Deere 212 variator maintenance?

DMartin9N-2N · Dec 29, 2018

Hi to anyone who knows Variators:
My 212 Deere has gotten slow to start moving when I release the clutch pedal if variator handle is in first notch. When I go to second notch, it seems jerky and sometimes I hear a belt chirp. I am quite sure it has been hundreds of running hours since the variator received its graphite treatment. Does it seem likely I need to do the graphite thing again? Also, if it is needed, what is the most practical way to gain access? I can use a hydraulic floor jack, ramps, overhead hoist, whichever will make the actual graphite job easy. Also wondering if fender pan needs to come off. I do have a pretty good 2 car garage with concrete floor, so having a good work area is no problem. Thanks for any knowledgeable advice!!

Dennis M. in W. Tenn.

Mark-Ia · Dec 29, 2018

You might try adjusting it. Put the variator lever in the 5th notch. On the right side there is a plug to remove. There you will find a bolt head that takes a 3/4" socket, Loosen that bolt and crank or start the engine until the clutch pedal on the left side comes all the way to the top of it's travel, tighten bolt.

DMartin9N-2N · Dec 29, 2018

(quoted from post at 19:46:23 12/29/18) You might try adjusting it. Put the variator lever in the 5th notch. On the right side there is a plug to remove. There you will find a bolt head that takes a 3/4" socket, Loosen that bolt and crank or start the engine until the clutch pedal on the left side comes all the way to the top of it's travel, tighten bolt.

i, Mark-IA:
I did that same adjustment many hours ago,maybe it is time again. Thanks for the suggestion.

Dennis M. in W. Tenn.

jeffcat · Dec 29, 2018

Boy oh boy did I ever have fun with a 110 many years ago. Used a
little bottle of liquid graphite. Speedometer cable lube. The other
thing if you replace the two belts, DO NOT USE AFTER MARKET. Only use
OEM JD belts. They are half size and you will never ever get the
adjustments correct. Good luck.

gab · Dec 29, 2018

I've got four Wheel Horses and an old 110 JD, spent more time working on that variator than the four wheel horses put together. Best maintenance I've figured out is once you get it cleaned and lubed with graphite and working good is to lock the brake to relax the belts every time I park it, doesn't get used more than about ten hours a year and the center sheave would stick.

steve_in_mo · Dec 30, 2018

One important clarification. It's easier if you are using an extension or a deep socket.
When you tighten that bolt back up, you push down toward the ground while you do it.
If you tighten that bolt back up where it was before you've wasted your time.

DMartin9N-2N · Dec 31, 2018

Reply to all who responded:
I think good advice, and I can do these items, but not today. We have had a hard rain all morning, and the Deere is in a pole barn with dirt floor. My good work shop is a few hundred feet from the barn, and contains two antique cars, so something has to be moved out to get the Deere in! A good job for another day. Thanks for input!

Dennis M. in W. Tenn.

Deere 212 variator maintenance?

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