jhetcel23 1 #1 Posted May 28, 2024 I have a newer to me 417XT wheel horse with a 42" Side Discharge Mower deck. I have an issue where the deck belt after a hour of use get's hot, will fray, or snap off. At first I thought it was caused from the mower deck, so I have replaced all blades and greased all pulleys. Everything spins freely by hand. So this points me to the PTO. Any guidance on troubleshooting, or suggestions on how to fix this issue. Thanks Jake Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 9,235 #2 Posted May 28, 2024 @jhetcel23 done a number of decks / spindles / pulleys/ etc. . that PTO mule drive , is the easiest drive connection to rebuild ..there are 4 bearings inside the pulleys , 2 each , recommend using a 6 point socket , on nut of belt cover , with a breaker bar , while ist on the tractor , giving you leverage ADVANTAGE . lay it out as you dissemble it , spacers are vital , personally like to RE GREASE original bearings , small flat putty knife , easily removes side bearing grease shields . wipe out , and flush out what's there , lucas XTRA HD green chassis grease , 550 drop point , stands up to heat stress, no bearing whine. that pto lever cone , has a replaceable bearing outside , sealed , napa has it , the inner needle bearing on that cone , needs to be wiped out , and very lightly greased with lucas , excess grease will sling to clutch face , avoid that . every rotational part is a drag point , really not to bad to do , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 7,786 #3 Posted May 29, 2024 It is possible that the deck belt is slipping. What kind of condition is the belt tensioner spring in? The tensioner pulley is usually on some sort of slide or pivot linkage. Is that operating freely? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jhetcel23 1 #5 Posted May 29, 2024 Thank you all - I will be tearing into it this weekend. @peter lena thank you for the pointers and grease type, that will help a lot. @8ntruck will check out the spring. @gwest_ca - thank you for the manual, and parts page. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 9,235 #6 Posted May 29, 2024 @jhetcel23 glad you got to see the , different phases of repair . always more detailing , than just a single area , that also might change your view of the next problem , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
