I feel this is not normal for the deck belts to dance and wobble like they do on this Apex I have. Whoever designed this machine perhaps was not on top of his game. I doubt that these mower makers have top engineers designing these units. Top guys are too expensive. What's really disappointing is that they go ahead and market these mowers the way they are.
And how many consumers will notice? How many will complain? It's a game for them, and they win. Odds are most will not take note. And when the dealer and maker says its normal, what can we as consumers do? My dealer told me they have had no complaints about this belt issue. He's a large dealer, sells many mowers each year.
What would you think if you opened the hood of your new car or truck with 20 miles on it and saw the belt dancing, wobbling like it does on these mower decks? Then, the dealer said that's normal. Just because this is a lawn mower doesn't mean it shouldn't be made to perform properly.
My question is to anyone who is reading this thread to tell us if they know anyone who owns or has owned a Gravely or Ariens for several years with this issue. What has been the history of belt replacement, bearing replacement on the deck with that machine? How many hours on the machine before a belt or bearing failed? This Apex I purchased is a commercial unit. It's made to mow bunches each summer. I live on a acreage and mow a little over an hour each time. Light use for this type of machine. But, I wanted a quality machine. I am very happy with the cut. Lawn looks great after I get done.
I plan on looking at other machines to see if their deck belt dances, and wobbles like these do. The solution could be something as simple as spring tension. If we all would have tried our machines out at home, then told the dealers to fix this issue or I am not interested in this mower....it would have been resolved. Funny when something is paid in full, they don't want to be as helpful anymore.
