Well in 80 hours I have manged to break 7 belt idler springs. Dealer has come out and put new one on each time. Have new blades, checked belt for any flat spots or wear. All is good. Still manged to break another one yesterday. Everytime spring breaks right where hook is that attaches to the bolt on deck. A good friend of mine was there when it broke and he said right away. They have bolt which holds washers down and where spring hook attaches as tight as it will go. This is putting to much pressure on spring and why it is vibrating like crazy a snapping. He said loosen bolt a bit. Put some grease on the bolt where spring attaches and it should be fine. Sound feasible because I am running out of options. Thanks!
belt idler spring!
luv2mow
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
Well in 80 hours I have manged to break 7 belt idler springs. Dealer has come out and put new one on each time. Have new blades, checked belt for any flat spots or wear. All is good. Still manged to break another one yesterday. Everytime spring breaks right where hook is that attaches to the bolt on deck. A good friend of mine was there when it broke and he said right away. They have bolt which holds washers down and where spring hook attaches as tight as it will go. This is putting to much pressure on spring and why it is vibrating like crazy a snapping. He said loosen bolt a bit. Put some grease on the bolt where spring attaches and it should be fine. Sound feasible because I am running out of options. Thanks!
To be honest! I really dont think the dealer I purchased from has a clue. He just puts on a new spring and thats that for now. After my friend suggested loosening the bolt tension I called another Dixie dealer and he seemed to think this could be problem. I just ask on here because I know most guys on here know more than any dealer and will give you an honest anwser. Other than this never ending problem its been great and cuts great.
Where is the spring breaking? Is it on the hook, or into the coils of the spring?
If it is on the hook, perhaps the vibration is wearing through the wire of the spring at the connect point.
I had a problem with my John Deere 717A after about 50 hours. The deck belt is tensioned with a spring-loaded idler. In my case, the vibration wore through the eye bolt, to which the spring was connected. The design of the eye bolt is a bad design, way too thin. I replaced it with a 1/4" eye bolt from the hardware store, and have never had a problem since.
In your case, perhaps the point of connection is exceeding load limits on the spring during the dynamic loading. If the break point is in the coil, then you have a different problem.
If it is on the hook, perhaps the vibration is wearing through the wire of the spring at the connect point.
I had a problem with my John Deere 717A after about 50 hours. The deck belt is tensioned with a spring-loaded idler. In my case, the vibration wore through the eye bolt, to which the spring was connected. The design of the eye bolt is a bad design, way too thin. I replaced it with a 1/4" eye bolt from the hardware store, and have never had a problem since.
In your case, perhaps the point of connection is exceeding load limits on the spring during the dynamic loading. If the break point is in the coil, then you have a different problem.
The spring is breaking everytime on the hook. Right where begins to start the spring coil. The small straight part and then the coil begins. Would loosening the tension on the bolt help any? You know I have a washer. Attach hook over the bolt. Washer then the nut. Could they be overtightening the nut as to not allow any freedon of movement from spring. It vibrates so much as to sound like it is strumming. After seven springs in same spot I need help.
Attach the hook to the bolt with several loops of wire and see if that makes anything change. Also can reattach the broken ones with wire to keep it running. Try another bolts with threads and put a washer and nut on both sides of the loop so it rides against smooth surface..
Actually the bolt there now does have threads and the hook is sandwiched between the two washers. Bolt attaches from top and tightens down. Am I missing your suggestion? Another thought. Should I just replace entire belt and maybe pulley. I assume the pulley is where the other end of the spring attaches? Sorry for being a little slow here. This is not really my thing but I am trying to learn!
This post includes a picture of how I fixed my problem.
http://www.lawnsite.com/showpost.php?p=2283581&postcount=5
http://www.lawnsite.com/showpost.php?p=2283581&postcount=5
luv ... Does that mean the bolt and the axis of the spring are at right angles to one another? If I understand your comment, the bolt is vertical, and the spring is horizontal, right?
If that is the case, then the spring rate in a sideways on the bolt is much less than if the line of force is parallel to the axis of the bolt. In other words, the anchor point of the spring-bolt connection is more likely to be weak, allowing the coil spring itself to vibrate more vigorously.
One suggestion is to consider wrapping the coil spring in something to change the natural frequency of the spring itself. Also, by wrapping the coil, the additional material with provide damping to the system. Any wrapping should be done in a way so as to not impede the axial flexing of the coil spring itself.
If that is the case, then the spring rate in a sideways on the bolt is much less than if the line of force is parallel to the axis of the bolt. In other words, the anchor point of the spring-bolt connection is more likely to be weak, allowing the coil spring itself to vibrate more vigorously.
One suggestion is to consider wrapping the coil spring in something to change the natural frequency of the spring itself. Also, by wrapping the coil, the additional material with provide damping to the system. Any wrapping should be done in a way so as to not impede the axial flexing of the coil spring itself.
Yes you are absolutely right. My attachment point is 90 degrees. since the bolt is vertical and spring is parallel. So. What would you suggest to use as a wrap for the spring? Also. My org. thought was is loosening the tension on the bolt which holds washer down then the spring hook and greasing make any sense as to help the pronounced vibrating? The spring has actually rubbed all the paint off the deck below it!
The only access to the internet I have is at work. I live so far out my only option is dialup and I refuse. So sending a pic no can do. Sorry. I feel you have a good idea to finally fix this problem. My dealer. Replace spring be on your way. I could call you if possible. Just a thought. I feel I could explain it better than trying to type it out. Let me know and I can PM you with my e-mail and such. If not I will figure it out somehow!
Here's my plan. Since my dealer has no clue. Always makes you feel good! I am going to attach a small piece of metal with two holes. One over the bolt and tighten down with washers. the other hole I will attach the spring. This puts spring attachment in a horizontal plan with idler arm. Like ROGER pic show's how he did. This will also shorten spring tension just a hair. Worth a try!
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
