Whether riding or self-propelled, the lawn mower loses much of its efficiency when its belt fails. More often than not, you will find that the motor is running perfectly, but the machine has difficulty moving forward or cutting the weeds well as usual. There is a very good chance that your mower belt is worn out. In this case, the belt should be replaced to continue to use your device optimally. Here is some essential information to ensure the change of this accessory.
Summary
The mower belt: What is its function ?
The function of this accessory varies depending on the type of mower on which it is installed. It is mainly about transmitting the necessary energy from the engine to the cutting / blade system or to the drive wheels of the device. On a self-propelled model for example, the belt provides propulsion thanks to a roller which is used to tension or release it as desired. More specifically, it acts as a link between the blade support pulley and that of the traction box. Thus, when the engine is started, the blade support begins a rotational movement which actuates the traction box pulley through the belt which begins to rotate. It is this movement of the traction unit that causes the wheels to advance.
On a self-supporting model, there are generally two belts: the traction one and the cutting one. The traction belt turns the transmission shafts at speed (to make the wheels move) by imparting the energy of the engine to them. The cutting belt for its part drives the cutting system while allowing to engage or disengage the blade as desired. The blade can thus stop rotating without the motor doing the same. Note that some ride-on models can even have three belts.
When should your mower belt be replaced?
There is no standard time to make a change, because the quality of the belt as well as the intensity of its use differ between models. However, you can regularly check your mower belt for any faults that may require immediate replacement. Some signs should make you react as quickly as possible:
- the rubber of the belt is cracked in places
- the belt appears burnt, especially on the side remaining permanently in contact with the pulley
- the belt jumps when you try to rotate it manually around the pulleys
- the circumference of the belt appears visibly damaged in places
Prefer an original part when replacing the belt
A successful and long-lasting replacement requires a bespoke spare.
Indeed, a belt with inaccurate dimensions can cause either too loose a tension, or too much tension. In the first case, the mower loses cutting or advancing power. In the second case, the newly installed belt may wear prematurely: thus, in order to know the right model of belt for your riding mower, you can consult the site of a specialized brand that will help you quickly find the appropriate solution. .
Regardless of the brand and type of belt sought, the original manufacturer models offered allow easy, durable and excellent quality repair. The models guaranteed by the manufacturer ensure the reliability and safety of use of your device after intervention. The reason is simple: this is the same factory part that was first installed in the device. In addition, the price-performance ratio of each original accessory is quite interesting.
Types of belts to replace the defective part
Made of kevlar, a material with good adhesion and greater resistance than steel, these accessories can be distinguished into four types. A distinction is made between type A, B, C or Z belts with a generally smooth appearance with a single drive face. When they are notched, they are respectively named AX, BX, CX and ZX.
then, we have AA, BB or DD type belts which have a polyester core and a double driving face (often involving a double notching). There are also MXV accessories mounted on an aramid cable, and finally 3V, 5V and 8V belts with inch indications. The shape of the spare may be hexagonal or trapezoidal.
How to replace the belt on your mower?
The process is easy on its own if you are a bit of a handyman. If you’re not, you can count on the help of a knowledgeable neighbor or customer service at the store that sold you the accessory. A specialized professional can also be contacted.
You must have the necessary materials, such as a screwdriver, a wrench and the spare belt. Before any action, it is essential to protect your hands from a possible injury, because you will have to handle the cutting system of the device. To do this, thick gloves are recommended. If you have children, they should not be present for the operation.
In addition, it is a good idea to remove any jewelry or fashion accessories that may get stuck during the operation. It is also important to switch off the machine completely: accidental starting could cause serious damage. The first fundamental action is to locate the passage of the belts to facilitate disassembly. You can use the instructions provided by the mower manufacturer for this purpose.
You can also take pictures of the device to help you easily reassemble everything after the procedure is finished. However, check that the belt rotates smoothly around the various pulleys before closing everything and restarting the mower.
Self-propelled model
You will have to tilt the accessory to the side so as to easily reach the bottom of the device. A screwdriver will be useful for remove the casing for easier access to the belt. The next step concerns the disassembly of the blade. As soon as the faulty part is visible, you will have to loosen the tensioner roller using the wrench.
This will loosen the belt. You just have to pull on it to get it out of its transmission groove. You can now place one end of the replacement belt on the center axle of the blade pulley and the other end on the axle of the traction pulley.
Freestanding model
You must lower the mower deck to the minimum. The position must be ideal to be able to easily detach the fixing screws of the casing located next to the steps. Once the guard has been removed, use the screwdriver to remove the fixing points of the protective cover placed above the mower deck. You will then need to access the faulty belt. As in the previous case, you must slacken the belt by acting on the tension pulley.
All that remains is to remove the faulty accessory from its location. Here, one end of the new belt is correctly placed on the axis of the engine pulley. The second end will be put around the cutting system pulley, or the traction pulley as the case may be. You can turn the pulley slowly to slide the belt in its transmission groove. Do not forget to tighten the tensioner roller.
In short, when the belt of your mower shows signs of wear, it is essential to replace it as soon as possible with an original part. You will easily find them in a specialized shop to carry out the operation yourself if you have the soul of a handyman. Otherwise, do not hesitate to seek professional help to restore your device.
To read : Maintain your garden equipment in winter.
