Bach-Ed 170 #1 Posted April 17, 2015 Two mower problems, which hopefuly will be a slam dunk for one of you. I have a deck on my 857 that has 2 minor challenges. The depth indicator has only one position (second from the front - 1-3/4) still readable. How much is each position, that is, is the forward one 1 1/2 for example? The second is this a good belt lenght? I tried a 30 in. belt and it was too tight (never disengaged) Went to a 31, which you can see is too loose? It does engage and runs the mower just fine, but wants to slip off. Is there a 30-1/2 and should I try that or just stay with 31? Since I replaced my original engine with a CH270 Kohler, dimensions are not stock any longer. One last thing, any guesses as to which model deck this is? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedRanger 1,469 #2 Posted April 17, 2015 (edited) Looks to be a RM-367 deck. 36 inch rear discharge. Same deck I have on my 867 tractor. Manual can be found on this site in the Manuals section. Belt looks a bit long, but if it works.....? Does it stay on the pulleys when not engaged? I believe the stock setup had a retainer on the engine pulley so it didn't come off when not engaged. As for the height, check this out. http://www.redoyourhorse.com/mower-deck-decal-kit-for-1966-to-69-32-and-36-in-rear-discharge/ Before I tore mine apart. Edited April 17, 2015 by RedRanger 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,509 #3 Posted April 17, 2015 I suspect the angle bracket on the idler in the last picture should be at the rear so it captures the belt there so it can't leave the idler. Garry 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bach-Ed 170 #4 Posted April 17, 2015 Thanks for the info!!!! Now I remember there was a retainer on my old engine. I'll rig something up because it does want to throw the belt when disengaged. And the idler pulley does have an angle to help the belt stay put on the idler. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites