idler pulley shaking on LT1000

[Laneman]

On a Craftsman LT1000 riding mower the idler pulley for the blade belt shakes while blades are turning. The belt also flops around. Trying to figure out if the belt is bad or something is loose. I've looked and can't find anything wrong with pulley. Tried tightening belt adjustment but the pulley is mounted with a spring and is able to move around.

 

[chance123]

On a Craftsman LT1000 riding mower the idler pulley for the blade belt shakes while blades are turning. The belt also flops around. Trying to figure out if the belt is bad or something is loose. I've looked and can't find anything wrong with pulley. Tried tightening belt adjustment but the pulley is mounted with a spring and is able to move around.

It is normal for the belt and idler to move while in operation. The belt is flexible and the force of it going around all the pulleys causes it. As your belt ages, this effect will increase.