I have a 2 year old (just out of warranty..) Craftsman YT4500. The 54" deck has started to throw the belt and will not keep it on for more than 30 seconds at a time.
I route the belt properly, making sure the V-Belt rides the pulley's properly. It throws the belt so violently that it bends and twists a metal bracket that rides on the tension assembly.
I also has this pulley replaced under warranty because it froze up. The replacement pulley needs replaced, the bearings are shot again, but it turns freely with no play.
Here's the kicker....I think I know WHY it's throwing the belt, but not WHAT is causing it. :confused2:
I removed the two plastic covers to see the belt and spindle run. All is well, then about 10 seconds into the run (on the driveway, standing still not mowing) I notice the left most blade spindle belt appear to grow "thicker". I shut the blades off, but it throws the belt at the same time. I reset the belt yet again and run the same test. This time I catch it and stop it before the belt is thrown. The reason why it's thicker is because the belt has somehow TWISTED itself. What I was seeing was the V-belt completely around on the left spindle!
I had my son monitor all the pulleys and we were able to catch it reversing on the clutch first, from there it appears to spread to the left spindle, and then fly off.
WHAT could be causing this?? Any idea's? Now I did leave the twisted bracket off, not sure of it's function, but it was throwing the bracket (not as much perhaps) with it on. I have not been able to mow for 2 weeks now......
I have damaged the belt, and bought a new one, but at $55 a pop, I don't want to ruin yet another belt.
Thanks for any insight.
I route the belt properly, making sure the V-Belt rides the pulley's properly. It throws the belt so violently that it bends and twists a metal bracket that rides on the tension assembly.
I also has this pulley replaced under warranty because it froze up. The replacement pulley needs replaced, the bearings are shot again, but it turns freely with no play.
Here's the kicker....I think I know WHY it's throwing the belt, but not WHAT is causing it. :confused2:
I removed the two plastic covers to see the belt and spindle run. All is well, then about 10 seconds into the run (on the driveway, standing still not mowing) I notice the left most blade spindle belt appear to grow "thicker". I shut the blades off, but it throws the belt at the same time. I reset the belt yet again and run the same test. This time I catch it and stop it before the belt is thrown. The reason why it's thicker is because the belt has somehow TWISTED itself. What I was seeing was the V-belt completely around on the left spindle!
I had my son monitor all the pulleys and we were able to catch it reversing on the clutch first, from there it appears to spread to the left spindle, and then fly off.
WHAT could be causing this?? Any idea's? Now I did leave the twisted bracket off, not sure of it's function, but it was throwing the bracket (not as much perhaps) with it on. I have not been able to mow for 2 weeks now......
I have damaged the belt, and bought a new one, but at $55 a pop, I don't want to ruin yet another belt.
Thanks for any insight.