Shredding belts after replacing spindles

bassadict69

Active Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2014
Threads
17
Messages
55
I recently changed my spindles and thought it didn't look right but ran it anyway. Now, sure enough, I am shredding my belt. My middle spindle pulley looks to be sitting too high...I thought I had put everything back just like it was. Is that my problem...how can I fix this?

IMG_7453.jpgIMG_7453.jpgIMG_7454.jpgIMG_7454.jpgIMG_7455.jpgIMG_7455.jpg
 

Rivets

Lawn Royalty
Joined
Mar 11, 2012
Threads
55
Messages
14,769
Something is not right? Oh I know, we have no idea which model of Ariens/Gravely mower you are showing us. Hundreds of models available, can you narrow it down to one, by tell use the model number off the ID tag. Then we at least have a chance of helping you with your problem.
 

ILENGINE

Lawn Royalty
Joined
May 6, 2010
Threads
39
Messages
10,032
I think the center spindle pulley is fine. the issue is the left spindle pulley is on upside down. If you look the idler pulley is in line with the center spindle pulley but the left spindle is pulling the belt downward.
 

Bertrrr

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2021
Threads
5
Messages
421
Looks like the belt is Rolling and twisting, once they do that they keep on doing it I find. I'm not sure those Idlers have a up/down design but maybe so ,pull both and flip over to see if there's a difference I think if there's a side that is longer or sticking out more than the other side it would go down so the pully would have enough clearance over the deck,
 

bassadict69

Active Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2014
Threads
17
Messages
55
It’s a 991083, ser number begins with 022
 

bassadict69

Active Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2014
Threads
17
Messages
55
I think the center spindle pulley is fine. the issue is the left spindle pulley is on upside down. If you look the idler pulley is in line with the center spindle pulley but the left spindle is pulling the belt downward.
I will try flipping it and see if it helps...
 

bassadict69

Active Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2014
Threads
17
Messages
55
Also, what is the easiest way to release the belt tension? I had a hell of a time with it when I replaced the spindles.
 

Bertrrr

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2021
Threads
5
Messages
421
I hook a cord through the spring and pull into place
 

StarTech

Lawn Royalty
Top Poster Of Month
Joined
Feb 19, 2020
Threads
79
Messages
10,274
I think the center spindle pulley is fine. the issue is the left spindle pulley is on upside down. If you look the idler pulley is in line with the center spindle pulley but the left spindle is pulling the belt downward.
Bingo. Both the Ariens and the Gravely version of the 52" deck are in the shop now. The LH deck spindle pulley is definitely upside down.
Looks like the belt is Rolling and twisting, once they do that they keep on doing it I find. I'm not sure those Idlers have a up/down design but maybe so ,pull both and flip over to see if there's a difference I think if there's a side that is longer or sticking out more than the other side it would go down so the pully would have enough clearance over the deck,
An optical illusion usually as this mower uses a BB belt which is a 5/8" Hex shaped belt but with the belt damage it might have rolled..
1685391753987.png
 
Top