the right speed! If I lived closer to Maine, I'd be arm-twisting you into performing a change-over on one of my 8HP Kohler machines - with compensation of course. Looks good! :fing32:
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
I had the same idea of finding a junk 400 rider to get the gears, and then Roger Beno graciously made the parts available and I was able to get to work! Thanks again, Roger! Bluegoose you never know, maybe I should quit my day job and become a Gravely Mechanic! Then the money would really come rollin' in!!!
:sidelaugh

Nate
 
#5 ·
I did this machine several years ago, it works great. It was originally a CI 6-lead, and I bought a swifty differential from Richard and found a complete swiftamatic kit on ebay. It works great for snow, which is all I use it for.

It's the center machine in the photo. Note the heated air intake to prevent carburetor icing.
 

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#7 ·
rscurtis said:
I did this machine several years ago, it works great. It was originally a CI 6-lead, and I bought a swifty differential from Richard and found a complete swiftamatic kit on ebay. It works great for snow, which is all I use it for.

It's the center machine in the photo. Note the heated air intake to prevent carburetor icing.
Click to expand...
That is why the old oil bath filters were under the hood. Nice warm air for in the winter.
 
#8 ·
tinsley207 said:
Nice heated intake! I assume you only use that for snow blowing since there's no air cleaner on that tube?
Click to expand...
I only use it for snow. I use the other one for the "back 40" when necessary. I added the carb. heat after the blizzard of 1996 on LI, as I noticed that after extended use, the carb. was icing not only on the outside, but on the inside as well as it interfered with the movement of the butterfly.

I bought the 16G on ebay almost three years ago, I always wanted one and finally found a really clean example, even though it had a few mechanical issues I had to fix.
 
#9 ·
I have a Pro 8, which I have used for snow blowing. I find the travel speed a bit fast. I have a 450 that I use for lawn mowing. I find it a bit slow. After reading this thread, it seems to me that I can switch the swifto's (and worm). Would this be a good switch, any foreseeable problems?

The 450, first day home.
Image


The Pro 8 is an 8 lead.
Image


Here's a picture from back when it snowed in winter.
Image


Thanks
 
#10 ·
At first glance, the Swiftamatic differentials look the same but they are not, nor are they interchangeable.

The 5000 and Pros use a multi piece shifting gear and the right side of the differential sticks out a bit more, which necessitated a different right axle housing.

You might be able to swap the right sides of the differentials; and of course you are looking at two complete tear downs to swap lead worms, no weekend task.

Roger,
 
#11 ·
Roger knows his stuff. You had better just sell me the 450 and upgrade to a newer Gravely rider :D
 
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#12 ·
wjohn said:
Roger knows his stuff. You had better just sell me the 450 and upgrade to a newer Gravely rider :D
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No way, I've test driven the "newer" riders, with a foot peddle, don't like the feel of them as much. This one has a couple of problems though; the steering's not very tight (linkage is good), and, as I mentioned, its too slow. Perhaps I should look for a two wheeler similar vintage with a shifto for the transplant.

PS The rear tire in picture was only to get it home.

Thanks
 
#13 · (Edited)
How good are your eyes,

Can you see the difference between 500 and 5000 Swiftamatic differentials?

Double click the image.

Look under the big Timken bearing, can you see a difference in the shoulder bulge? That bulge is the difference on the 5000/Pros, and the bearing is further out from the side of the worm gear.

The bronze worm gears both have the same operating dimensions, even if they do not resemble each other.

Later in production, Gravely went with a machined casting to save money. I believe the first worm gears may have been cut from billet stock, the gear on the right is from a casting.

Roger,
 
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