John Dere S110 - Belt Keeps Coming off the Front Pulley

[Stack223]

So I bought a JD S110 recently. I have used it three times for a total of 2.6 hours. Around 1.5 hours the belt came off the front pulley which causes the mower to be unable to engage the blades. Now it happens nearly every time the blades are disengaged. I just mowed my lawn and had to stop, get off, put the belt back on, start up again... about 7x. The belt has never been removed and I confirmed it is facing the right way (D side in).

Is this a design flaw? Did I get a lemon of a belt? Am I doing something wrong?

Ideas?

 

[Rivets]

Few questions.
How old is the belt? Over three years, replace. Looks worn to me.
Belt keeper’s properly installed? Can’t see any.
Is the pulley worn? Looks worn in the picture.

 

[Stack223]

The belt is two months old. Three cuts old. 2.6 hours of use.
Same with all the pulley parts.

 

[Stack223]

I do trust that the factory installed everything correctly but I'm not really certain what to even look for... the only loose thing is the belt when the blades are turned off.

 

[Rivets]

If that unit is that new I’d be taking it back to the dealer. If you bought for a big box store I’d be asking them how they want you to handle this warranty problem. Don’t screw up the little warranty that comes with these units by trying to fixit yourself.

 

[Stack223]

Yes, filing a warranty claim is the option if there isn't a simple fix - like adjusting tension somehow - that I can do.

 

[Stack223]

This spring part is definitely the problem. with the blades off it is so loose that it would slam on the deck over and over again if you were driving the mower. The belt up front can just fall off the pulley. Then when you engage the blades again the belt is off... so nothing works.

I can't find a way to tighten the spring. Just some old videos of older versions where you move the bracket to adjust the spring. My bracket appears to be welded on. So that's not going to work.

 

[Stack223]

From the manual: Release idler sheave nut to tighten belt.

So what is an idler sheave nut?

 

[Stack223]

I can just find people doing this over and over again. That's the same problem I have but my bracket is not like that.

 

[Stack223]

https://www.justanswer.com/agriculture-and-farm-equipment/lzalj-brand-new-s110-tractor-purchased-lowe-s.html