42” Side Discharge Deck Chews Up Belts

[Bryanmedic 0]

My mower deck keeps chewing up belts. I’ve replaced the center pulley and have tried to clean up the other 2 pulleys. I go through a belt every other mowing or so. The tensioner is ok but beyond that i’m out of ideas. The center pulley seems to be lower than the other 2. Is possible it needs a spacer to align it with the others as far as height goes?

[Ed Kennell 41,913]

to the  Brian.

 

Can you tell us how the pulleys came to be misaligned?    Did someone replace the center spindle with the wrong one?    Pictures and the ID tag numbers will help is find the correct manual for your deck.

[Bryanmedic 0]

I am not sure how they got misaligned but will investigate a little farther soon. I was hoping someone had a similar problem and maybe had some troubleshooting ideas. 

[Ed Kennell 41,913]

Mower Rotary 42in SD 1986-1988 05-42MS05 3-400 OM IPL SN.pdf - Mower decks & reel - RedSquare Wheel Horse Forum

[daveoman1966 3,839]

This is the Spindle Belt on a 42" side disch deck...  How it ought to be. No reason for belt shredding as mentioned.  

QUESTION:  (1) are you sure the CENTER spindle pulley is NOT mounted upside-down? 

The correct belt for the 42" side deck is OEM #106125  (1/2 x 89")

Q2: Does the FLAT TENSION idler bar wobble excessively?  

As for MIS-ALIGNED pulleys---that would have to be caused by a crooked-mounted spindle...possible from running into a stiff root or something.  If you hit a root hard enough, it will bend the whole spindle back...twisting the deck shell in the process. 

 

   

[Bryanmedic 0]

As far as the idler pulley bar it doesn't seem to wobble excessively.  Im going to feel awfully silly if i put that center pulley on wrong because I replaced it earlier this year. Thank you for your response. It’s much appreciated! 

[Brockport Bill 1,933]

The center double pulley is designed with large pulley on top...is yours correct....hard to tell from photo??? Suggest you go to Toro online or partstree.com to look at mower deck diagrams for respective correct installation of all relevant parts....also as an added maintenance suggestion for healthy belts be sure the slots the belt rides in on the pulleys is clean and smooth....I use wire wheel on my drill to buff them up and remove any rust or imperfections that will cause friction or irregular rubbing on belt.....especially if tractor is left outdoors the rain will cause corrosion in pulley slots causing friction.  If you don't have specific mower deck manual suggest you download one..also although many people remove their pulley belt covers the covers can prevent debris twigs etc getting on top of deck and interference with pulley rotation of belts.  I keep my covers on but use leaf blower to be sure the area under them is cleaned out after each mowing . Good luck....??

Edited July 6, 2024 by Brockport Bill
Made info clearer

[peter lena 9,251]

@Bryanmedic  deck belt bounce is is INCRAMENTAL  BEARING LUBE FAILURE , another tiing is the unsupported back belt bounce area . have added a 3 " flat idler just about in the middle , for a very slighter push back  , since going to hi temp / stress lucas chassis grease , no whyining noise and quiet operation , deck looks like it needs a GRUNGE BREAK , service , lubrication  soaking .  been doing this for years , also do this before winter storage , no rot / rust , decks spin by hand , pete

 

[Bryanmedic 0]

The pulley was on correctly as it turned out. I will be repairing the deck this winter, I just need to get through this season. I will keep troubleshooting as of now and will keep everyone posted. Thanks!