Pat Marchwick 93 #1 Posted September 10 Living in cold weather can make starting a motor that is connected to a hydraulic pump harder. The models with the pull up double handle belt tensioner release lever allows the engine to start without having to turn over the hydraulic pump. What models or years was this built into the machine? Can this be added to the newer style machines like a 520h with the steering wheel forward reverse lever. I use a two stage blower in the winter for snow removal and it works great for that but would start easier with that belt release option. thank you in advance for your reply’s. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,810 #2 Posted September 10 (edited) I know that with the exception of the D series all Hydros from the original wheel-a-matic to the Eaton 1100 in the 400 series had a release lever. Don't have any 500s Edited September 10 by pfrederi 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 3,295 #3 Posted September 10 The Eaton 700 does not have a release, they came on some of the 300-A in the late '80, stay away from those, I believe all the Sunstrand models had a release, 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,481 #4 Posted September 10 (edited) My 1988 520H with Eaton 1100 has the belt release. The 1991 312H with Eaton 1100 does not have the belt release. I no longer have it but I think my 417 with the Eaton 1100 had the belt release. Edited September 10 by Ed Kennell 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 61,052 #5 Posted September 10 1 hour ago, pfrederi said: the 400 series had a release lever. Don't have any 500s Mid to late 1990s with the direction control lever up by the steering wheel didn't have the belt tension release lever. The parking brake is tied in with the belt tension arm. The 416 I got from you a couple years back is that way. I haven't looked closely at the interaction. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 61,052 #6 Posted September 10 (edited) 7 hours ago, Ed Kennell said: I no longer have it but I think my 417 with the Eaton 1100 had the belt release. Yes it did have a belt tension release lever as does my 418-C. Edited September 10 by 953 nut 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moonshine*Connoisseur 491 #7 Posted September 10 My 1987 312-a has the tensioner release @clueless 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,481 #8 Posted September 10 Oh, forgot I have a 314A Eaton 700 with the belt release. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,988 #9 Posted September 10 10 hours ago, Pat Marchwick said: The models with the pull up double handle belt tensioner release lever allows the engine to start without having to turn over the hydraulic pump. I'm gonna be the naysayer... While in theory this is what was intended, I've never seen one release enough tension to start the engine without spinning the hydro. It will engage the park brake, but it doesn't allow for the engine pulley to freewheel. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 61,052 #10 Posted September 10 @cleat is doing a restoration on a 416 (same as a 520 with a smaller Eaton). He may be able to give us some information on the interaction between the parking brake and belt tensioner if any exists. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 7,298 #11 Posted September 11 My 1989 520-H has the release. I can't say it's complete free, but it won't move even with the parking bake not engaged. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 52,283 #12 Posted September 11 (edited) 2 hours ago, kpinnc said: seen one release enough tension All four of the tractors I have with it release it enough KP but yeah correct belt & idlers. You mention snow duty Pat. Des the tractor sit and wait awhile for snow and then start hard with lots of cranking? I guess I ask it 'cause that what my 520 snow machines do. I know what your saying tho the cold oil can actually snub the motor out. They say running synthetic oil helps. Edited September 11 by WHX?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 7,505 #13 Posted September 11 (edited) 3 hours ago, 953 nut said: @cleat is doing a restoration on a 416 (same as a 520 with a smaller Eaton). He may be able to give us some information on the interaction between the parking brake and belt tensioner if any exists. Sorry, no release on this or any of my current machines. The release (I believe just on older machines) just lifts the idler pulley up a bit to slightly loosen the belt with no interaction with the parking brake that I am aware of. Edited September 11 by cleat 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,481 #14 Posted September 11 4 hours ago, kpinnc said: I'm gonna be the naysayer... While in theory this is what was intended, I've never seen one release enough tension to start the engine without spinning the hydro. It will engage the park brake, but it doesn't allow for the engine pulley to freewheel. I gotta disagree. I definitely hear the load on the engine increase when I engage the belt. Most noticable at low temp starts. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,481 #15 Posted September 11 4 hours ago, kpinnc said: I'm gonna be the naysayer... While in theory this is what was intended, I've never seen one release enough tension to start the engine without spinning the hydro. It will engage the park brake, but it doesn't allow for the engine pulley to freewheel. I gotta disagree. I definitely hear the load on the engine increase when I engage the belt. Most noticable at low temp starts. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,988 #16 Posted September 11 37 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said: I gotta disagree. I definitely hear the load on the engine increase when I engage the belt. Most noticable at low temp starts. Maybe I just don't use my tractors as often in very cold weather. Snow is very light here and temps are milder overall. OEM belts are also not available, so this may contribute as well. For my use, the release did nothing to reduce hard starts. As such I removed the linkages and replaced with sprung belt tensioning. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,481 #17 Posted September 11 10 hours ago, WHX?? said: cold oil can actually snub the motor out Yes, I have to let my P220 warm up and increase the RPM a bit or it will stall when I engage the cold hydro. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,810 #18 Posted September 11 My snow horses are all Sunstrands and the engine does drag down some on all of them when I engage the hydro. You can watch the belt it doesn't move when the hydro is disengaged. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 7,298 #19 Posted September 11 (edited) I keep my 520-H in the basement It never gets below 64 degrees in the winter. As I keep a mower deck on it isn't used much out side in cold weather. Edited September 11 by Lee1977 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,481 #20 Posted September 11 13 hours ago, WHX?? said: tractor sit and wait awhile for snow and then start hard with lots of cranking? Belt tension release and lectric fuel pumps make my starters and batteries happy. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 52,283 #21 Posted September 11 9 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said: lectric fuel pumps The 520 with one always starts right up no matter the weather. One of the few mods that overrides the purist in me. I was going to suggest the primer bulb too. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites