I'm working my way through various issues having to do with the MF65 tractor I just bought.
The otherwise good muffler stack was broken off 4 1/2" below the bottom edge of the hood while the previous owner was mowing under overhanging branches. I expect to encounter similar situations frequently when mowing and thought I might buy an orchard (underslung) pipe to avoid the problem. I was warned this would increase fire risk, due to the pipe's proximity to the ground. I considered adding a spark arrestor to the system to counter the risk, but I know nothing about them. I'm aware there are other issues concerning the effect of tractor exhaust discharge from various locations. However, an important one to me is limitations imposed on a tractor's movement by a stack pipe.
I believe I recall seeing a couple of tractors with the exhaust pipe turned forward and discharging toward the front. The discharge was higher than an orchard pipe's.
If I was to do this on my MF65, I'd have the exhaust shop cut the exhaust pipe low on the offset and have them fab a fairly tight bend from there toward the front. The muffler would attach at the end of this bend's discharge. The bottom of the muffler would be about 38" above the ground, next to the steering link) the tailpiece would end at this height near the grill and axle. The discharge would point a few feet to the left and front of the tractor. Maybe some kind of spark arrestor could be located there too, if I decide they are effective.
Dale
The otherwise good muffler stack was broken off 4 1/2" below the bottom edge of the hood while the previous owner was mowing under overhanging branches. I expect to encounter similar situations frequently when mowing and thought I might buy an orchard (underslung) pipe to avoid the problem. I was warned this would increase fire risk, due to the pipe's proximity to the ground. I considered adding a spark arrestor to the system to counter the risk, but I know nothing about them. I'm aware there are other issues concerning the effect of tractor exhaust discharge from various locations. However, an important one to me is limitations imposed on a tractor's movement by a stack pipe.
I believe I recall seeing a couple of tractors with the exhaust pipe turned forward and discharging toward the front. The discharge was higher than an orchard pipe's.
If I was to do this on my MF65, I'd have the exhaust shop cut the exhaust pipe low on the offset and have them fab a fairly tight bend from there toward the front. The muffler would attach at the end of this bend's discharge. The bottom of the muffler would be about 38" above the ground, next to the steering link) the tailpiece would end at this height near the grill and axle. The discharge would point a few feet to the left and front of the tractor. Maybe some kind of spark arrestor could be located there too, if I decide they are effective.
Dale