Old Screw 8 #1 Posted September 21, 2016 The front pulley on my new (to me) 312-8 will not spin. This is the pulley at the very front of the right side of the tractor that looks like its bent, the belt runs through it and back to the mower. When I loosened the big nut on the shield I was able to move it easily. IF I tighten the nut at all it rubs against the shield and stops the pulley. It only has 2 pulleys on the shaft. I am thinking there must be some sort of spacer that goes on after the pulleys to keep the shield from making contact with the pulley. Is this correct? I can't seem to find a parts diagram that will show mw what is supposed to be there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunahead72 2,522 #2 Posted September 21, 2016 There should actually be two spacers, one between the two pulleys, and the other between the outer (flat) pulley and the shield. They're different sizes, and please don't ask me which one goes where, because I can never remember. Fortunately, there are guys here who know that stuff off the top of their heads, I'm sure they'll be along soon. To find a parts diagram, you need to be looking under mowers, not tractors. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,285 #3 Posted September 21, 2016 1/2" long spacer part number 101757 is on the outside between the pulley and cover. 5/8" long spacer part number 101734 is between the pulleys. Spacer ID needs to slip over 3/4" shaft. Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old Screw 8 #4 Posted September 21, 2016 You guys are GOOD! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunahead72 2,522 #5 Posted September 21, 2016 (edited) Nah, not me. But Garry is definitely one of the good guys here, you'll come to appreciate the difference as you spend time here. By the way, when you start pulling those pulleys off, they may be stuck to the shaft and you may have trouble getting them to slide off. There's threads here with tips on how to get them to slide off, PB Blaster or a similar penetrating oil will help a lot. Don't start banging on them with a hammer or using a pry bar, those aren't necessary and can cause damage. That whole assembly is called a mule drive, try a search here on RedSquare if you get stuck. Make sure the pulleys rotate smoothly, without too much noise. And when you put everything back together, it's a good idea to lightly sand the shaft with emery cloth, and wipe a thin coat of anti-seize on it to make it easier to remove the pulleys next time. Edited September 23, 2016 by tunahead72 Corrected typo. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonyp 285 #6 Posted September 23, 2016 (edited) The question also serves an an excellent reminder. When the cutting season is OVER, remove the "pulley" system and perform full maintenance to the two pulleys and the shaft they ride on. Clean and oil the pulleys and inspect them to make sure they SPIN freely on the shaft. .If the bearings are bad, replace the bearings if you can find them or just replace the pulleys. As stated above, make sure the shaft is clean and bur free, smooth.. .With regular maintenance the "MULE DRIVE" will last longer than the tractor ! This pulley assy ( Mule Drive) is the lifeline to mowing, don't overlook it ! We ain't mowing without it ! Edited September 23, 2016 by Tonyp Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
