TSingleton 1 #1 Posted May 24, 2020 Have a 416-8 with a newly acquired 42” SD deck. Just got it all setup and mowed for the first time today. Pretty pleased overall. PTO belt is new. Mowed about 30 mins total. How tight should the belt be? I know the handle on the mule drive is the adjustment. I set it decently snug before I started. When it is running does the belt still “dance” around some between mule drive and mower deck? I just don’t want to over tighten it. Thanks in advance! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moe1965 737 #2 Posted May 24, 2020 Mine dances around as well I wondered the same thing you are asking about. My opinion is if the mower is cutting and not leaving uncut grass behind its tight enough. Maby someone has more info. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,745 #3 Posted May 24, 2020 (edited) The PTO belt for the 42 deck w/b # 102742... 103" x 0.5". Midway of the PTO to Mule drive, the belt should deflect 1/2 - 3/4" ... An aftermanrket belt used here MAY give issues just like using the NAPA belt on the engine to trans. Get the OEM belt... https://www.psep1.biz/arinet.asp?aribrand=TO# Edited May 24, 2020 by daveoman1966 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TSingleton 1 #4 Posted May 24, 2020 @daveoman1966 I got the correct size on this one lol. If I remember correctly it’s a Kevlar type belt? Napa let me down on the other belt though. Appreciate the help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldlineman 1,481 #5 Posted May 24, 2020 I adjust mine so that I can just, with two fingers squeeze the belt together midway between the mule and and drive pulley. I use thumb and index finger. I know this can be subject too the strength of your hand, but how I do it.Bob 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dcrage 627 #6 Posted May 24, 2020 I was able to stop my PTO to deck belt from ‘dancing’ by LOOSENING it a small amount. I do not have a good explanation, I assume it has something to do with harmonic resonance?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
