MapleGuy 10 #1 Posted July 31, 2020 Hi, all. I recently picked up a C145 Eaton hydro. It runs OK, but it's led a rough life and needs some TLC. I bought it mainly because it came with a nice 36-inch tiller. I also picked up a snow thrower for it. Those are my intended uses of the tractor. It had a too-thin, too-long drive belt on it and the transmission lever jumped around like crazy. A previous owner had even put a stout spring through the hole in the top of the lever and attached the other end of the spring under the seat to keep the lever from bouncing around as much. The shift cover plate is missing from the tractor. So, with the help of posts on the Wheel Horse Forum, I ordered the correct belt and it fit like a glove. For good measure, I also replaced the pulley while I was at it, again with the help of the forum to make sure I had the right size. However, when I start the tractor, the belt immediately runs to the outside of the pulley (you can kind of see it in the one picture) and eventually jumps off. It's ironic, because the belt actually runs very smoothly. There's nowhere near the amount of vibration as when the long, skinny belt was on it -- but the long, skinny belt did somehow manage to stay on! You can see from the close-up picture that this transmission lever seems to have had a rough life, as it has a weld on it. You can also see the bare metal where the pulley attachment bolt butts up against the frame of the tractor when the bolt is tightened all the way. And if you tighten the bolt all the way down against the frame, it keeps the transmission lever from moving freely. I'm a total amateur, not a mechanic. I don't know if this was a good idea or not, but I put a couple of washers between the pulley and the bushing on the lever assembly, figuring it would do two things -- keep the bolt from hitting the frame and push the pulley out a little bit so the belt would ride in it a little better. It did improve things somewhat, but the belt still runs to the edge of the pulley and eventually pops off. So, any thoughts? The belt cover panel is also missing from this tractor. Does the belt cover fit close enough to the pulley that it helps keep the belt on? Could the whole lever assembly be out of whack from some previous trauma, given the weld on the lever? And is the bolt simply too long if it's hitting the frame? This is a great forum that's already helped me a lot. I appreciate any guidance you have. Thanks! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blackhood Bill 721 #2 Posted July 31, 2020 @MapleGuy to when checking for parts I use partstree.com and follow thru to A to Z,http://a-ztractor.com/, a vendor here on Red Square. Lincoln deals in a lot of parts and can help with just about any part you may need for that C-145. I have 2 of those 's and just love them. He is also reasonably priced with reasonable shipping times. He will treat you right. Should you be looking for new depending on that part another vendor is wheelhorsepartsandmore, https://wheelhorsepartsandmore.com/parts.html, Lowell can help with some of those and with a call he can fix you right up. I recommend both of these guys. Then when it comes to decals Terry at redoyourhorse, http://www.redoyourhorse.com/, another vendor can help with those and they are A1 decals . Also everyone love the pics so keep them coming. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,771 #3 Posted July 31, 2020 Whatever broke that arm and forced the previous owner to weld it up probably bent what is left. Email AZ-Tractor the photo then call Lincoln and he will be able to send you the whole set-up including the correct bolt. As Bill said, he is great to deal with and very honest. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 63,096 #4 Posted July 31, 2020 @MapleGuy! I have to know, or assume... you make syrup? My buddy and I make it as amateurs and last season made about 16-20 gallons total. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #5 Posted July 31, 2020 You must have belt cover on to work properly... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,777 #6 Posted August 1, 2020 (edited) On 7/31/2020 at 11:40 AM, roadapples said: You must have belt cover on to work properly... The belt guard is only for safety and not needed for operation on a hydro. The bottom belt supprt is attached to the hood stand. All the gear drive s have to have the belt guard to stop the belt to change gears. Edited August 2, 2020 by Lee1977 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MapleGuy 10 #7 Posted August 2, 2020 Thanks to all. I'll reach out to A-Z Tractor to see about replacing that lever assembly. I plan to add a belt cover for safety, if nothing else. In reply to pullstart, I'm a maple hobbyist as well. I have a Leader Half-Pint evaporator and make a few gallons for fun. It's just a nice excuse to get out in the woods and watch winter turn into spring. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
