RC60-71H belt problem

[New Owner Rick]

My first belt wore out in May after 10 hours of use, it looked to be too thin. Ordered correct size and recently wore it out after another 10 hours use. I have another belt on the way and may run the mower without the guards to see what may be causing the problem. Anyone have experience with this deck who may have tips/advice on what may be the problem?

 

[birddogger]

Tension very loose or very tight, pulley(s) misaligned would be the first things I looked at. Assuming when you replaced the first one you cleaned out any sticks and twigs in the belt path.

 

[New Owner Rick]

Yes, I cleaned the deck and even re painted it, also discovered that the gear box had been leaking, had it repaired. I am thinking the tension pulley could be out of alignment. May try to replace tension arm and pulley if I can find them. I have another mower, so I can leave this in the building until I get it figured out. Thanks

 

[Stubbyie]

Check that all bearings (sheaves, quills, idlers ) are spinning freely.

One sheave may be dragging just enough to damage but not burn the belt.

On a different brand had similar problem and located bad bearing by using inexpensive infrared thermometer gun: one bearing hotter by (forgotten exactly how much) few degrees--probably less than 50-F. Changed and resolved problem.

Watch fingers and loose clothing (rings, watches, headbands and hair) if close to belts when running.

Have learned to never wash deck with water, Use compressed air instead. After killing three bearings on assorted mowers figured it out. No further problems using air.

 

[New Owner Rick]

I think I narrowed it down to the tension pulley. It does not seem to line up with the pulley at the gear box, so I will try to take the pulley arm off and raise it slightly with a washer. Other pulleys spin freely.