On 07/07/2017 16:59, Handsome Jack wrote:
posted
I've recently "inherited" this ride-on mower - it worked well until
yesterday but now the cutter drive belt tension is suddenly far too
slack, despite the tension handle being in the right place. The
tension adjusting nuts are on the end of a rod that's anchored on a
metal assembly (called a "DECK TENSION CRADLE WELDED ASSY") underneath
the front bumper - is this assembly supposed to pivot?

Yes, it pivots on two bolts one on either side. In fact if you release
the cutter deck tensioning handle you should be able to see the cradle
move slightly back and forward. Setting the tensioning handle (by
pushing it towards the back of the tractor) should tension the cutter
drive belt by pulling the cutting deck toward the back of the machine too.

Are you sure the tensioning handle hasn't slipped to the disengaged
position?


Thanks. I spent some time on it yesterday and found nothing mechanically
wrong, but the slack was more than 75mm and the adjuster lock nut was
seized. I suspect that whoever worked on it before gave up and that it
had been flapping around and only just working. I removed enough bits to
be able to persuade the adjuster to move and all is now well.

Another question. With the cutting height set to 5 the deck wheels are
on the ground so I don't see how it's possible to cut any shorter - is
there any adjustment on the cutter height setting?