jhetcel23 1 #1 Posted October 4 Struggling to properly route the 87 inch drive belt on my 417xt. The old belt broke, so I have no reference to go off of. I removed the PTO belt, the clutch bracket, and idler spring. Anyone that could take a picture of their routing or have any tips would be appreciated Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,493 #2 Posted October 4 Service manual help? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,493 #3 Posted October 4 After looking at the manual the belt routing diagram does not show the belt. This is what I think is missing 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jhetcel23 1 #4 Posted October 6 On 10/4/2026 at 9:18 AM, gwest_ca said: After looking at the manual the belt routing diagram does not show the belt. This is what I think is missing Thats what I was looking for. Thank you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 10,078 #5 Posted October 7 @jhetcel23 not familiar with your set up , BUT am familiar with flat idler related , belt bounce ? combination of idler , lubrication failure AND LONG UNSUPORTED , belt run , makes for a buzzing repetitive problem . this would require a cure that is not in the book , looking right at it , glairing to me . middle of belt run , needs rolling support . pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 10,078 #6 Posted October 13 @jhetcel23 years ago , was dealing with regular , mower deck belt bounce , in addition to , changing out bearing lubricant , installed idler pulley in LONG UNSUPPORTED AREA , very slight push just to stop bounce . guess what ? added at to 2 other decks as well ! realise this is NOT YOUR EXACT MATCHING ISSUE , BUT would bet its similar in gain to stop bounce . just an idea , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 10,078 #7 Posted October 13 @jhetcel23 years ago , was dealing with regular , mower deck belt bounce , in addition to , changing out bearing lubricant , installed idler pulley in LONG UNSUPPORTED AREA , very slight push just to stop bounce . guess what ? added at to 2 other decks as well ! realise this is NOT YOUR EXACT MATCHING ISSUE , BUT would bet its similar in gain to stop bounce . just an idea , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jhetcel23 1 #8 Posted 1 hour ago Alright, after installing the new belt had no issues for a couple weeks. Now Im having issues with the mower going up any incline. The engine does not bog down, I dont lose traction, it just slows down or doesn't make it and the wheels dont spin. Checking the drive belt, Im getting a inch or more of deflection which seems like a lot. Also Im not sure if the tension spring is installed in the right spot or maybe stretched. Attached is picture of tension spring. Any ideas on this? Maybe belt slipping? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
