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I purchased a Honda H4518 riding mower in 1996 - been a great engine and transmission
The problem is the cutting deck belt drive system

Anyone out there have one of these machines and want to discuss the issue
Sure could use some suggestions

I guess no one has one of these nice Honda machines anymore

I do. Bought new in 2000. Great machine...wish I could find rear tires that don't cost a fortune!

KJINTF said:

I purchased a Honda H4518 riding mower in 1996 - been a great engine and transmission
The problem is the cutting deck belt drive system

Anyone out there have one of these machines and want to discuss the issue
Sure could use some suggestions

Click to expand...

What deck do you have??
What problems are there with your deck...
This site has... Exploded view and parts list for 38" deck shafts and pulleys
Exploded view and parts list for 42" deck shafts and pulleys
Exploded view and parts list for 46" deck shafts and pulleys

Plano Power Equipment Online Store - Honda H4518HSA Common Parts

There are bound to be many of them out there... :smile:KennyV

I had given up
Glad to see a response
38" deck on a Honda H4518HSA
Purchased new in 1996

The MAJOR issue I have with the machine is that the PTO drive belt self destructs after 25 to 30 hours of cutting time and at $60 or so per belt not a good thing. I installed a hours meter hooked to the PTO control to know exactly how many hours. The machine has been destroying belts from day one. I took it to three different Honda dealers early on to no avail - not one of them could figured it out. They all told me things I already knew about belt tension etc and questioned my abilities.

A few weeks ago I saw there was a service bulletin that replaced the Tensioner arm with one which is bent to a different angle. I ordered the part a few weeks back but have not yet received it. Honda service bulletin #21 H4518HSA BELT TENSIONER ARM dated June 1996. Part # 75520-758-900AH. My arm is a 75520-758-800 without the bend. Wondering why the Honda dealers were not aware of the issues over the years I took it in for expensive service. Now I do 100% of my own service

I do like the engine and transmission only issue has been the poor cutting deck and really bad designed PTO drive belt system. A belt that bends backwards and around corners - Kind of a kludge at best

I upgraded to a shaft driven Kubota Diesel ZD326 with a 60" deck and LOVE it WOW what a difference. The Honda took 3.5 hours the Kubota takes 45 minutes. The blade cutting speed is three times and does a much better job


The Honda has been relegeted to a simple garden tractor which tows a small trailer around for the garden until I get the proper Tensioner arm assembly

Thanks for the offer of the manuals
I have all the factory shop manuals, Operator manuals and parts manuals for the machine both hard copy and PDF format

42" deck, which has served us very well. Year 9 had all bearings for blades replaced and I believe one pulley as well. The mower deck belt typically lasts 2 - 3 years (+/- 80 hrs./year). About two years in, I was fortunate a local Honda dealer clued me in on the belt tensioner arm design flaw...once the new part went on the drive belt wear problem was solved. I refused to pay $60 for a belt from Honda...so switched to a high grade automotive belt (B105 for my set-up) and just replaced last week after about four years (over 300 hours). Not bad for a $20 belt. You should be set when you get the bent pulley arm installed. My only challenge currently is where to find replacement tires for less than an arm and leg...why did Honda go with a unique size? Seat is showing a little wear...maybe I'll stumble across a replacement seat somewhere that's also reasonably priced. This is Honda 'power equipment' stuff...why do the prices seem like Honda 'marine'? Yeah, would love to upgrade to reduce cut time by more than half, but my wife who cuts at least half the time has blocked the funds to replace a perfectly sound mower that she's comfortable using. Also have some steeper slopes that the 4518 is mows like a billy goat...so even when I get larger, zero-turn I plan to keep this workhorse for special duty.

KJINTF said:

... not one of them could figured it out. They all told me things I already knew about belt tension etc and questioned my abilities.

A few weeks ago I saw there was a service bulletin that replaced the Tensioner arm with one which is bent to a different angle.
... Wondering why the Honda dealers were not aware of the issues over the years I took it in for expensive service. Now I do 100% of my own service

Click to expand...

Yes I know what you are saying about do it yourself... and then you know that the person doing the work actually cares that the job is done right...
From what Joeb said it looks like the new design tensioner will work ... and there is no mower that has a belt 'worth' $60... I have always measured my belts and went to industrial supply house for, usually a superior belt at a fourth the cost of OEM... that was before internet... now you can buy very high quality belts on line for a tenth of oem...

Shaft drive is a FAR better design... just costs more than a belt drive system... Post back with the results of the proper belt system... finally after years... :smile:KennyV

joeb

I am looking forward to getting 80 plus hours on a $20 belt
Sure is better than 25 or so hours on a $60 belt

Where did you get your belt?

I did some research a while back and was not able to find one that fit the machine
Guess my "research" was not good enough
Don't get me wrong I do like the Honda machine and have no plans of getting rid of it. The current plan is to use it for the smaller areas of the lawn. Check it out 3 plus acres of mostly flat lawn - takes me 45 minutes every morning to get the Elk, Deer, Turkey, somtimes bear and my dogs poop off "MY" lawn, not theirs. Way can't they go in the forest rather than on the lawn?

Speaking of tires the Kubota being a Zero turn tears up the lawn when turning tight if you are not careful new tires with too much tread, plus 1,750lb machine without me on top another 220lbs. My Honda tires all four of them are still in great shape not even any age cracks at least none that are easily seen. The machine has always been stored in a covered heated enviorment. I was not aware the rear tires were a unique size guess all Honda and Kubota parts are unique and expensive. Yesterday I picked up a few spin on filters for the new Kubota the engine oil fitler, HST Tramsmission spin on filter, the Charge Pump spin on filter and finally the air cleaner outside element Grand total $145.00!!!! Changed the synthetic oil and Friction modifier in the Jeep Overland front differential $30/quart 75w-140 synth MOPAR stuff 2 quarts needed and $8.00 for 4 oz of FM, everything is getting out of control. My retirement "wages" are suffering, O well it's a wonderful day and life is good

KennyV
Yes indeed doing the job correctly by yourself is indeed the way to go - never again will any dealer touch my machine

These Wix filters are great cross For your Kubota, Outer Air filter 49978, Inner Air filter 49968 & Engine Oil 51334... unfortunately there is no hydraulic filter cross.
As for belts if yours is the same belt (B105), as joeb has, it's $10.15 from:
Bestorq Online V-Belts Purchase Page
They have very good belts...
Do your own work & find good sources for parts... :smile:KennyV


PS... I like your view...not much of that look around Kansas...

KennyV

Thanks - the belt place looks interesting
I was not aware of them
I have looked at several wix filters good filters about the same price as the Kubotas

Sorry to hear no such views in Kansas
Western Montana has a few views - Sometimes when I am mowing I space out looking at the views once a few years back while looking at the surroundings I crashed into a tree with the Honda cost me $85.00 for a new headlight assembly. This place is about 10 miles out the back yard we do indeed have nice views.

KJINTF said:

I purchased a Honda H4518 riding mower in 1996 - been a great engine and transmission
The problem is the cutting deck belt drive system

Anyone out there have one of these machines and want to discuss the issue
Sure could use some suggestions

Click to expand...

I've had what I consider normal 'wear and tear' issues with the 46" cutting deck . I always keep a spare drive belt on hand. Kind of a bugger to change the belt, and even worse to R&R the whole deck. I usually take a couple of deep breaths first, and then pray I don't drop it on my toe when I flip it over to clean stuck clippings or sharpen mulching blades.

I have what I think is a major problem in the making, though. Hopefully I'm wrong. The PTO has been making groaning sounds all season when the cutting belt is not engaged (of course while the engine is running, sheesh!). It has been getting worse, and yesterday, when I shut the engine off after an hour of mowing, it would not start due to something binding up there. It seems that the warmer the engine gets, the louder the noise from the PTO when the blades are not running. Is there a clutch or bearing that is a fairly common item needing to be replaced after 10-15 years with these?

I called the local Honda dealer, and they do not stock any parts, and could not give me any suggestions over the phone. They didn't even know if it was something they thought I would be able to troubleshoot myself. I was about to go out and look it over when I found this forum. I've had mine for almost 14 years. My only complaint until now has been how quickly the cooling system overheats and sounds the warning whistle as grass clippings collect on the radiator. I try to keep the fins blown out with compressed air or pressure washer which helps somewhat. Engine is solid and always runs great.

Good to see others still have this old machine
Do you have the factory shop manual - if not I would be happy to email you a PDF file of the shop manual - attached is a page outlining the PTO system
Yes parts are still available but not at your local Honda dealer
Try; Jacks small engines, Boats.net, Pats small engines, etc they all have parts for these machines

Good luck

KJINTF said:

Good to see others still have this old machine
Do you have the factory shop manual - if not I would be happy to email you a PDF file of the shop manual - attached is a page outlining the PTO system
Yes parts are still available but not at your local Honda dealer
Try; Jacks small engines, Boats.net, Pats small engines, etc they all have parts for these machines

Good luck

Click to expand...

Yes, I would like a PDF copy of the shop manual. I got as far as the belt drive pulley assembly and the bearing inside was all torn up. I've checked around and the best price I've been able to come up with is $275 (discounted from $324) from my local Honda dealer. It's part #75106-758-801. In looking at the parts breakdown you attached, there is a part that I did not see when I took it apart, and I wonder if it tore up along with the bearing. It is the spacer or washer shown between the bearing and the cooling fan stay, and is marked 25x35x4.

If anyone knows where I can get this part for less $, I'd appreciate the info. There' got to be a #75106-758-801 pulley assembly somewhere that is just collecting dust that someone would be happy to have 100-or-so bucks for! I'll take any suggestions you guys may have.

Check out these other forums
for the Honda parts several folks are parting out the machines and you can get those parts for way less

Honda - TractorByNet.com

Honda - MyTractorForum.com - The Friendliest Tractor Forum and Best Place for Tractor Information

Honda 4518 lawn tractor

You will find the shop manul there as well

Hi, I have a h4518h, not sure about the sa part, great tractor, a little expensive to repair but well worth the money. I've changed the pto clutch on it 2 years ago and it took the dealer months to get the part. Till now it has been working great, just yesterday the fan melted off, I noticed the centre bolt was loose so I'm not sure just if threre is a bigger problem than just a loose fan. I could use a copy of that shop manual.

KJINTF, I can't help with your technical problem but had to say thanks for the great Montana photos.

KJINTF the comment about it being a billgoat is so true, we have chains on the rear tires, it goes up hills I thought would be impossible. It would never make it up some of the hills I do without the chains but the chains are mostly for the winter, we have the snow thrower attachment that does the 300 foot driveway in less than 20min. we also have the extra weight attachment in the back to help keep it on the ground, I'll try to get a photo in of it on top of one of the hills it climbs once the fan is back on. $52 for the fan, it should be here in a few days.

I think I may have a leak at the radiator hose connection that may have caused it to over heat. When I first got the tractor I new nothing about it and it was overheating after about 1.5 hrs of running it in the heat, turned out the rad was packed with dirt and the fellow who owned it bent the fins try ing to clean it I guess, I spent hrs. bending them back and cleaning it, and that was the end of that problem.

So I'm suprised that the fan would melt without the engine overheating warning signal coming on, that kinda makes me think it was just the center bolt that came loose. There are 3 other small bolts that are supporting the fan in some way. They have a sleve on them about 1/4 " long. I didn't notice till I took all 3 off but one of the 3 bolts is shorter, does anyone know how to identify where it goes?

KJINTF said:

Good to see others still have this old machine
Do you have the factory shop manual - if not I would be happy to email you a PDF file of the shop manual - attached is a page outlining the PTO system
Yes parts are still available but not at your local Honda dealer
Try; Jacks small engines, Boats.net, Pats small engines, etc they all have parts for these machines

Good luck

Click to expand...

Just read your message. Trying to fix a Honda 4518HSA would like to have the PDF file of the shop manual. Thanks for all the great help. smccart56@hotmail.com

joeb said:

42" deck, which has served us very well. Year 9 had all bearings for blades replaced and I believe one pulley as well. The mower deck belt typically lasts 2 - 3 years (+/- 80 hrs./year). About two years in, I was fortunate a local Honda dealer clued me in on the belt tensioner arm design flaw...once the new part went on the drive belt wear problem was solved. I refused to pay $60 for a belt from Honda...so switched to a high grade automotive belt (B105 for my set-up) and just replaced last week after about four years (over 300 hours). Not bad for a $20 belt. You should be set when you get the bent pulley arm installed. My only challenge currently is where to find replacement tires for less than an arm and leg...why did Honda go with a unique size? Seat is showing a little wear...maybe I'll stumble across a replacement seat somewhere that's also reasonably priced. This is Honda 'power equipment' stuff...why do the prices seem like Honda 'marine'? Yeah, would love to upgrade to reduce cut time by more than half, but my wife who cuts at least half the time has blocked the funds to replace a perfectly sound mower that she's comfortable using. Also have some steeper slopes that the 4518 is mows like a billy goat...so even when I get larger, zero-turn I plan to keep this workhorse for special duty.

Click to expand...

Hi

I have the Honda 4518 with belt problem, do you know the part # for the tension arm I need to replace. Also where is the B105 belt sold. Thank you very much.

joeb said:

42" deck, which has served us very well. Year 9 had all bearings for blades replaced and I believe one pulley as well. The mower deck belt typically lasts 2 - 3 years (+/- 80 hrs./year). About two years in, I was fortunate a local Honda dealer clued me in on the belt tensioner arm design flaw...once the new part went on the drive belt wear problem was solved. I refused to pay $60 for a belt from Honda...so switched to a high grade automotive belt (B105 for my set-up) and just replaced last week after about four years (over 300 hours). Not bad for a $20 belt. You should be set when you get the bent pulley arm installed. My only challenge currently is where to find replacement tires for less than an arm and leg...why did Honda go with a unique size? Seat is showing a little wear...maybe I'll stumble across a replacement seat somewhere that's also reasonably priced. This is Honda 'power equipment' stuff...why do the prices seem like Honda 'marine'? Yeah, would love to upgrade to reduce cut time by more than half, but my wife who cuts at least half the time has blocked the funds to replace a perfectly sound mower that she's comfortable using. Also have some steeper slopes that the 4518 is mows like a billy goat...so even when I get larger, zero-turn I plan to keep this workhorse for special duty.

Click to expand...

I replaced the rear tires on my 4518 last year. I purchase Carlisle 20x10x10 tires. The tire height was almost exactly the same as the tires the unit was originally equipped with. they were less than $50 a piece

K Price said:

Hi

I have the Honda 4518 with belt problem, do you know the part # for the tension arm I need to replace. Also where is the B105 belt sold. Thank you very much.

Click to expand...

I use a B105 that is made by Gates. I purchased from Transmission Fluid Equipment in Fort Wayne, IN. The belt on the mower deck is a B101 Gates.

joeb said:

I do. Bought new in 2000. Great machine...wish I could find rear tires that don't cost a fortune!

Click to expand...

Purchase Carlisle 20x10x10. The height matches the original tires almost perfectly.

KJINTF said:

I purchased a Honda H4518 riding mower in 1996 - been a great engine and transmission
The problem is the cutting deck belt drive system

Anyone out there have one of these machines and want to discuss the issue

Sure could use some suggestions

Click to expand...

Yes. I have rebuilt my more deck and PTO clutch. I "split" the pulley's and replaced the bearings and saved a ton of money. Did the same with the clutch. Clutch material was fine. Drilled the rivets out and pressed a new bearing in unit. Bearing was $16. The complete assembly new was over $300. I bolted the pulley's and this assembly back together using 5/16x1/2 & 3/4 allen head bolts. Use loctite on the bolts. E-mail me if you have questions.

KJINTF said:

Good to see others still have this old machine
Do you have the factory shop manual - if not I would be happy to email you a PDF file of the shop manual - attached is a page outlining the PTO system
Yes parts are still available but not at your local Honda dealer
Try; Jacks small engines, Boats.net, Pats small engines, etc they all have parts for these machines

Good luck

Click to expand...

I just picked a 4518 yesterday. It had been sitting in my bosses barn for 5 years he said if I get running its mine. So I took it home put a new battery in it and it stated right up. I rolled my yard with it yesterday. It does have a slight miss and I am getting some oil in the air cleaner. I know it needs new spark plugs and not sure about the oil issue. I would realy appreciate the .pdf shop manual, and any other advice; I know very little about this tractor.

yes I do and I'm looking for a repair manual, can anyone help me with this?
Thanks Shifter

shifter said:

yes I do and I'm looking for a repair manual, can anyone help me with this?
Thanks Shifter

Click to expand...

Honda sells 'em direct on eBay w/free shipping; here's a link:

Honda H4518H 4518 Lawn Tractor Service Repair Manual 6175881 | eBay

-Robert@Honda

Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.

KJINTF said:

Good to see others still have this old machine
Do you have the factory shop manual - if not I would be happy to email you a PDF file of the shop manual - attached is a page outlining the PTO system
Yes parts are still available but not at your local Honda dealer
Try; Jacks small engines, Boats.net, Pats small engines, etc they all have parts for these machines

Good luck

Click to expand...

could you please e-mail me a pdf file of the shop manual also. Thank you.

Hi guys

The only manual in pdf format I have is the 4514 which is very similiar to the 4518
Only a paper copy of the 4518
The pdf file for the 4514 is 4.7m this web site limits the max size posted to 3.6m
Send me a PM with your email address and I will send the PDF your way

Ken

KJINTF said:

Hi guys

The only manual in pdf format I have is the 4514 which is very similiar to the 4518
Only a paper copy of the 4518
The pdf file for the 4514 is 4.7m this web site limits the max size posted to 3.6m
Send me a PM with your email address and I will send the PDF your way

Ken

Click to expand...

Would anyone know the toque mesurments for the special bolt on a 4518 pto assembly, I also removed the 6 bolts on the pto shaft and the 3 bolts for the brake plate if you have those mesurements as well,

Angelo said:

KJINTF the comment about it being a billgoat is so true, we have chains on the rear tires, it goes up hills I thought would be impossible. It would never make it up some of the hills I do without the chains but the chains are mostly for the winter, we have the snow thrower attachment that does the 300 foot driveway in less than 20min. we also have the extra weight attachment in the back to help keep it on the ground, I'll try to get a photo in of it on top of one of the hills it climbs once the fan is back on. $52 for the fan, it should be here in a few days.

I think I may have a leak at the radiator hose connection that may have caused it to over heat. When I first got the tractor I new nothing about it and it was overheating after about 1.5 hrs of running it in the heat, turned out the rad was packed with dirt and the fellow who owned it bent the fins try ing to clean it I guess, I spent hrs. bending them back and cleaning it, and that was the end of that problem.

So I'm suprised that the fan would melt without the engine overheating warning signal coming on, that kinda makes me think it was just the center bolt that came loose. There are 3 other small bolts that are supporting the fan in some way. They have a sleve on them about 1/4 " long. I didn't notice till I took all 3 off but one of the 3 bolts is shorter, does anyone know how to identify where it goes?

Click to expand...

Took a while but this is from last summer, it feels a lot steeper going up but it does it with no slipping or ripping up the grass. The culverts you see are about 7 or 8' tall.

Angelo said:

Would anyone know the toque mesurments for the special bolt on a 4518 pto assembly, I also removed the 6 bolts on the pto shaft and the 3 bolts for the brake plate if you have those mesurements as well,

Click to expand...

Here's a 2-page .PDF of the torque values...hope this helps.

Thank you, this will definitely help,

paulce59@hotmail.com said:

Yes. I have rebuilt my more deck and PTO clutch. I "split" the pulley's and replaced the bearings and saved a ton of money. Did the same with the clutch. Clutch material was fine. Drilled the rivets out and pressed a new bearing in unit. Bearing was $16. The complete assembly new was over $300. I bolted the pulley's and this assembly back together using 5/16x1/2 & 3/4 allen head bolts. Use loctite on the bolts. E-mail me if you have questions.

Click to expand...

I pulled apart the pto clutch and took off the shaft, I'm looking at this and thinking it is worn down at the 2 locations that the bearings are located, has anyone seen this type of wear on the shaft, I would hate to put new parts on this only to find out the shaft is shot, Thanks

You can get a product made by loctite ... their part # 660...
http://www.loctite.sg/sea/content_data/93755_Loctite_660_Quick_Metal_Retaining_Compound.pdf
It is made for shaft problems just like you have.. It works great & I have used it on shafts much looser than they specify... It has proven very dependable even on a Final Drive on one of my Cat crawlers ... stayed solid for hundreds of hours... Plus this product will not prevent future tear down should you need to remove the shaft for other reasons...
It's a little pricey But you will only use a Small amount, so get the small tube... It has great shelf life.
:smile:KennyV

Thanks for that info Kenny, is there a technique to get it to go on so the bearings and parts slide on nicely or should it go onto a lathe after it has hardened. I have two other parts that may have to be replaced of fixed if possible showing wear on the side that woudl be facing the bearings, the cooling fan boss and the drive plate, they seem to have worn pushing up against the bearings maybe, probably because I tightented it down too much. Would the loctite 600 work ok on that as well, I added a photo that you may be able to see what I'm trying to describe. Thanks again for the help.

Loctite 660 will Not harden until it is contained in a space with no air, it is a heavy paste, and can not be used between 2 surfaces that must move against each other during operation. ... You can use it on a keyed fixture like you have pictured. Are those 2 pieces both keyed on the same shaft? if so then yes you could use it between them. It almost looks like there is a slot machined to hold a seal or thrust washer?
660 is good between a bearing outer surface and a case, or a bearing inner race and a shaft. But never inside the bearing itself...
660 will occupy & fill any void when applied it will shape itself to any space, then with the lack of air, it hardens, But it is not an adhesive or locking compound... if needed, you can later disassemble, clean up and reapply when reassembling.
:smile:KennyV

Thanks for taking the time to explain that, I can now see how that would work well between the shaft and the bearing. Both parts are keyed to the shaft, I attached an image of the PTO assembly from Boats.net, I hope that doesn't cause any problems on the forum. The faces of the parts #2 and #10 come close to or are in contact with sides of the bearings in the pulley #5 and bearing #28 so I not sure the loctite will work in that case. I believe the slot you are referring to is where it was worn down, it should be flush with the highest part instead of having a tiny lip that comes up on the side closest to the center. I was thinking of putting some sort of large washer or a thrust washer if that is what you call them between the bearing and the face that is worn but couldn't find anything.
Thank you again for your help it is very much appreciated,

A well stocked hardware store should have hardened machine washers in standard sizes...and if there is room to place one between those 2 parts you could use 660 in there to give flat surfaces. (If those 2 pieces share the same key, you would have to cut a notch for the key. If it is 2 separate keys then the machine spacer would fit between without needing notched.
looks like you are having fun... :smile:KennyV

KJINTF said:

Good to see others still have this old machine
Do you have the factory shop manual - if not I would be happy to email you a PDF file of the shop manual - attached is a page outlining the PTO system
Yes parts are still available but not at your local Honda dealer
Try; Jacks small engines, Boats.net, Pats small engines, etc they all have parts for these machines

Good luck

Click to expand...

Any chance you would send me a copy of the service manual. new member not sure how to get it, thanks

crissanna said:

Any chance you would send me a copy of the service manual. new member not sure how to get it, thanks

Click to expand...

Here is a link to where you can purchase it: Honda Power Equipment: Honda Generators, Lawn Mowers, Snowblowers, Tillers

lawn mower fanatic said:

Here is a link to where you can purchase it: Honda Power Equipment: Honda Generators, Lawn Mowers, Snowblowers, Tillers

Click to expand...

I am new to this forum but have owned a Honda 4518 since the early nineties (if I can remember). Do all of my own service and am presently going after a loud grinding noise in the PTO assembly. I assume the bearings & parts will need replacing.
I have gone through a lot of drive belts and have found the Honda belt the best by far in holding up. Costly but worth it as far as I can tell.
Hughes Road
5-22-13

I bought one oem belt and went straight to an industrial belt store in our area. $20.00 and last about 1 season. The pto belt last 3-4 years. Remember to engage quickly. My problem is after 20 plus years my deck is rusted bad. 46 inch deck wish i could find a shell and rebuilt it. Also i have an electronic component that went bad. Little black box. if i squeeze it it works fine. I put a small c-clamp on it 4 years ago and starts every time. What a gem of a mower. Bought it used for $1800 , bagging system, extra set of blades and couldnt be happier. I hope i can get the deck fixed. may try bondo

Where can I get a listing of part numbers for this mower, including mowing deck and belts?