BX2680 loose belt

[kemmas]

Hi all long time reader first time poster so be nice
I've just changed the belt on my 60 inch mid mount (on a BX 2680) but it appears too loose as it's flopping around while mower engaged Troubleshooting so far:
1 replaced the tensioner spring
2 idle pulley moving as it should and it moves outward as it should when attaching the spring
2 all pulleys moving symmetrical with no play (ie they spin as they should)
A short vid https://youtube.com/shorts/soqrUWId3qY?feature=shared

Thoughts?

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Have you double/triple checked the length of the new belt?

Maybe they sent/sold you the wrong one?

Wouldn’t be the first time a “parts guy” sold someone the wrong part.

EDIT: And….. Welcome!!!!

 

[PHPaul]

If the belt is the proper length, another option might be a faulty belt. Either broken cords or a "heavy" spot somewhere in the construction. I notice the idler/tensioner seems to be pretty steady, the vibration is in the long, unsupported stretch in the back.

 

[kemmas]

Have you double/triple checked the length of the new belt?

Maybe they sent/sold you the wrong one?

Wouldn’t be the first time a “parts guy” sold someone the wrong part.

EDIT: And….. Welcome!!!!

Y

Have you double/triple checked the length of the new belt?

Maybe they sent/sold you the wrong one?

Wouldn’t be the first time a “parts guy” sold someone the wrong part.

EDIT: And….. Welcome!!!!

Yep definitely the right one

 

[kemmas]

If the belt is the proper length, another option might be a faulty belt. Either broken cords or a "heavy" spot somewhere in the construction. I notice the idler/tensioner seems to be pretty steady, the vibration is in the long, unsupported stretch in the back.

Good point RE faulty belt tho I didn't notice any imperfections. Yes thats right its that long length at the back which made me think too loose but the new spring not fixing it has me stumped. Ah well off to the dealer. Price of Kubota parts is a rort btw $430 AUD for a belt..... really

 

[Russell King]

Suggestions
1) tighten the spring tension if possible. You could remove the existing spring, tie something to the idler pulley mechanism and then attach the spring to that and something that stretches it more than normal. But be safe trying the second option.

2) Clean all the pulleys where the belt touches the pulleys.

3) Take the new belt to a auto parts store (NAPA may be best bet) and get a belt that is a bit shorter.

How hard was it to install that new belt? Compare that to how hard was it to remove/install the old belt.

 

[Hugo Habicht]

3) Take the new belt to a auto parts store (NAPA may be best bet) and get a belt that is a bit shorter..

I think this is a double V-belt. An auto parts store would normally not have them.

My question @kemmas : did you tighten the tensioner pulley as per work shop manual?

Check out https://www.jonesfarmsupply.com I found their prices for belts really competitive, even with shipping (ordered a few).

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Improper belt routing caan cause that too, happens all the time.

 

[kemmas]

Suggestions
1) tighten the spring tension if possible. You could remove the existing spring, tie something to the idler pulley mechanism and then attach the spring to that and something that stretches it more than normal. But be safe trying the second option.

2) Clean all the pulleys where the belt touches the pulleys.

3) Take the new belt to a auto parts store (NAPA may be best bet) and get a belt that is a bit shorter.

How hard was it to install that new belt? Compare that to how hard was it to remove/install the old belt.

The last belt got mangled and thrown so can't compare thinking more about it it's a fair chance this is why this one isn't running right (ie a problem with the pulley or something rather then the new belt). I had thought deterioration as it had a heavy use (such as a rock or stick got stuck in there) although it was only 150 hours and 4 years old.

 

[kemmas]

I think this is a double V-belt. An auto parts store would normally not have them.

My question @kemmas : did you tighten the tensioner pulley as per work shop manual?

Check out https://www.jonesfarmsupply.com I found their prices for belts really competitive, even with shipping (ordered a few).

The tensioner pulley was moving backwards and forwards fine without any play side to side so I assumed it was good but should have tightened to spec. Good point. Unfortunately based in Australia so that guy would be no good but I was hesitant to go non OEM due to potential longevity and size issues (which is ironic based on my experience with the OEM belt)

Thanks for the excellent advice all. I've booked it in to be looked next week but keep the ideas coming and run them past the mechanic next week. Ill post the remedy back here for anyone else suffering the same fate

 

[kemmas]

Got it to the mechanic - Pulleys and tensioner arm bushings replaced. Also replaced top seal (I assume this is under the pulleys?).

Seemed to have done the job. I was surprised as the pulleys looked visually fine ie running in a regular cylindrical pattern and the tensioner arm was moving freely.

$1000 AUD total for parts and labour