C-60 Drive belt alignment question

[Gary S Minnesota 59]

Hi All,

I seem to be having drive belt issues with the 1977 C-160 I recently acquired.  In way of background I changed oil, hydro oil and filter and did a general clean up.  Everything seemed fine until I mounted a 48” SD deck and started mowing.

The tractor seemed to be struggling a bit going through not real long grass, although the height adjustment was set lower than I usually use on my 314-8.  Before long I could smell burning belt so I headed for the garage.

I removed the seat etc. and finally the belt guard and discovered belt shavings in the area around the idler pulley.  The idler pulley appeared to run free with no wobble or noise.  Inspecting further I noticed a cut across the width of the 5/8 x 84” drive belt. I then installed a new drive belt.

After installing the new belt I noticed a lot of noise and vibration coming from the belt guard area when lifting the deck to max height with the hydro lift.  The lift runs smooth and quite until the max up position?  Pretty soon I smelled burning belt again.

I again removed the belt guard and noted that the inside edge of the idler pulley was actually sitting atop the inside edge of the new belt and had actually cut the inside edge of the new belt.

It appears that the idler pull is not in straight alignment with the PTO pulley or Sundstrand hydro pulley.

Is it possible to move the PTO pulley outward 1/8” or so, or move the hydro pulley in an 1/8” ?  I’m also wondering if the idler pulley/parking brake linkage may be worn or slightly bent.  Pulling that lever up or pushing it back down takes quite a bit of effort.  Like the spring is stronger than need be??

Appreciate any input.  Apologies for the long post!

Gary 

[Ed Kennell 42,483]

7 hours ago, Gary S Minnesota said:

  I’m also wondering if the idler pulley/parking brake linkage may be worn or slightly bent.

This  worn linkage is likely the problem.   The pulley bearing may also be worn out.

[pfrederi 18,810]

Use a long straight edge to make sure the Engine pulley idler and Pump pullies are all aligned.  You can move the engine and Pump pulleys in and out a bit.

[peter lena 9,348]

@Gary S Minnesota    that related bouncing  is telling me  , INCREMENTAL  BEARING HANG UP , usually  bearing  lubrication , failure .   done a lot of decks , amazing  how many  MOVEMENT POINTS  , have a  bind or rough spot . thats the start of belt bounce , related , buzzing  go over every movement point , those idler pulleys with those tiny , sealed bearings , are a main culprit , tiny bearing  with unknown lubricant , is a very fast failure  , might consider getting a similar  pulley , with a larger bearing  and removable  wide  side grease shields , done that with  bushing  added to larger bearing, and cleaned out  original grease  , replace with hi temp  lucas chassis grease  , no noise or failures , original set up is marginal at best  .  have also added an idler pulley on back side of  long UNSUPPORTED , spindle  belt , really  controlled that  belt bounce . pete   

[Gary S Minnesota 59]

Well I finally got over to Wheel Horse Parts and More at Medford, Mn. and met Lowell.  He had the drive belt idler pulley i wanted in stock and was very helpful in giving me a tips on aligning the Sunstrand pulley, the idler pulley and the PTO pulley.  I needed to move the PTO pulley outward a good 1/4" to bring things into proper alignment.  I'll install a new belt and reassemble the belt cover etc tomorrow.  I'm pretty confident my belt slap and vibration  I noticed when the hydro lift raises the deck to max height will be gone.  Sure hope so!

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions.  You guys are great!