Proper Belt for improper Wheel Horse

[23 Reo 229]

I have a 68 Charger 12   1-7231 with a 1975 36" RD deck 5-0622. The tractor has been modified with front and bottom  Tach-a-Matics using a mule drive. Last year the deck drive belt stretched out.

I did not know which belt to replace it with so I guessed and installed a 97" x .5" kevlar belt similar to a Wheel Horse 102741.  The belt was too long and stretched out quickly. Do you have any suggestions on what belt I should use? What could be making my belts stretch? The deck turns freely as does the mule drive. I did grease the mule drive while inspecting.

 

[pfrederi 17,674]

Belt was too long but stretched out???  Not sure I understand that.  IF the front mule drive was mounted with 8-5541 or 8-5551 adapter the 102741 belt should work, I have seen several home brew front mounts that may or may not change the belt length needed.   Have you a picture of the front mount??

[Stepney 2,325]

If you still have the old belt. Cut it as one long length and just measure the top face. Now subtract an inch or 2. 

[23 Reo 229]

The belt was too long because I had to bring the mule drive almost all the way out to achieve proper tension. I will get a picture for you tomorrow. I failed to mention that the first belt that stretched came with the tractor 3 years ago and was far from new.It worked great through 2 springs of hard use. I use this tractor in the spring on the wet areas of my field because it doesn't tend to get stuck as much as my other tractors. I did not keep my older belt.I thought it was too stretched and ancient. I wish I had.

[pfrederi 17,674]

#1  Sorry but modern belts DO  NOT stretch.  The sides will wear making them sit lower in the pulleys and making the looser but  not stretching.

[23 Reo 229]

When I put the 102741 (96.6") on I had to adjust the mule drive almost all the way out to get proper tension.

Do you think the 102607 (89.12") would work?

Edited March 3, 2020 by 23 Reo