Belt Drive Walk-Behinds and Wet Weather Follow-up Question

[Lee Homan]

I don't know much about the belt drive walk-behinds but couldn't they build a cog driven walk-behind that would perform better in wet conditions. I may be overlooking something but thats why I asked the question.

[turfquip]

Take a look at the Honda Tru-Gear. It doesn't have drive belts :-)

<IMG SRC="http://www.turfquip.com/hrc_36.gif">

[Edited by turfquip on 03-19-2001 at 09:24 AM]

[Lee Homan]

Just to clarify myself a little better, why couldn't they use cogged wheels and belts in place of the traditional wheels and belts?

[turfquip]

Ahh O.K. My guess is that to keep the cogs free of grass and dirt would be difficult. If that junk built up it would render the machine useless.

But like I said, that's just a guess.

[LScom Addict]

Eagle Star has a machine that is chain driven with sprokets just like a bicycle.

[Richard Martin]

This is pretty easy to answer. The reason is because the belts <i>must</i> slip on the pulleys because they are also the clutch. A gear drive mower is just like having a standard tranny in a car. You gotta have a clutch to get it going. Cogged belts with cogged pulleys equals no slip. No slip=no clutch.

[joshua]

never had a problem with my hydro's when its wet out. so does that mean they should just build hydro's ?? no because people who start out can't affoard to spend that much on a starter mower.

[edward hedrick]

I solved the wet problem Iinstalled a Toro T bar on my 48 scag, later on a 52 lesco belt dr. with the T bar the operator tensions the drive belts instead of springs .
most hydros drive the pump with a belt. also the T bar is
safer than pistol grip let go the machine stops. The T bar
cost is about $200 and is easier to fix than a hydro.