So as some might know, I posted a couple weeks ago about an issue with the way my belt drive mower was performing. Its a 36" Exmark Metro. Whenever I would go up an incline the mower would basically slow to a crawl and then just stop even though the belts were turning. I'd have to push with all my might and then BAM! it would start pulling again. Got to the point where the belt jusrt kept slipping to the inner side of the tire against the frame.
Ended up taking it to the dealer and they said one of the pulley's was out of alignment and that it works now. Well when I got it back it was like brand new. Very strong pull, went up the inclines good.
Well, it seems to have returned to hesitating......kind of. I was using my accelerator catcher on it at 2 properties yesterday. While going up some very minimal inclines it started to lag again like it didn't want to go.
Could this have been due to the extra weight of the grass in the catcher along with the turf being slightly damp? I guess what I'm asking is, is this normal for a belt drive and that's what hydro's have over them is they don't "slip" and hesitate?
Do any of you experience some hesitation while going up inclines with a catcher or hesitation going up hills without the catcher when it's wet or damp?
Im starting to get very annoyed at this but wanted to check and see what you guys have to say to make sure I'm not losing my cool over something that is normal with a belt drive.
Is it the pulley and belt not having the best of friction because it is damp? Is it because going up hill against gravity isn't best suited for a belt drive but more for a hydro? Is "some" hesitaion normal?
My 36 pulls hard up hills no matter what as long is I'm in 3rd gear and lower, but I also am using a sulky on it %100 of the time. It sounds like you have a problem. You try new belts? Posted via Mobile Device
It's a belt drive mower, what more could you ask for out of it? If you don't like the common problematic issues with a belt drive, find a good hydro mower to replace it. Other then that, you're right there in the thick of things as far as common problems with belt drive mowers. Some people like belt drive mowers. I'm not one of them. Switching gears to back up got old fast and the CC/Lesco 36 I bought went right back to the dealer.
My 36 pulls hard up hills no matter what as long is I'm in 3rd gear and lower, but I also am using a sulky on it %100 of the time. It sounds like you have a problem. You try new belts? Posted via Mobile Device
So you say it's not normal and orangemower says its is normal.
No, haven't gotten new belts. Maybe that's it? I don't know? Thinking back to when I first got it, I really don't remember having any problems like this unless I just forgot.
It's a belt drive mower, what more could you ask for out of it? If you don't like the common problematic issues with a belt drive, find a good hydro mower to replace it. Other then that, you're right there in the thick of things as far as common problems with belt drive mowers. Some people like belt drive mowers. I'm not one of them. Switching gears to back up got old fast and the CC/Lesco 36 I bought went right back to the dealer.
I'm 250 lbs and have been pulled up many hills wet with a gear drive and sulky. The tranny belt may be slipping as so with the wheel belts. I replace all the belts yearly. I am one who personally likes belt over hydro. Posted via Mobile Device
I'm 250 lbs and have been pulled up many hills wet with a gear drive and sulky. The tranny belt may be slipping as so with the wheel belts. I replace all the belts yearly. I am one who personally likes belt over hydro. Posted via Mobile Device
No kidding? Then I must have a problem. Just irritates me taking into the dealer who has certified Exmark mechanics and they can seem to duplicate the problem because all they have around is flat ground.
This things runs awesome on flat ground, no problems at all, none. Get a slight incline or hill and then it starts hesitating.
I have taken it in 3 times. Only charged once because the other 2 times they made the adjustments in the parking lot.
It ain't supposed to slip, period! Anybody who says its "normal" don't know chit from Shinola. Could be a worn crank drive pulley letting the belt bottom out on the pulley. Or not enough tension on the drive belt, but all the tension in the world won't overcome a worn pulley. So the dealer is pretty much doin the ol'
" if ya cant convince em...confuse em " routine.
It ain't supposed to slip[/B], period! Anybody who says its "normal" don't know chit from Shinola. Could be a worn crank drive pulley letting the belt bottom out on the pulley. Or not enough tension on the drive belt, but all the tension in the world won't overcome a worn pulley. So the dealer is pretty much doin the ol'
" if ya cant convince em...confuse em " routine.
It ain't supposed to slip, period! Anybody who says its "normal" don't know chit from Shinola. Could be a worn crank drive pulley letting the belt bottom out on the pulley. Or not enough tension on the drive belt, but all the tension in the world won't overcome a worn pulley. So the dealer is pretty much doin the ol'
" if ya cant convince em...confuse em " routine.
So in that case, would it drive fine on flat ground and just not climb hills good? Or, if it's a pulley, it would drive like crap regardless of the slope?
Well, all comments much appreciated. I just called the shop and explained the issue. How I payed a higher per hour service charge just 2 weeks ago for expidited service rather then waiting 14 days etc etc, and the issue is still there. Feels better then before but not 100%.
The guy understood and said bring it in first thing Monday. Will not charge any labor, just parts if in fact it needs parts.
I feel a little better. Just hope they can get it figured out.
Well, just an update. I cut recently with it again and it was totally stopping on little inclines. I had to squat down and literally push it to get it to start moving. Took it back into the shop and advised them this is the 4th time I’ve been in with this same issue. He said they would make it right and take it out to cut on a slope if they had to.
The entire area at the dealer is flat and like I said, the mower is totally fine on flat ground. It will even go up the trailer ramp fine. It’s when it’s on grass and going up the smallest degree of incline that it starts acting up.
It’s just frustrating. I’m very anxious to see if they can find out what causing it, get it fixed or even duplicate what I'm describing.
Well.........I picked it up yesterday and guess what...........................................................................the freaking transmission belt was loose!!!!!
All that waiting and taking it in 4 different times and nobody ever thought to check that? The guy said it was so loose he couldn't believe it. Who the heck was checking it out those other 3 times? The night time janitor?
I haven't had a chance to cut up an incline yet but I will this afternoon.
I cut with it yesterday and it was like the first day I bought it. Pulled like an ox versus pulling like a wet noodle.
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