[dangerpepper]

My daughter/soninlaw have a 4018 w/m60(60" deck) bought used
4 years ago. After 2 months of grass cutting the deck drive belt broke. Have gone though numerous belts since then{lots of $$$}. Finally after trying many fixes/adjustments took it to dealer in Williamston MI.
They went over it and discovered the center deck pulley had been changed
to a smaller diameter to increase blade RPM. This results in not enough
belt tension. Just brought it home 8/20/2011, with new shorter belt
and will try it out this week. will report back later.

 

[Bart]

While you're at it check to make sure the deck is level. You can't just eyeball it as I learned at the cost of several belts. :sidelaugh:

 

[99flhr]

Just an FYI
Dealer "bhildret" on this site has a Goodyear belt for 60" mowers @ somthing approaching 40% leass than the OEM.

Might help in the future.

 

[dangerpepper]

Just an FYI
Dealer "bhildret" on this site has a Goodyear belt for 60" mowers @ somthing approaching 40% leass than the OEM.

Might help in the future.

The belt is shorter due to the center deck pully being smaller.

I got to cut the lawn twice be for it broke again ( big deal) . Deere creek sales
has it back again for the third time. I not a happy mower******

 

[Nutcase446]

A smaller top (V-Belt) pulley will increase blade tip speed but should not effect the bottom cog belt size. If they changed the bottom center (cog) pulley, it would be out of time. All cog pulleys need to be the same size.

 

[bhildret]

I don't think this was about the timing belts ... which as noted we do stock at a significant discount to the Ingersoll price.

I have a customer in the Brighton area whose deck had a smaller pulley, also. Was a belt wear, adjustment, and toss problem.

Went back to the OEM pulley and belt ... seems to be working fine.

Brian