QA

Question: Why Does My Lawn Mower Belt Keep Breaking

A common cause of belt breakage is excessive grass clippings on the deck. Grass clippings can work their way under pulleys and deck covers, causing series problems. Make sure to clean off your deck after every mower use and follow manufacturer recommendations.

How often should you change mower belts?

There’s no definite amount of time that a mower belt is supposed to last, but increased mower use shortens the interval in which a belt needs replacement. Simply put, more use equals more wear. Additionally, faulty belts or mechanical failures like a seized pulley can make lawn mower belts break prematurely.

How long should a mower deck belt last?

Good mower belts should last for about 3- 4 years. If you don’t have a quality mower belt, you need to get one to use it for this long. As you use a mower belt, you should also inspect it from time to time to confirm any signs of tear.

Why does my Craftsman riding mower keep breaking belts?

the most common cause of the deck belt breaking would be a idler or mandrel pulley not lined up properly or the bearings going out and making the pulley wobble or the belt is getting rubbed somewhere. check the pullies on the deck to make sure they turn freely and are not loose and wobbling around.

What causes belt to crack?

Cracking and missing chunks on modern belts are usually signs of high underhood temperatures. The heat is generated by not only the engine, but also the flexing of the belt as it travels along the pulleys. Also, slipping on the pulleys creates friction and heat.

Can mower belts stretch?

Yes, lawnmower belts can stretch. Continuous wear due to regular operation can cause them to elongate over time. When it stretches more than it should, it can result in the drive belts lose grip on the pulley system. Take note that some mowers rely on pulley systems to cut grass.

What is a secondary mower belt?

This replacement v-belt is a genuine OEM sourced part. It is specially manufactured for use with riding lawn mowers. This is the the belt that is attached to the transmission pulley helping to drive the unit. Over time belts tend to wear out and stretch eventually requiring replacement.

What does the drive belt do on a riding mower?

The ground drive belt connects the engine crankshaft to the transaxle pulley to drive the rear wheels. If the belt breaks, the lawn tractor won’t move. If the belt is worn, the lawn tractor moves sluggishly because the belt slips on the pulley.

What is the difference between a deck belt and drive belt?

So, with the mower deck removed from the tractor, the “drive belt” would be the one still on the tractor. The mower deck itself will still have the internal “deck belt” which if you turn one blade by hand, all blades turn because that deck belt is what connects and drives all the blades together.

Why do my pants belts keep breaking?

The ones that after a few months of wear start to crack at the holes. Cracking caused by processed leather. Most department store belts will do this in time. This is because the leather they are made from, if it is leather at all, is generally a processed leather product made from scraps of leather.

Why does my deck belt keep coming off?

A riding mower belt can come off your mower when brackets, belt keepers or idler spring are worn or damaged; your bearings are bad in your pulleys or spindle housings; or debris is interfering with the tension of your deck belt. You will be able to repair your problem and not have to keep reinstalling your belt.

Why is my deck belt smoking?

If the belt is actually smoking then something is causing it to slip or rubbing on it. Wear on the outer flat side of the belt indicates a problem with an idler pulley. More wear on one edge of the V-side than on the other indicated a drive pulley that is out of position and forcing the belt out of line.

What causes severe belt localized?

The most common reasons your belt could be missing a cog are excessive heat, the pulleys are too small or misaligned. Additionally, establishing that your pulleys are correctly aligned using a laser alignment tool can eliminate the possible cause and improve machine running.

What is the most common cause of belt slippage?

Improper belt tension is the most common and obvious cause of slip, which generates unwanted heat. The friction that occurs when a V-belt slips in a pulley causes belt sidewalls to become glazed, and decreases gripping ability.

How do you tension a belt?

Whack the belt with a karate chop, and if it feels firm, the drive is properly tensioned.” “Press the belt with your thumb until it deflects about 1/2 in.” “Tension the drive until you get a slight bow in the slack side when it is running.”Mar 1, 1999.

Are lawn mower belts supposed to be loose?

The belt of your lawn mower should be tight in order for it to work properly. The belt is used to transfer power from the engine to the wheels and when the belt is not tight, the mower will not move forward or backward as it should.

How do you stretch a deck belt?

How to Stretch a V-Belt Power down the system you’re working with. Remove any part of the system that is blocking you from accessing the V-belt. Slip your fingers or another object on the underside of the belt. Pull the stretched belt away from the system to remove it. Stretch out the new V-belt with your hands.

Is the primary mower belt the deck belt?

The primary belt deck belt runs from the electric clutch to the deck is 532174368 and the secondary deck belt that runs from pulley to pulley on the deck is 532180808. Model numbers make a huge difference on lawn mowers.

What is a primary lawn mower belt?

Primary blade drive belt connects the mower deck driven pulley to the electric clutch to turn the blades.