when to change deck belt

[eastportstar]

just wondering when is the time to change the deck belt on my 2010 zmaster 48. it's got 350 hours on it, was gonna pick up a belt just to have as a spare but they're almost $100. no indication of problem yet, but never had a ztr before this one (i bought it new). so far i've only changed the filters and oils. it's been a great machine. also, how many hours are you guys getting out of blades. i'm on my 5th set of blades so i guess they're lasting 90 hours per set (sharpened maybe 4 times, now they're all shot).

[weeze]

Originally Posted by eastportstar

just wondering when is the time to change the deck belt on my 2010 zmaster 48. it's got 350 hours on it, was gonna pick up a belt just to have as a spare but they're almost $100. no indication of problem yet, but never had a ztr before this one (i bought it new). so far i've only changed the filters and oils. it's been a great machine. also, how many hours are you guys getting out of blades. i'm on my 5th set of blades so i guess they're lasting 90 hours per set (sharpened maybe 4 times, now they're all shot).

i would change it when it breaks. otherwise you've changed it too early.

[Hawkshot99]

Bad cuts or fraying in the belt are when it should be replaced. Or when the belt stretches out to much.

I dont know how you could go 90 hours with only 4 sharpenings, and have the blades shot already. That seems like they are going out quick. I sharpen, often to keep them very sharp, but dont take off much, so they still last very long for me.

[charmill26]

I've been sharpening daily for a few years now and have noticed my blades last much much longer than sharpening them once a week, less than that, etc. Takes much less blade off each sharpening

[THEGOLDPRO]

When it blows up and stops working.

[eastportstar]

I dont know how you could go 90 hours with only 4 sharpenings, and have the blades shot already. That seems like they are going out quick. I sharpen, often to keep them very sharp, but dont take off much, so they still last very long for me.[/QUOTE]

i meant all 4 prior sets were sharpened about 4 times , so in the 350 hours, i've put on 16 sets of sharp blades (just estimating), 20 something hours before sharpening.

[MR-G]

our deck belts get changed when they break...always have a spare with us...as far as blades go, we sharpen everyday and a set lasts about 3 months...and mowers run about 6-7 hrs each day 5 days a week....

[Mark Oomkes]

Before it breaks. When you have time.