Snoopy11 5,714 #26 Posted November 24, 2021 (edited) One thing I would add... I opted for a throttle pedal, which helps more than anything else. SAY... for sake of argument, that I had the tractor running at 3,600 rpm... and I pop the clutch. That thing is going to want to pick up and fly... If I start off at a lower RPM... like 1,800-2,000 rpm, it acts very gentle. Now, considering that at 3,600 rpm, I still have 4 grand more rpm left in the tank... let's just say... taking off at such an rpm as that could result in... great bodily harm... Again, this is about learning what the tractor likes, what it doesn't like, what surface you are driving on... things like that. I guarantee, on my driveway, which is gravel, if I started off in 3,600 rpm, it would spin the tires before it did a wheelie. However, if I was on concrete... I would probably do a backflip... Personally, I can't/don't buy OEM belts. I like the coating on the outside of the kevlar belts, as it allows the belt to slip on takeoff. Whereas, a belt such as @76-C120 has it may not slip very well, if not at all. If I went with a oem type belt on HellHorse, I probably wouldn't want to drive it... as it wouldn't be safe. Don Edited November 24, 2021 by Snoopy11 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
76-C120 20 #27 Posted November 24, 2021 thanks for all the advise. This tractor was my parents before it became mine. I have been riding on this one for over 30 years, so yeah... I got plenty of experience with it, just not with a new belt and why I'm reaching out to you all for advise. I totally agree that until that belt stretches, it is not for the faint of heart and inexperienced. I have run it for all of 5 min to make sure it was changing gears and not grinding. I use it every week to cut the lawn, and as you can see in the background of the one pic (the one with the belt cover) I have the snowblower as well (came in very handy last winter) I'll run it around and use if for yard maintenance for now... once I finish replacing the tires.... yes. I still have the original 45 year old tires on it and they hold air. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #28 Posted November 24, 2021 (edited) 3 minutes ago, 76-C120 said: thanks for all the advise. This tractor was my parents before it became mine. I have been riding on this one for over 30 years, so yeah... I got plenty of experience with it, just not with a new belt and why I'm reaching out to you all for advise. I totally agree that until that belt stretches, it is not for the faint of heart and inexperienced. I have run it for all of 5 min to make sure it was changing gears and not grinding. I use it every week to cut the lawn, and as you can see in the background of the one pic (the one with the belt cover) I have the snowblower as well (came in very handy last winter) I'll run it around and use if for yard maintenance for now... once I finish replacing the tires.... yes. I still have the original 45 year old tires on it and they hold air. Do you have a heat gun or hair dryer? If so, while the tractor is running, blow hot air onto the belt, and see if it stretches out a little. Old mechanic taught me that on the old style belts... Don Edited November 24, 2021 by Snoopy11 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #29 Posted November 24, 2021 The reason I say that is... it is probably a little cold in New Jersey, and the belt may not stretch in these temperatures... Hot air will speed this process. Don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,714 #30 Posted November 24, 2021 And, I still say, taking it out for a good long drive would help immensely. Don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
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