Snowthrower Breaking New Belts

[Shaun 0]

I'm new to tractors, but have some technical expertise/comfort. Please excuse any terminology mishaps.

 

I inherited a tractor and attachments with a recent home purchase. I have a 44" 5xi 2-stage snowthrower attachment hooked up to 520xi tractor. I have split 2 belts in about 10 minutes of snow throwing. I'm not 100%, but I think engaging PTO after using reverse may be the issue. Here is what keeps happening:

 

1. Disengage PTO
2. Use reverse
3. Come to a complete stop
4. Re-engage PTO (even at low throttle)
5. Belt splits so violently that the pulley cover flies off (I don't have the screws in it)
6. There are marks in the pulley cover where the front right pulley has apparently come up and hit it

 

Do I need to make sure I go forward a little before re-engaging the PTO? Seems like the tractor should prevent this from happening. I could be totally off-base in the my thinking as well. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[stevasaurus 22,710]

Shaun...Welcome to Red Square...   I do not have the answer to your question, but I am sure some will be here shortly. 

[lynnmor 7,302]

Start engine, engage PTO, blow all the snow you want, disengage PTO and put the tractor away.

 

You probably have the belt routed wrong, compare to the illustration in the manual which should be available on this site.

[wallfish 16,985]

I'm not familiar with the 5xi series tractors but I assume the engine will shut down if you go into reverse with the PTO engaged.

 

Anyway, engaging the PTO should not snap belts. Think yours is an electric PTO which does engage the belt violently as there is absolutely no easing in, it's just full blast right away with an electric PTO. That violent engagement is what's finding the weak point of the belt which is probably caused by something rubbing or chaffing the belt. Inspect the entire belt route around EVERYTHING!!! Look for something touching the belt which shouldn't be when the belt is spinning. Inspect all pulleys as a cracked or broken pulley could also cause this? If you see any rub marks on the belt after installing a new one and engaging it, then something is touching the belt which shouldn't be. A loose belt will also over heat it so make sure the tension mechanism is applying the needed tension. Just of thought until someone with experience on the 5xi series comes along.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,033]

Look through this list of files. Service bulletin GT33 may apply. (It may be the last file in the list.)

https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/search/?&q=79366&type=downloads_file&search_and_or=or

 

Garry

[peter lena 8,583]

agree with wallfish on his look over on the belt  drive on your  5xi series never liked the violent  start up of electric PTO . can you turn the thrower by hand on the belt ?, that might give you a view of the issue. I would also check any movement points for LUBRICATION ,to free them up and make the drive smoother. good luck , pete

[peter lena 8,583]

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1161305/Toro-79366.html?page=25, just found this, good working diagram, that pulley box, is probably your issue, anything related has to move with total ease. pete

[doc724 925]

I only had a single stage on my 5xi and never had a problem.  In looking at all the threads on the two stage blowers, it appears that the auger drive is a weak area.  Loss of fluid, bushings wearing out etc.  Perhaps there is binding and when a new belt is installed there is too much friction and the belt snaps.  Be sure you are using the correct belt (I recall it was a 5/8 belt on the single stage) and get a real Toro belt.  

[doc724 925]

BTW, you do not have to disengage PTO to go into reverse.  There is a key switch under the seat.  After you start the PTO, turn the key under the seat and the PTO will stay running when you back up.  Of course if  you get off the seat, the engine will shut off and you will have to repeat the under seat key turn when you restart the engine and PTO.

[Shaun 0]

10 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

Look through this list of files. Service bulletin GT33 may apply. (It may be the last file in the list.)

 

Garry

Can you point me to where I can see these bulletins? I looked on Toro's site, but looks like I need the model and serial - which I don't have handy.

 

36 minutes ago, doc724 said:

I only had a single stage on my 5xi and never had a problem.  In looking at all the threads on the two stage blowers, it appears that the auger drive is a weak area.  Loss of fluid, bushings wearing out etc.  Perhaps there is binding and when a new belt is installed there is too much friction and the belt snaps.  Be sure you are using the correct belt (I recall it was a 5/8 belt on the single stage) and get a real Toro belt.  

The original owner referred me to these NAPA B102 belts that are cheaper and a bit too long. He claimed to have good luck with them, but I am not (obviously). I believe the belt is actually popping off the PTO pulley when I disengage the PTO, then getting shredded when I re-engage. I am going to run some tests in the garage to verify. In the mean time, I'm going to procure a factory belt - which will likely solve my issue.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,033]

Sorry did not leave you the link but it is there now.

Here is the bulletin. Click on the fuzzy picture.

Looks like this applied to the first models and the redesign included on the later models.

The serial number determines the model year.

 

Garry

[Shaun 0]

6 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

Sorry did not leave you the link but it is there now.

Here is the bulletin. Click on the fuzzy picture.

Looks like this applied to the first models and the redesign included on the later models.

The serial number determines the model year.

 

Garry

Garry, that definitely looks like it could help. I noticed that my tension lever didn’t add much tension and I still have that belt guide that is removed as part of this billetin (I wondered why it wasn’t shown in the blower manual). I found a kit on eBay for ~$25. Thanks.