Mower Deck Problem?

[tfrazier 0]

Hello, I am new to the club and new to owning a AC lawn tractor and I need some help. I have a 716 with a 48" mower deck. Everything seemed to working fine until my deck belt broke and I had to replace it. The simlicity dealer told me I need a 1/2x85.20 belt. Unfortunately he did not have one in stock so he sold me a 1/2x85 with a little deeper "V" shape than the stock belt. He said it should work fine. I installed the new belt but had a heck of time reattaching the spring. It was much tighter than the belt that was on when I purchased the tractor. I assumed this was because it was new. Anyway, I went out tonight to pick up some leaves and the performance was horrible. The PTO definately engaged and the blades seemed to be spinning freely. I have a I have a frame mounted, PTO drive grass catcher. I did a visual check on the impeller and it to was working. All I seemed to accomplish was shredding a bunch of leaves. The grass Cathcer only fill up about 1/2 way when I should have had to empty it at least two or three times. Any ideas or suggestions as to what I should check.

[Simpleton7016 3]

Hey Tony...make sure that the deck belt is routed like in the picture below. It sounds to me like the other belt to the PTO may be routed around the drive pulley incorrectly. Try swapping it the other way. If it is routed incorrectly, it will spin the blades backwards. If it makes you feel any better, I typically route it incorrectly every single spring when I install the deck. Also, if it is the "drive' belt you are talking about, there is a release lever attached to a spring near the back tire. If you release that, it will make installation of the belt much easier. Just be sure to engage it again when you are doen.....another mistake I seem to make every single year.

[JimS 1]

From looking at the above pic, a 5-inch shorter belt would reduce the amount of wrap around the center spindle and could cause belt slippage. My 2 cents.

[tfrazier 0]

In my original post, I incorrectly stated that the new belt was 1/2x80. It is actually 1/2x85, which is only .20 shorter than the stock belt. Thanks

[tfrazier 0]

Simpleton 7016, I guess you know your (old) tractors. I indeed did have the drive belt routed backward or criss crossed or something. Anyway, I just went out to the garage and corrected it. Thanks for the quick response. You were right, this site is way cool.

[PatRarick 1]

quote:

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Originally posted by tfrazier
In my original post, I incorrectly stated that the new belt was 1/2x80. It is actually 1/2x85, which is only .20 shorter than the stock belt. Thanks

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I was wondering about that. The 42" deck takes an 84" belt, and I've used that in a pinch on a 48" deck. That is a TIGHT fit. As to the problem, the 85" belt shouldn't be a problem. I've used aftermarket 85" belts with no problem other than they don't last as long as the correct belt. I'd be inclined to agree with Erik in that your PTO belt is on backwards. Probably did so when you reinstalled your deck. It's an easy mistake to make. Don't think there's ANYONE who doesn't do so occasionally. Even me, and I NEVER make mistakes;);) Pat

[HubbardRA 19]

Don't feel bad Tony. At one time or another, I think most of us have put the belt on backward. I know I have done it a couple times, then I notice it isn't cutting worth beans and flip it over.

[tfrazier 0]

Thanks for the replies and the " I guess I am not as dumb as I thought I was" support. Sounds like a common mistake so I don't feel so inadequate. I have a realted question. Today I went out to pick up leaves and the it really does work much better when the belt is correctly installed. However, I do notice that the my lawn does not end up looking as clean (totally leaf free) than it has whem I have used different mowers in the past. It seems that there are a lot clippings that blown right past the deck shoot, which causes me to spend a lot of time chasing them. I have the blades lowered down all of the way but there still seems to be a lot of space between the ground and the front of the deck. The space at the front seems to be where most of the leaves are escaping. I have checked and double checked to make sure the tubes are not blocked and yet I can't seem to get them all. Maybe I just being picky. If this is normal fine but if I can make it better, I like to give it a try.