Butch 194 #1 Posted May 10, 2011 I just installed a new mule drive belt. How tight do you make the belt? So much deflection I would assume? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duff 206 #2 Posted May 11, 2011 Butch, I don't think there's a real "so many inches deflection" answer, but I could be wrong. What I remember reading here in the past and the system I use is to tighten it up just enough so the belt doesn't flop around excessively and slip. If you tighten it too much it puts undue stress on the bearings both of the mule drive pulleys and the mower deck idlers (or center spindle depending on which type of deck you have). For me, anyway, it's sort of a "feel" adjustment. Too loose a belt simply feels floppy, and too tight seems to fight deflection more than it should. These belts run looser than their automotive counterparts, so it seems a little counter to what we may be used to. Another way I check it is to tighten the adjustment knob on the mule drive until it starts to feel really snug, then back it off a full turn. Others with more knowledge, please jump in and correct me if I'm wrong! Duff :hide: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Don1977 605 #3 Posted May 11, 2011 1/2" deflection, that's what my Wheel Horse Dealer told me 43 years ago. I have been using that and have never replaced the the big roller bearing in the clutch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duff 206 #4 Posted May 11, 2011 1/2" deflection, that's what my Wheel Horse Dealer told me 43 years ago. I have been using that and have never replaced the the big roller bearing in the clutch. You're probably right, Don, thanks! I hadn't thought about the clutch bearing - that is a massive beast, and I keep it well greased. The bearings in the other pulleys are pretty flimsy by comparison! Duff :WRS: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butch 194 #5 Posted May 11, 2011 Thanks Don and Duff. I did stsrt the PTO up with what I thought my be ample tightness and the PTO ony spun inside the belt!! 1/2 inch deflection I'm sure will fix that problem! Thanks again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sgtsampay 117 #6 Posted May 11, 2011 I will go check mine tonight. Thanks guys! :hide: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Toolman 22 #7 Posted May 18, 2011 My C-101 42" rear discharge deck operators manual says to have a 1" deflection between the pulleys on the top belt. From the engine to the mule drive............ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butch 194 #8 Posted May 18, 2011 1" sounds right just because any tighter you would probably need to use a pipe wrench to turn the mule knob! I turned it as tight as I could and it never got tight tight. :hide: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mavfreak 11 #9 Posted May 18, 2011 I adjust mine so the blades don't bog in the grass and then back off slightly, the deflection seems to be around 3/4 to and 1" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
