Butch 194 #1 Posted September 9, 2013 I didn't know if you could over tighten the mule or not. After sharpening my blades a few months back I put the mower deck back on. I cranked down on the mule figuring it was a belt that would always give and have play in it. Plus I was afraid it would slip if I didn't tighten it real good. Well after pulling off the deck to install a blade that came off I discovered a ton of play in the center double pulley. It wobbled so bad it was leaning to one side. I had destroyed the shaft, the pulley's internal sleeve and the bearing. In fact several of the balls in the bearing had come out. So what do you guys use as a guide line for tightening the mule? So many inches of deflection? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DoctorHfuhruhurr 137 #2 Posted September 9, 2013 (edited) I've only ever hand tightened and never had an issue for many years. I'm guessing that if it was meant to be tightened more that they would have put a bolt head or nut on it instead of a hand knob. Edited September 9, 2013 by DoctorHfuhruhurr Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SousaKerry 501 #3 Posted September 9, 2013 Just tight enough not to slip when engaging or cutting heavy grass Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,745 #4 Posted September 9, 2013 At the mid-point, the belt should deflect 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Too much will ruin bearings and too little will ruin the belt. Contact me at my email address if you need replacement parts or the whole spindle. My address is: daveoman@windstream.net I would post pics here and offer parts for sale, but the moderator recently rebuked me for doing so at the risk of being banned from this forum. Accordingly, you have to contact me thru the email I provided if you wish to buy parts from me. MODERATOR... is this acceptable? ? ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
varosd 1,185 #5 Posted September 9, 2013 I thought the owners manual states "you should be able to just squeeze the belt between 2 fingers about halfway between the PTO and Mule". does anyone remember if this is correct? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
groundhog47 347 #6 Posted September 9, 2013 I thought the owners manual states "you should be able to just squeeze the belt between 2 fingers about halfway between the PTO and Mule". does anyone remember if this is correct? Yes , by one manual anyway (per a 05series manual with front mule), it says halfway squeeze to about 1" like you say Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,745 #7 Posted September 9, 2013 The term 'just squeeze' is too subjective and lends no definition to the strength of the 'squeezer'. An old 'geezer' (me) won't have the 'squeeze authority' that a young guy would. Thus the 'geezer squeeze' becomes meaningless. Thats why the deflection 1/2 to 3/4 inch is more descriptive, and quantifiable. Of course, IMHO always applies. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
groundhog47 347 #8 Posted September 9, 2013 The term 'just squeeze' is too subjective and lends no definition to the strength of the 'squeezer'. An old 'geezer' (me) won't have the 'squeeze authority' that a young guy would. Thus the 'geezer squeeze' becomes meaningless. Thats why the deflection 1/2 to 3/4 inch is more descriptive, and quantifiable. Of course, IMHO always applies. Ya gotta great point, back in the hand strip dairy days some guys had a 450# squeeze and I' a geezer and the milkin days are long gone! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
608KEB 795 #9 Posted September 9, 2013 Pinch belt with index finger and thumb til belt touches itself. I usually check it before each mowing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #10 Posted September 10, 2013 I would bet that center pulley issue was going to happen anyway! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hodge71 664 #11 Posted September 10, 2013 I would post pics here and offer parts for sale, but the moderator recently rebuked me for doing so at the risk of being banned from this forum. Accordingly, you have to contact me thru the email I provided if you wish to buy parts from me. MODERATOR... is this acceptable? ? ? Not sure you had to call a moderator out on this. It should be handled via email in private. If he had the courtesy to contact you privately you should have the class to do the same. I personally don't want to see anyone's dirty laundry aired like this. Our admin team here works very hard at keeping things kosher. They shouldn't be scrutinized as they have the final call. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,968 #12 Posted September 13, 2013 Just tight enough not to slip when engaging or cutting heavy grass Thats right, thats all you need to do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butch 194 #13 Posted September 14, 2013 Just tight enough not to slip when engaging or cutting heavy grass Thats right, thats all you need to do. I don't cut any heavy grass. I will now since it's gonna take 3 weeks to get my pulley!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
