42" Deck Belt Routing

[Cadmandu 67]

Good Spring to all,

Well i just completed my first Spring mowing with my new 42" deck. I sold my 37" and bagger system a few months ago. The 42" deck does a much better job and is a better fit with my bigger front, tires and spindles. I had 1/4" clearance with the 37" deck. My question is why do I still need the flat pulley on the mule drive? I still have a twist in the belt between the deck pulley and the mule drive. I thought that I could use two V's on the mule. I checked my trans axle fluid and it looked tan colored did water get in? What do you guys use for replacement? This is a 89 312-8? I am looking for front wheel weight or the kind that you hang on the front. Did wheel horse sell an attachment for the front to hang weights on?

Thanks Happy Mowing

 

[daveoman1966 3,757]

You need the FLAT pulley on the mule drive.  Here is a pic of why. 

Here also is a pic of the SPINDLE BELT on the 42" deck

Here is the MULE DRIVE schematic...it is just a simple 4-sided V belt:

#37 is the FLAT pulley. #35 is a V pulley.  #41 is the V belt.

 

 

 

Edited April 18, 2017 by daveoman1966

[Ed Kennell 38,589]

I assume you are using a 4 sided  and not a 6 sided belt.     If you tried to use a vee pulley on the belt coming from the bottom of the PTO pulley, you would have to put a 180 degree between those pulleys.  That would not work.   You should have about an 80 degree twist  between the mule to deck pulley

[Cadmandu 67]

Thanks Ed and Dave, Great pics, looks like my old deck i think mine is a 5-1011 1975 

I did put a flat pulley on and i have the twist between the deck and the mule. I also have the belt on the inside pulley of the PTO. 

I will send some pics tonight. Today I will be trying to install my new Tru Power lugs and my V61 on the front. I am having a rough time breaking the bead on those old rear wheels.