PTO Belt ?

[Mowman]

What's the average life span of a PTO belt? Do you replace it every so many hours or once a year? I know some of you have electric clutches so you might not know the answer to this question. I know the Walker uses them and Dixie Chopper does also I think. Thanks for your input.

Mowman

[Eric ELM]

Dixie Chopper uses a Hand Clutch on their mowers. Belts on it can last over 1,000 hours.

[Mowingman]

I have 350hrs on all of the belts on my Walker and none of them show much wear. I always engage pto at low rpm's. I think these belts will go at least 600 - 700hrs.
On my various ZTR's that have electric clutch's, I have got an average life of 800hrs on the main belt and have never replaced a deck or hydrostatic drive belt,( Highest hr. machine is now at 950hrs).
I keep a spare set of belts at the shop for everything, but, I am beginning to think that is a waste of money. The quality of belts today is so good, that barring some abuse or accident, they should all go 1000hrs easy.:)

[Eric ELM]

Originally posted by Mowingman
I keep a spare set of belts at the shop for everything.

I keep a set in my truck tool box since they never seem to break at the shop. ;)

Over the past 16 seasons, it has saved me a few trips to the shop and I have been able to finish up the day without losing much time.

I agree, the belts are getting much better now. The belts with the center chords are the biggest improvement for the belts that have to make back bends, like the spindle to spindle belts have to make on most mowers.

[John DiMartino]

The dixie has expensive,but great quality belts,with 260 hrs on mine,the belts dont even look scratched yet.I believe mine will last 1000 hrs,easily.

[EJK2352]

Kevlar cords make todays belts last hundreds of hours!!! I've seen Exmark Lazer Z's with 800-1000 hrs on the belts and still going strong. :) ED

[Evan528]

My 96 gravely walk behind has all original belts!! My estimate would be that the machine has at least 1500 hours! Magic belts! ;)

[Keith]

Originally posted by EJK2352
Kevlar cords make todays belts last hundreds of hours!!! I've seen Exmark Lazer Z's with 800-1000 hrs on the belts and still going strong. :) ED

My Kees ZTMax has right at 1000hrs right now with original belts. That amazes me :eek:

[mowingmachine]

Kevlar cords placed in the middle are the best way to go. Also if a fabric is placed top and bottom that will allow for more flexability and prevent cracking due to backside idlers.

mowingmachine

[UGA]

Do these belts take more adjusting than older belts to get them to wear in the a contant tightness. With my old belts I would adjust them only 2-3 times a year tightening them as they stretch over time but with my new kevlar belt I have already had to retighten it 3 times in 2 days.

[Brickman]

My Walker uses a large wide belt. I have had to replace it every spring, as it would start to fray and in no time completely come apart. I haven't complained as they are fairly cheap. I do keep one in the tool box. Because they are about a 3 minute change and then you go again. And you can bet they will always give out in the morning when you still have a long way to go to the end of the day.
I would say 300 to 350 hours for me. I have had employees engage at wide open RPM. Needless to say they heard about it.

[mowingmachine]

UGA,

You will see some initial streching that is minor. You will probably also notice minor wear on the "v" surfices of the belt which will cause the belt to look streched. In this case the belt isn't necessarily streching it is just riding lower in the groove of the pulleys. The brand of the belt can make a huge difference also. Some belts strech a great deal. Hope this helps.

mowingmachine

[Tony Harrell]

I loaned my old Lowes rider to someone and it came back with ruined Kevlar belts. The whole deck shook and I thought the spindles were bad or he hit something and maybe bent a shaft. On a hunch, I took the belt off and the shop measured it--stretched. He had knee high grass and the deck was on a maint. level. Live and learn.