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 2,321]

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 3]

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 66,009]

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 1 hour ago by 953 nut
Added link to Tractor supply

[Bill D 2,846]

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

[peter lena 9,879]

@MainelyWheelhorse  added this years ago to my decks , almost hiding in plane site ? long unsupported belt , combined with  unknown spindle bearing  grease ?  bakes for a buzzing wreck  , experimented with one deck , all 3  run the same trouble free quiet , also regreased my  mule drive bearings ,  improved that  gold mine  of issues . pete

 

[midpack 1,140]

I've seen where the slot in the sliding tensioner gets worn from riding on the bolt causing it to get hung up. Is the plastic glide ok? Bolt holding the tensioner too tight?

If the tensioner moves freely I would try a smaller belt