Another sulky question

Mine arrived in the mail the other day. when I asked about them before, someone mentioned that i need to adjust some kind of springs. My question is, what are these springs, where are they located on the mower, and how do I adjust them? and also, what would happen if I did not adjust the springs? If anyone can help I would very much appreciate it.

The mower is an Exmark 36" metro

 

Have you tried it on the mower yet?

Belt tension springs.

 

You still got the manual of Metro? If so, open page 33 and look under section 5.2.14 "wheel drive spring tension adjustment."
You must adjust these spring if pulling the Jungle Wheels, along with idler pulley tension, brake adjustment, and including handles squeeze gap. Take less than 30 min to do all, and the mower will be a different beast.

 

Unless the Exmark is really different than a standard belt drive, you should able to "loosen" the springs and still have plenty of pull. In operation the spring is on the "backside" and doesn't do much to add grip to the belt but just keeps tension so the "frontside" stays in contact with the pulley. I've been doing this for years with my Bobcats and Scags, and it keeps you from getting tired hands. Try it, many guy's aren't familiar with "mechanics" and think they need more tension when you don't. As I say, try it, you would anything, and you may find I'm right.
Pete

 

As said before, try the sulky first, it may work fine without any adjustment.

Along with what Switchless said, you don't necessarily need to adjust the springs so that they are so stiff that you can't pull on the handles. If all the controls and adjustments are setup correctly, you should have plenty of pull/traction without wearing out your hands.

 

My helper was 205 and the bobcat would pull him no problem including "softened" springs and all.