T-20 selector positions

[Notnim]

I recently bought an old Hustler with what I believe is a T-20. Everything seems to be working, but I noticed there are two selectors on each side of the unit, each with 3 positions, I am unfamiliar with the operation of this unit and was wondering if anyone could fill me in on it. There are short handles on each selector under the rear seat. Is there supposed to be some sort of linkage to shift from forward to reverse. And is it possible to shift from forward to reverse with the engine running. It grinds a little bit when I tried that and stopped until I get some info.
Thanks

[amphibious drew]

You are on the right track. The shift positions are forward, neutral, and reverse, and there should be linkage to a shifter handle. Yes, you can shift with it running. It takes a little rocking and the sticks should be in the middle not pushing forward or pulling backwards. Dan67 did a hustler rebuild and photographed his build. You may want to search his album for pics of the linkage. Some machines are set up to shift both sides at once, but all t-20s could be set up to shift each side separately. This setup is called a split shift and allowed one side to go forward and the other to go reverse. If you are fabbing linkage anyway, I would split shift.

[Notnim]

Thanks for the info ,I will check out Dan67"s rebuild

[Notnim]

OK, I have fabricated a linkage to shift both sides at the same time, I may do a split shift arrangement later, but for now I can't seem to get the diamond shifters to shift properly. How hard are these T-20's suppose to shift?
I can shift both sides by hand, although they do not shift real easy, its like you have to find the right spot. I went with the spring and rod arrangement hoping that would help them pop in and out better. Other wise the unit seems to work fine once you have it in either forward or reverse. I would post a picture of my linkage if I could figure out how to do so. I am using a Mac.

[Notnim]

I think I figured out the pictures of the linkage,here they are

[Mike]

It may just be the photos but it looks like your linkage is set too far outboard. When you go from forward to reverse you are pushing against the diamond shifter instead of rotating it. Maybe flipping the heim joint to the other side of the linkage would help produce some better angles?

As far as ease of shifting, there is no synchronization in the T20. Often times one side will shift into gear and not the other. To help it go in gear you can do the "T20 Dance" . That involves revving the motor up and as it comes back to idle, move the laterals (connected to the T20 brake bands) back and forth quickly while shifting from forward to reverse.

[Notnim]

I have room to move the arms closer together and reduce the angle, so I'll give that a try, also its good to know about the "Dance". Thanks!!

[chris smith]

hello i noticed that ur belt is running in alittle deep in the driven clutch, i think the belt might be worn as well. or to tight

[Notnim]

Thank's for the tip. Since I posted these photos I have pulled the T-20 to re-seal it and have bought a new belt. Also had to pull the engine and fab a new mounting plate with long slots for plenty of adjustment. I used 1/2" aluminum plate, and milled the slots 5" long. After disassembly of the T-20 , I found two of the bands had burned spots on them, sent them off to Transmission Crafters for re-lining and a seal kit from Recreative Industries, both of these businesses were very helpfull. This is an older T-20 without thrust washers,but everything is in pretty good shape yet. I am going to machine an extra o-ring groove in the brake spools while it is apart like the newer models. Also found two bad inner axle begs so I replaced all of the bearings, ordered them from Buffalo Bearing, those folks were great to deal with and fast delivery and good prices. Seems like one thing leads to another but soon I will have gone through everything but the engine.