Tach-a-matic 357 #1 Posted March 30, 2021 (edited) What is your general rule of thumb for setting the tension on this belt? Edited March 30, 2021 by Tach-a-matic Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 7,871 #2 Posted March 30, 2021 I run them a little tighter than that, pushing with a couple fingers on the top belt, in the middle of the span, around a half to three quarter inch deflection. Run it an recheck. You will probably be okay, I see you eliminated the rubber motor mounts. Looks like you got some guns there so your strength maybe a bit different! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,199 #3 Posted March 30, 2021 Too loose. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,583 #4 Posted March 30, 2021 tech-a-matic, usually adjust the pto belt with deck running , that way you can lessen the belt bounce or flop, just dial it in , test run and adjust as needed , those kevlar belts are good stuff ,pete 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,163 #5 Posted March 31, 2021 4 hours ago, peter lena said: usually adjust the pto belt with deck running Tempting, yes, but risky. Not a good idea to be on your feet anywhere near a running deck. Only takes a moment's inattention to, well, you get the idea. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,199 #6 Posted March 31, 2021 4 hours ago, peter lena said: usually adjust the pto belt with deck running Seement block on the seat Peter? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,583 #7 Posted March 31, 2021 fully understand belt driven rotational equipment , and the concern , not to make light of it . but adjusting in that belt tension during operation allows you to watch and hear the effects of that setting . if I had a twin , he could be on the seat and I could adjust the belt standing in front of the deck . pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,199 #8 Posted March 31, 2021 (edited) 2 minutes ago, peter lena said: not to make light of it I've mentioned before that it wasn't me, but someone who looks just like me, that puts the cement block on the seat to wash out the mow deck with the hose and with the blades running. BUT... I've never dragged the hose UNDER the deck! ( that would be humorous in a sick sort of mindset!! Probably make a good "Funniest Videos" clip.) Edited March 31, 2021 by Jeff-C175 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,583 #9 Posted March 31, 2021 jeff-c175, typically never wash down the deck underside , only adding to the rust and wet corrosion issue. I go the oposet way and remove deck and sun dry it , then scrape it out and oil soak it in the hot sun , like this , let the deck get hot in the sun and air and do a 2 step lubrication soak . no more rust , no more rot , also do this over the winter to oil soak your deck. pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,199 #10 Posted March 31, 2021 3 hours ago, peter lena said: never wash down the deck 3 hours ago, peter lena said: remove deck and sun dry it Well, I'm not about to remove the deck every time I mow! That's just too much work. I put a coat of POR15 on the underside each winter after cleaning and drying, and wash down the underside after every use (sometimes I get lazy though and put her up wet)... and so far, no problem with rot. I did notice cracks appearing around the rear mounts this year but that certainly is not due to the wash down! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel Horse 3D 3,791 #11 Posted March 31, 2021 3 hours ago, Jeff-C175 said: I've mentioned before that it wasn't me, but someone who looks just like me, that puts the cement block on the seat to wash out the mow deck with the hose and with the blades running. BUT... I've never dragged the hose UNDER the deck! ( that would be humorous in a sick sort of mindset!! Probably make a good "Funniest Videos" clip.) Darwin award????? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,583 #12 Posted March 31, 2021 jeff , never intended it for every mow , do what ever you like , pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,199 #13 Posted March 31, 2021 30 minutes ago, peter lena said: jeff , never intended it for every mow , do what ever you like , pete understood! just discussin' is all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,648 #14 Posted March 31, 2021 3 hours ago, Jeff-C175 said: Well, I'm not about to remove the deck every time I mow! That's just too much work. I put a coat of POR15 on the underside each winter after cleaning and drying, and wash down the underside after every use (sometimes I get lazy though and put her up wet)... and so far, no problem with rot. I did notice cracks appearing around the rear mounts this year but that certainly is not due to the wash down! I weld cracks and added metal plates inside the 48" deck with everything that is bolted back there that doesn't already have one. The 42" deck that rust out at the height adjuster I plated both sides there as it was just a ragged hole. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,199 #15 Posted March 31, 2021 3 hours ago, Lee1977 said: I weld cracks and added metal plates inside the 48" deck with everything that is bolted back there that doesn't already have one. The 42" deck that rust out at the height adjuster I plated both sides there as it was just a ragged hole. If I can ever get the treasurer to open her vault and give me some money, I'm planning on getting a welder. 125A flux wire should be enough I think? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
