Install Tension Spring on Mower Deck - T2380/RCK48-LT23

[Clutch]

Hi All.

Had posted about picking up this mower a few weeks back. The double sided belt on the mower deck was cut when I got it, looked like it had hopped off the pulleys and got stuck, and then the mower got parked by the previous elderly owner.

I think it was due to a bad bearing that I have since fixed, but now Im trying to get a new belt on the deck. I have the routing correct, but for the life of me I cannot get the tension spring reconnected on the idler arm. There must be some kind of trick or technique that I am not seeing somewhere. I don't have a manual for the deck, only the one for the tractor off of kubotabooks.com, and that has a few diagrams, but nothing specific.

Does anyone have the manual for this deck that shows what to do, or know of some secret tip or trick that the Kubota Techs get taught I really just want to get this thing put back together and don't know the best way to do it.

 

[Russell King]

Put the spring on first (belt not being tensioned), then install the belt under tension. I have seen others suggest using a ratchet strap to help get the belt on but I have no idea if that is possible for you.

There may be some adjustments on the spring attachment locations?

 

[Clutch]

Put the spring on first (belt not being tensioned), then install the belt under tension. I have seen others suggest using a ratchet strap to help get the belt on but I have no idea if that is possible for you.

There may be some adjustments on the spring attachment locations?

Doesn't appear to be any adjustment for the spring attachment, just a slot on a welded bracket.

I honestly don't think its possible to have the spring first and then get the belt slipped on. The amount of stretch on this spring is pretty intense, and its a pretty absurd belt routing. There isn't a great spot to slip anything over anything. But maybe that does need to be the plan, and I can try to use one of the large diameter pulleys and some bars to get it to slide over. Ill give it a shot later this afternoon and see if I can make something work.... Appreciate the idea.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

My usual way to get a spring into the hole is to loop a stout cord through the open eye of the spring then firmly, carefully pull on both ends to get the end of the eye into the hole. Once in, pull on one end of the cord and you're done.
The BIG thing is to LOOK where hands might go if the cord breaks ! Plan ahead !!

 

[NCL4701]

Unless there’s an access problem, maybe pick up a spring puller. They’re readily available online or at most auto parts places that also sell tools. They come in a variety of sizes and are inexpensive, many under $10.

Example: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...e=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD05GhXQ5rR6S5UIVGaiihxLFhPey

 

[Clutch]

Well I got it on there finally! Pry bar behind the idler to take the slack out of the belt, and used some paracord to pull the spring. It was tricky for sure!

I have a puller like that but couldn't get enough leverage to connect it.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

glad you got it on, and NO band-aids !!!

 

[Clutch]

glad you got it on, and NO band-aids !!!

I wish that were the case!

Smashed up my knuckles on one of my attempts. Sigh.

Did get the transmission oil changed though which was really good. I don't know that it had ever been done before. I'll need to check the level again now that it's been run in a little and purged some air out