B110 42in Deck PTO

[mcmono50 0]

Greetings!I've trolled this site ever since we brought grandpa's B110 home. It wouldn't have mowed one pass without the resources on here. For that past help I owe many thanks to several of you. Sadly, though, it is time to join and post because its mowing season again and something about the mid PTO, deck, belt assembly is off and I cannot figure it out like I must have last year. I've got a 44in belt to the deck. 35in belt on the PTO. Spring lever is up to apply tension. The PTO belt has tons of slack when engaged--regardless of the adjustment on the spring--and the pulley to drive the mower is either so deep between the other two that they touch or too far away to keep tension on the belts and it flies off when the drive is engaged.I attached a pic hoping that my error is visible and shamefully obvious.If anyone would be willing to chime in with the fix, advice, the proper setup steps for attaching the deck in case I missed something there, or just some troubleshooting steps to figure out where I've gone wrong, I would sincerely appreciate it.Mike

[Chris727 2,015]

Welcome to the Club!!! You have the correct belts (assuming all the pulleys are still original size). The PTO lever should be down when engaged. Is the rear spring tensioner lever pulled back? I know adjusting the rod can be a little tricky but after a few attempts you should get the knack of it. When the lever is engaged there should be about 1/2" gap between the spring guide and the set collar when adjusted.

[johnmonkey 4]

Welcome aboard. I think you have to twist the belt to get correct belt rotation...probably not a lot of help. JH

[PhanDad 3,616]

Haven't had the 42" deck on the B-110 in years. But I remember also having problems getting good belt tension. First issue is to be sure you're using the larger pulley on the lower cross shaft. Using the smaller sickle bar pulley won't put enough tension on the belts.Second issue was the PTO drive belt size. I've seen both 35" and 34" listed as the "correct" size in B parts manuals. I used a 34" belt for years, then it became too big so I switched to a 33" belt. Might be that the cross drive belt stretched, PTO out of adjustment, don't know. But a 33" belt worked for me.Here's the adjustment instructions with my scribbles(in case you don't have the B-110 Owners Manual):

I have a "self scanned" .pdf file of the Owners Manual. If you want a copy, email or PM me and I'll send it. The file's too big to send via Club mail.

[mcmono50 0]

Thanks for the quick replies!

Chris727--I do have the lever down when attempting to mow and the spring lever is in the proper position, but that is about all I am sure is right. I'll make sure I have a similar gap on the rod when engaged. Last spring that same adjustment gave me fits as there's little room for error to have enough tension, but not so much that it doesn't pop up.

JohnMonkey -- I'll check for appropriate twist. All advice is appreciated. Never underestimate my ability to overlook something simple. If I had a superpower, that could be it.

Bill--That reference is tremendous and I will PM you my email for a copy. When we picked it up it came with the a pile of belts, a notebook with his maintenance records and some really cool original AC ads, but no manual. That will serve me well.

Forgive me, but when looking at one of those figures, which is the lower cross shaft? My pride wants me to act as if I know what you are speaking of, but I do not.

I don't have an additional pulley to swap out, but I will get one if it would get me up and running--though a smaller belt would likely get me up and running now. If you know the part number or size of the correct pully, then I'll see about locating one for installation. Until then, I'll try a 33in belt and a PTO lever adjustment and see what happens. The cross drive belt was replaced this year. I may have had the PTO adjusted for a worn belt, not a new one. Them amount of slack was staggering none-the-less. Regardless, I'll inspect Saturday when it warms up, and scribble my own notes this year.

I'll advise if I run into additional trouble or post what my ultimate solution is once it is determined.

Thanks for all the help gents!

[Tom45 66]

As I recall, there are two different holes that the pivot shaft for the idler puller can go in. If in the wrong one, the idler pulley will bottom out on one of the other pulleys before the belt is tensioned.

[PhanDad 3,616]

Not sure if it's officially called the "lower cross shaft" but its the bottom one of the PTO unit. On the right side (sitting on tractor), the pulley is a double diameter, big for deck, little for sickle bar.

Got your PM, sending Operator Manual.

[rokon2813 272]

Up there somewhere you mentioned popping up.

These pto systems have an "over center" design for engaging.

Once the pto is engaged, when adjusted correctly, it should not be able to pop out. The spring tension on the rod should be putting tension on the handle toward passed engaged.

Make sure your rod does not have a slight upward bend in it. It needs to be straight, but a downward bow is okay too. One thing I do when having issues is engage the handle with the engine off, then push down hard on the pto lever to bow the rod down slightly.

Clear as mud right?

[mcmono50 0]

The rod did in fact have a slight upward bend. It now has a downward bend to it. I tinkered with the PTO adjustment until I had the 1/2in gap between the collar and the spring guide when engaged. I bought a 33in belt. All of that, in no particular order, and I'm mowing again--even did the neighbor's yard. I'm sure I'll be back to bug you all again, but until then, thanks for all the tips and knowledge everyone.

[macallis180 296]

This is a fantastic site/forum for help. I also have learned much from so many folks much smarter than me about these little workhorse tractors! NOW - if I could just remember what I have learned, it would be great! LOL! (my old age is showing)