Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Can someone please explain how exactly the disc-o-matic works so I don't take mine apart to try to figure it out for myself?

Note: I know how to USE it, but am not quite sure how exactly it functions.

Hell, I understand DSGs, Auto trannys, SMGs, manuals, and CVTs more than I understand this.

The only thing to add is that if you move the friction wheel past the centre of the the disk you are now in reverse. It would be nice if there were faster reverse settings

So basically its a CVT(though not as complex as a toroidal or belt driven)  with slots for the shifter lever to click into...

Interesting. Does that rubber thingie ever have to be replaced?

So if i understand?  If  you go fowared faster you go slower in reverse?

Nope. It is equal both ways. However physically on the controls it doesnt allow you to pull it back far enough to go that "top speed" in reverse. With the speed mine goes I wouldnt want to back up that fast, especally with a device capable of crushing my face on one side(if it managed to drive all the way over me).

Garandman,  Thank you for the excellent description Disco-O-Matic.

Im sure if you wanted a faster reverse you could just cut out a new notch. ?

fatboy wrote:
If you look at the picture you'll see that the friction disc is located to the right  on the pinion. So  even if the assembly is shifted all the way to the left, the friction disc is still near the center of the hub. So it can't go too fast, even if you removed the shift gate altogether. There are some other mechanical detents and safeties built in that  I ignored, along with reverse - those are in Disc-O-Matic 102....

Yall have given me a great idea, though. I have a spare tractor unit. I'm going to call up a friend of mine at the Museum of Science in Boston and see if they'd like a display.

Wow, a reason to actually go to that goddamn museum(I have been over 1k times in my life).

Great description.  I always wondered how the tranny works in a blower. 

Yes, the rubber wheel does sometimes have to be replaced if it starts breaking apart. Here's a picture.

This was replaced by my friend Jim, who has a heated shop...I was going to do it, but it is too cold out for me...this is a summertime job....Jim did it for me yesterday....it is a friends snowblower.

Frank D.