Cause of Broken Drive Belt 257-H

[SomeGuy892 0]

Hello,

I have a Wheel Horse 257-H that I replaced the drive belt on about a year ago.  The replacement belt I used was not the Wheel Horse part but a after market drive belt that was a pretty close match in size.  I noticed the replacement belt slipping a bit a few months after I installed it.  I could smell it when hauling loads or going up steep hills but it didn't affect operation so I didn't worry about it.  Well this summer it broke and what I am wondering is if the cause was more likely premature wear from the heat caused by slipping or if it is more likely the stress from the heavy loads of firewood I towed with it this spring. 

I like to haul heavy loads and since I am replacing the belt with the OEM part I am hoping slippage wont be an issue.  If so can I push the drive belt as far as the hydraulics and motor can go or should I always expect to find out that I pushed it too far with a drive belt failure?

 

Thanks,

Nick

[daveoman1966 3,747]

109428 is the belt and Toro has it for less than $30. Stay clear of after=market belts as they are not geometrically identical and, accordingly, will not mate perfectly to the V of drive pulleys....that's why the heat leading to premature south-bound. Secondly, IMHO, they are of lesser quality and not designed for the backward-flip flex loads.

About 3 years ago, I had to...for the 1st time... replace the drive belt on my Bronco 14. I bought that machine new in 1972. I'd say that the original belt lasted long enough...38 years or so.

[SomeGuy892 0]

Believe it or not they wanted 80 dollars for the same belt last year.  I got it installed and all seems to be well so I am just going to use it and hopefully no need for replacement for a while.  Also while on the topic of drive belt replacement is there a trick to adjusting the electric PTO?  Mine is up and working but want to make sure I don't get premature wear.

[leeave96 487]

+1 on original belts.

Also, be careful hauling heavy loads. That tractor's tranny is not designed for it - no matter what anyone says.

If you want to do some heavy hauling, even an 8 hp C series or 300 series will do the job without worrying about a tranny failure.

Good luck,

Bill