JimmyJam 516 #1 Posted July 23, 2016 The other day I was mowing my back yard with my B-80 and I noticed my belt was smoking. I stopped to let it cool down (although it was 90degrees outside). The mule drive was so hot that it felt like I was touching the exhaust pipe. What would cause that? The belt wasn't too tight. Hmmm??? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 10,642 #2 Posted July 23, 2016 bad bearings? 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #3 Posted July 23, 2016 @JimmyJam Bad bearing(s)! 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,441 #4 Posted July 23, 2016 When bearings start to fail they get tight which causes heat and depletes the lubrication if there is any left at that point. Then they get loose from wear. It can be detected at any time in the failure process. The earlier the better keeps repair costs down. Garry 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elliot ness 1,916 #5 Posted July 23, 2016 Only two things, the belt is loose or the bearings are bad, 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,567 #6 Posted July 23, 2016 Yup. while your at it check your pto bell bearings too. I fried an egg on one a couple of years ago! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,015 #7 Posted July 23, 2016 4 minutes ago, squonk said: pto bell bearings too. I fried an egg on one How did you get the egg to stay on there? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,567 #8 Posted July 23, 2016 Fat chickens! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougC 2,641 #9 Posted July 23, 2016 Bearings usually start making noise first, then get super hot, then lock up completely and fry the belt. Remove the belt and try to spin the mule drive pulleys and see what happens. After it cools down that is....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TDF5G 2,051 #10 Posted July 25, 2016 Yes I would check the bearings in the pulley box. Over adjusting the PTO clutch will cause it to smoke also. Ask me how I know! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyJam 516 #11 Posted July 31, 2016 Thanks everyone! Not much left to to the ball bearing casing!!!!! How does one replace the bearing? Is it pressed on? Does each pulley have a bearing? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 46,404 #12 Posted July 31, 2016 Two choices Jimmy...either replace the whole pulley which can be had yet or split the pulley and just replace the bearing. I have a thread here on how to replace just the bearings but can't put a link to on this stupid tablet! I think it is in restoration & mods section. Not sure what the bearing size is but should be common. Maybe others can chime in on that if they ain't too busy making their breakfast on them! Most important when you take the mule apart make careful note where the spacers go for reassembly. Two choices Jimmy...either replace the whole pulley which can be had yet or split the pulley and just replace the bearing. I have a thread here on how to replace just the bearings but can't put a link to on this stupid tablet! I think it is in restoration & mods section. Not sure what the bearing size is but should be common. Maybe others can chime in on that if they ain't too busy making their breakfast on them! Most important when you take the mule apart make careful note where the spacers go for reassembly. Yes each pulley has a bearing. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,567 #13 Posted July 31, 2016 I think someone needs a new tablet! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunahead72 2,329 #14 Posted July 31, 2016 On 7/23/2016 at 3:30 PM, squonk said: Fat chickens! Good grief, even Mel Tillis knows TT! Mel's gettin' old, isn't he? Not like the rest of us, of course. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyJam 516 #15 Posted August 1, 2016 WHX7: I am having trouble finding your link on how to change out bearings of the pulleys. You're right there are several mule drives on ebay, but used may = bearings could go at any time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MalMac 1,328 #16 Posted August 1, 2016 Unless you have the old cast type of pulleys that have replaceable bearings, trying to split the the pulleys is a real pain. Those pulleys are a very common pulley that can be found other places. Way simpler to just change out the pulley and be back mowing. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 46,404 #17 Posted August 1, 2016 (edited) 23 hours ago, squonk said: I think someone needs a new tablet! Someone needs to learn how to use the one they have.... Mal might be right Jimmy about the cast pulley bearings Jimmy but I have no problems splitting the pullleys ..Heres the link now that i am at a real computer Let us know how you make out.... Edited August 1, 2016 by WHX7 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MWR 321 #18 Posted August 1, 2016 Since no one else has mentioned it, I'd guess it could be the bearings going bad.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites