Drive belt

C

CLStout

Well-Known Member
The past 2 times I have mowed the lawn, the drive belt on my riding mower (Ariens 42" hydro) has come off the idler pulley. This only happens after the mower is shut off. This pulley has a guard, so I don't understand how it's coming off. The belt is a few years old now, and it doesn't show any wear. This is the first season that it's happened.
Any ideas?
Thanks 👍
 
CLStout said:
The past 2 times I have mowed the lawn, the drive belt on my riding mower (Ariens 42" hydro) has come off the idler pulley. This only happens after the mower is shut off. This pulley has a guard, so I don't understand how it's coming off. The belt is a few years old now, and it doesn't show any wear. This is the first season that it's happened.
Any ideas?
Thanks 👍
Click to expand...
In order to really give it a good look, you will need to remove the deck and inspect the belt, pulleys, line of travel, and belt tension. Plus, you can test it and easily replace the drive belt if it comes off again until you hopefully get it figured out.
 
Is this a lawn tractor (riding mower) or zero turn (riding mower) ?
Could you be more specific by providing the Model number and Serial number?
 
Model #936042. It's a 42" Ariens hydrostatic with a Briggs and Stratton Intek v-twin 20hp engine.
Riding mower.
 
Make sure the guard is doing it's job.
Check all pulleys for wear.
You may need a new belt too.
Make sure you get the correct belt.
OEM Ariens belt or equivalent Stens or Rotary. Automotive belts just won't cut it
 
MParr said:
Make sure the guard is doing it's job.
Check all pulleys for wear.
You may need a new belt too.
Make sure you get the correct belt.
OEM Ariens belt or equivalent Stens or Rotary. Automotive belts just won't cut it
Click to expand...
Thanks for the manual, and the advice. I will check the pulleys, guard and the belt.
 
also if it has a brake pad that rides on the pulley, check that. Mowers that use that type brake have a known issue because a worn pad changes belt geometry.
 
Good tip. But this tractor has a K46 transmission, which has an internal brake. I hope I haven't misunderstood you.
 
I don't know all the different models. That said, any model with a brake shoe that rests against a pulley has a change in belt geometry when the brake wears. If this model has such, then check it. If it does not, ignore this as a possibility. That said, below is a diagram of that model number. Check part #63. In this fiche image, pulley #145 changes position as the brake pad #63 wears.

brake.jpg



 
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