42” RD belt adjustment

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,547]

 

Hi guys, I got my 42”RD back together and as stumped about how to adjust the belt tension. I assume the spring and plate that the idler rides on since it slides left and right, is the tensioner. Is it left somewhat loose to ride and slide with the belt or is it secured after sliding it over to tension it? It was tight before I took the idler and tensioner off but I assumed it was the PO possibly putting it together wrong. Currently there isn’t enough tension to have all three blades turn at once. I confirmed that with my father when he mentioned after seeing it working that the mule drive belt was going but the deck belt was not. Thanks!

[ineedanother 2,318]

I've never owned that deck but your routing looks correct. Are you sure you're using the correct belt and that it's riding in the pulleys under the guards correctly?

[ICONN 2]

I have this deck and just sharpened the blades.  The spring must adjust out the slack in the belt otherwise the belt is TOO LONG.

[squonk 46,526]

That hefty spring provides all of the tension. If your belt is loose, it's too long or worn out. 

[953 nut 66,001]

Should be 1/2" by 89" belt.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/huskee-v-belt-1-2-in-x-89-in-oc-1012571?store=219&crmid=6663814901&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=tsc0_sea_tsc_cat_search_sch_us_cvr&utm_content=sku_na&adtype=pla&campaignid=22258948701&device=c&product_channel=local&product_id=1012571&store_code=219&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22269431188&gbraid=0AAAAADnTm20RvsdRIUAIoaUKG5VZVFJy7&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoMXQBhDcARIsAH-eEtsuJ7oBLhKKwvF0vx6VpZW98MCuEDEXLPcfJOMBlfOmbo-g1vlI9qwaArkZEALw_wcB

Edited 24 minutes ago by 953 nut
Added link to Tractor supply

[Bill D 2,844]

89"x 1/2" belt.   Please take a picture with the belt guards off.