[Expert Lawns]

Are the belts that turn your blades supposed to be shakey a little bit? I never noticed it until one of my workers went by me and I could see between the top of the deck and the footboard (on my lazer z) and I noticed that the belts kinda shook a little bit. Are they supposed to be really tight? thanks

 

[Phishook]

Originally posted by Expert Lawns
Are the belts that turn your blades

How many belts turn you blades?

 

[geogunn]

I believe that a certain amount of shaking...or vibrating between pulleys is normal for belt driven spindles.

all belts have a tight spot somewhere and the spindle pulleys might not be exactly perfectly round.

and, in the case of my deck, one belt remains tight while the blade engager pulley causes a little vibration when it is engaged.

the tight belt has very little vibration.

GEO

 

[Expert Lawns]

No clue how many belts turn my blades. I believe there are 3 pully's though.

 

[Runner]

Expert, you have one belt that turns all of your blades, powered from the center spindle, and yes, the belt is supposed to appear "shaky". Don't freak when you see the idler jumping back and forth, either.... it's normal. Oh yeah,... keep that idler greased! This should be done with the belt slipped off of it for a sec..

 

[turkp15]

I figured I would put this in this thread. I went to my local dealer to get a blade drive belt for my Exmark Viking he told me $63.00 for the belt. I was like you've got to be crazy "he said no these are very heavy duty belts thats why they cost so much" . I ended up leaving with no belt went on to j-thomas they have the belt for I think $12.50. Whats up with this guy charging so much for the belt?
~Jeff

 

[work_it]

Thanks turkp15 for the input. I just went to J-Thomas Distributers website and ordered a free parts book. I had the same experience a month ago at the Bunton dealer. They charged me $68 for two drive belts for the blades.

 

[Phishook]

Originally posted by work_it
Thanks turkp15 for the input. I just went to J-Thomas Distributers website and ordered a free parts book. I had the same experience a month ago at the Bunton dealer. They charged me $68 for two drive belts for the blades.

Witch Bunton do you have? The new Twister, or the old cheapo's?

 

[FELPRO]

A small bit of belt shake is nothing to be concerned about but the less the better. Shake can indicate a belt with a thin or a thick spot on it from manufacture, no big deal. But, if you have stalled the blades at some time you usually will burn a section of belt that will give up in the future. You can cause a lot of wear on components that move or shake every time the belt goes around a pulley.

Another factor is shake due to harmonics. No matter how well the belt is made at some rev range you will get a bigger vibration due to harmonics. Try not to use the machine at this setting.

The price of a belt mostly reflects how well it is made - there are several ways a belt is made and you pay accordingly, but look around for some of the non genuine belts that are made as well or better than the genuine (or best said 'branded') belt. A good dealer will have some obligation to the equipment maker to sell the branded article but will know some non genuine belt that will do the job.

Sometimes the genuine is dearer, better and cheaper in the long run.

 

[work_it]

I guess you could call it an "old cheapo". It has the old belt drive instead of the hydro. I can honestly say I have no complaints though. Guess I just got lucky. This is my first commercial mower and the only maintenance I've had to do this season is: change oil, 2 belts, grease spindles weekly, new air filter every other month, and a new set of gator blades. Can't complain too much after reading week after week about all the problems with these new "advanced" mowers that spend too much time in the shop. I've only lost one day in down-time this season.

 

[work_it]

One other thing phishook. I want you to check out the construction of the new Bunton (techtron) decks. That's why they can't keep up with Exmark and the others. I would be more apt to call the new Buntons the "cheapos".

 

[Gravely_Man]

Some shaking of the belt is fine. If you have been putting some hours on the machine you may want to check the belt deflection as described in the manual. The idlers will wear out depending on use and this will add to the belts shaking or jumping, as the idler is not keep the belt tight.


Gravely_Man

 

[Expert Lawns]

What do I grease it with? WD-40 or do I use my grease gun

 

[Runner]

:blob4:

 

[Expert Lawns]

how long does it take you guys to grease your machine, front to back? i'm talking everything that need to be greased?

 

[work_it]

I only have a WB which takes me about 20 minutes. Once I buy a large grease gun it will cut the time in half. Don't make the same mistake I made by buying the small grease gun with disposable tubes. What a waist of time.

 

[KenH]

I bought a steering cable for my Scag STHM for $44.00/ Just checked J Thomas, it was 13$ and change. What is going on???

 

[Expert Lawns]

How often do you all grease? I know there are hourly intervals by the manufacturer, but do you guys maybe do it more often or even less?