Honest opinion on solid mounts.

[olds45512]

I recently installed some solid mounts in my 1211 and thought I would share my opinion after fours mows.

1. Installation

Installation took about 20 minutes from start to finish, I pulled the side covers and removed the mount bolts on one side. I then used a pry bar to lift the engine just enough to get the old mounts out and put the new mounts in, I left the bolts on the first side a little loose so I could pry up the other side to switch the mounts. Once all four were in I tightened them down and put the side covers back on.

2. Extra vibration

This tractor was unusable at any rpm other than wot with the rubber mounts, if I wanted to pull a lawn cart or sweeper at half throttle the engine shock pretty violently. The tractor was fairly smooth at wot while mowing. With the solid mounts in place I have almost no vibration from idle all the way up to 3/4 throttle, at wot I have more vibration than I did with the rubber mounts but it's very little and I believe most of it is from the driveshaft being worn from running with worn out mounts, a new driveshaft and rag joints is next on my list.

3. Overall

Like I said, there is a little bit more vibration at wot but it's not any worse than any other solid mount cub. The added smoothness at half throttle has made the tractor much more friendly for task that don't require wot. If I had to do it again I definitely would, I got my mounts from Jeff and he did fantastic work as usual. Hope this helps some of you that are undecided.

[darkminion_17]

That's nice to write up a good review Tim.

[Terry C]

Thanks for the report Tim.
So there were some dishonest reports in the past?

[jaynjeep]

Thanks for the report Tim..

I never have been able to get the current MTD replacements to work at all..

I wish they would just go back to the really soft IH style mounts.. they worked great... just didn't last forever..

I am down to my last NOS IH set in our 1450... when they go I'm not sure what I will do.. but after you praise the solid mounts I may go that way..

Let us know how it does with the new driveshaft!

[zippy1]

I replaced the mounts on the 1650 back when I got it. Used the "original" style, and yes there is some extra vibration at anything below WOT. Thought it was the nature of the beast...
So, after your review Tim, I may consider the solid mounts down the road as replacements.

[dodge trucker]

I put a set in a 1200 once, and the vibration was completely unbearable, and that was with a complete new driveline even. so I put the car sway bar link bushings into that one. Better as in it still has some vibration at certain RPMs but definitely better. I am gonna try them in this current 1200 when I reinstall the engine, here in the next couple days. Back when I did the 1st one I had never heard of the cradle mod this one got that treatment. That may make a difference in itself.

[ps122]

Thanks for the report Tim. I've been debating this with my newly acquired 1200 QL.

I understand the need for the cradle mod with the Isomounts, but is there a general consensus about the cradle mod with solids?

[olds45512]

Originally Posted by ps122

Thanks for the report Tim. I've been debating this with my newly acquired 1200 QL.

I understand the need for the cradle mod with the Isomounts, but is there a general consensus about the cradle mod with solids?

I would still do the mod. My 1211 has the cross brace welded in from the factory so that might help it some.

[bocephus1991]

My 1211, custom 1288 has moog bushings on it, they work fine. It's totally different
Set up from a 1200 which is also have. It has solid mounts from Jeff I did the
Cradle mod and has a solid driver on the clutch.