Super MTA T/A check and operation

I"m looking at a Super MTA and was wondering how to check the T/A and what is the proper operation of it? Also is there any other problems with them overall? Thanks For your help.

Testing a TA is easy. The tractor will go about 13 MPH in fifth gear with the TA pulled back. It will go about 17to18 with it forward. If the current owner will let you operate the tractor in road gear (5th)and they need to as fifth is sometimes worn and can jump out, the easy way to test it is to get straight on a good road (safely).
Put it in 5th with the TA back. set it to near full throttle and let out the clutch with purpose. The ta ramp and rollers are probably good if it just takes right off and pulls the engine down as expected, then gets up to the 13 mph or so. With the foot clutch out, (not used for the TA ever) pull rearward on the handle and grip the release flipper. stroke the TA handle forward as rapidly as possible, no delay just a clean rapid stroke forward. The TA disk clutch is good if it again pulls the engine down and accelerates to road spaae.
If you are not comfortable doing the high speed test, and if the brakes are good on the tractor, putting it in 4th TA and using the brakes to slow the engine from full RPM to 1/2 RPM under load is a good method as well. Also put it in 4th direct, and load the engine with the brakes and pull the TA to see how it downshifts. The lever should be moved rapidly at all times, never hesitate part way through the movement. Doing that is slipping the TA clutch, and is a no no. The TA is a terrific innovation in tractor usefulness. They last for a long long time if used regularly (all the time). (We own a 350U with the original TA and clutches.)
The only other improper TA use is going faster than the direct gear speed in TA down a hill. This causes the TA unit to rotate faster than its design spec, and can tear them up physically.
In other words do not coast down hills with the TA back. Pulling implements down hill or up with it back is correct, just coasting. Jim

The speed difference should be noticeable in ANY gear. Going down the road in 5th on an unfamiliar tractor probably isn't the best idea.

In 1st, wind up the engine and pull the TA. It should feel like you practically stopped, the difference is that noticeable. It should NOT stop entirely, though.

Stomp on the brakes with the TA lever pulled. The engine should lug down.

Run the tractor up an incline, and stop halfway up (if the brakes are good). With the TA lever forward (in direct) let the clutch pedal about halfway out, then carefully release the brakes. The tractor should be "locked" in place on the hill.

Shift the TA like you MEAN it. Pull the lever back in one swift motion to shift into TA. Release the catch and let the lever fly forward on its own to shift into direct.

i was reading the discussion about the torque and had a few more questions. wondered what the theory was on moving the TA lever forward with a rapid movement. The owner's manual says nothing about that, but didn't know if that was to save the clutch or what purpose it was

The TA friction clutch is a 2/3 sized regular disk clutch with throwout bearing. When going from TA reduction to direct, it takes up the speed difference as it engages. If the lever is moved slowly, it is slipping as it makes the transition. Like someone does not know how to use a manual trans clutch. It is driving in TA reduction, and slipping in direct. When moved rapidly, the disk wear is minimal, and the transition is just like an automatic trans shift.
When pulling it into TA, (again) rapidly reduces slippage time as the friction material allows the TA reduction to take over. Fast motion is the answer, along with using it often. Jim