REFLECTOR:MT 540 Prop

Chuck Jensen reflector@tvbf.org
Fri, 31 Oct 2003 09:58:13 -0500


I'm running a 540 w/hydraulic MT prop.  The cost and quality of the MT prop
are inversely proportional to the level of service.  I had a prop that had a
big stone nick in it that actually cut through one side of the metal leading
edge and part way through the other side. Prop repair was definitely in my
future.

In the form of good news/bad news, the good news is you don't have to send
the prop to Germany anymore, the bad news is you have to send it to their
facility in Deland, FL.  MT's repair service is very consistent; they do not
return phone calls, they don't return emails, they don't return faxes.
However, if you ever get hold of Jurgen, (386)736-7762 or
mtprop@Bellsouth.net, he's obviously a smart, competent, agreeable fellow.

As part of their Total Quality Program (my words, not theirs), they refused
to repair the one prop without redoing all of the props.  Argument that
balance was the issue seemed reasonable enough.  However, their insistence
of overhauling the hub ($1,400) to install a new seal design was less
palatable.  The reason for this was a number of the seals of the old design
leaked.  However, mine didn't and I really didn't want them messing with it
but it was another "do it our way or we won't do it."  The words weren't
quite that blunt but the message was. However, I will say this ($2,500
later) the prop came back impeccable.  Impossible to tell from new.  Except
for this fix, which was not MT's fault, the prop has been flawless.

Their scheduling is a very "definite" affair.  They definitely will be done
with the prop when they get done, and not a minute sooner.  They will
consider your schedule (paper), then determine it doesn't match their
schedule (scissors)...you lose!

In defense of MT, I think the consensus is correct that the prop, though
expensive, seems to be an excellent fit.  There are a couple fixed pitched
units flying around that I think gets several kts higher cruise but they pay
for it by having to fly out of Edward's AFB.

IVO has said they are bringing out a hi-HP prop for the 540 (maybe it's a
stutter thing but they've been saying the same thing for a number of years)
but the comments on Reflector about IVO were uniformly negative and I didn't
really notice anyone inclined to rise to their defense.

In short, MT is the obvious, if not only choice.  Tell Jurgen Chuck sent you
and he'll charge you a 25% premium.

Chuck Jensen


-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-admin@tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-admin@tvbf.org]On
Behalf Of Richard@Riley.net
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2003 2:18 AM
To: reflector@tvbf.org
Subject: REFLECTOR:MT 540 Prop


I'm thinking of using an MT hydraulic prop on my 540 engine.  Does anyone 
on the list have experience with this combination?  I'm worried about the 
blades being fragile, having to send it to Germany, etc.  There's a 
Velocity RG at Compton with an electric MT that's been nothing but 
headaches, but half of those have been because it's electric.  

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