Adjusting the tension on mower deck ??????

[rmorgan69]

Ok, here is the problem, working on a J.D. lt155 mower with a 42"freedom deck (mulching deck). Now, I am a newby at this so please be gentle, already getting a lot of flack from my wife about this but I have never had to do this before. I recently put on 2 new belts, one for the mower it self and one for the mower deck. Started it up and ran into a small problem, to much slack on the mower deck belt so I figured that it needed tightening. So went to the belt tension-er and now I just need to figure out the proper process in tightening the belt. What should I do next

 

[whis]

you probably don't have it on the right way, one pulley should have a spring on it to tension the belt

 

[KYErik]

you probably don't have it on the right way, one pulley should have a spring on it to tension the belt

What he said. The belts will be tightened by a spring loaded arm. You probably need to re-route the belt. You can likely find a pic on the internet.

 

[SandburRanch]

The operator's manual for adjustment instructions would be handy as you may already know. I have instructions for a JD LA-135 but I don't know if they are the same. Mine has a cable running down to the deck ( left rear ) where the adjustment is to be made. If you think it would help I can photo the instructions of mine and post a pic.

Or on line the manual may be available.

 

[rmorgan69]

Thanks for responding but judging from what you are saying, I don't think that will help. I have read the manual but it doesn't answer the specific way to do it cause there are a couple of options on how to adjust. I just want to do it right and not guess which option I should take. So I will continue to check and I have also checked online but there again, the information didn't specifically address what I need to know. Have a good day sir.

 

[rmorgan69]

Thanks for responding but I have double checked the routing of the belt via online and owners manual and according to those 2 sources I have routed the belt correctly, it is just to loose and I need to know how to tighten it up. Have a good day sir.

 

[KYErik]

The other possibility is that the dealer accidentally gave you the wrong belt.

 

[Woody65]

On my mower deck, there is a bolt that goes through a flange with two nuts on it. You loosen one of the nuts which allows you to tighten the other one which tightens the belt via the spring operated pulley. I think most mower decks have the same basic tensioner. Don't know if this helps you. Good luck

 

[tomplum]

If you are referring to the primary deck belt, it is adjusted by the length of the engagement arm. The adjusting nuts for that are on the end that attaches to the bellcrank on the tractor. Lengthening the rod will increase the tension. When all is set up correctly and you place your deck at the normal cutting height- the end of the rod should travel close to an inch from park to engaged through the spring bracket. You could have one of 2 different Freedom decks if you are setting the timing belt tension. The more common one, you loosen the nut for the tensioner pulley a turn and draw the tensioner nut up so that the washer is even with the bracket. Tighten the tensioner pulley nut, roll the spindles around a few times, loosen the nut 1 turn and recheck the washer/ bracket alignment once more and secure. Hope this helps.

 

[Deere Dude]

Ok, here is the problem, working on a J.D. lt155 mower with a 42"freedom deck (mulching deck). Now, I am a newby at this so please be gentle, already getting a lot of flack from my wife about this but I have never had to do this before. I recently put on 2 new belts, one for the mower it self and one for the mower deck. Started it up and ran into a small problem, to much slack on the mower deck belt so I figured that it needed tightening. So went to the belt tension-er and now I just need to figure out the proper process in tightening the belt. What should I do next

Did you get a John Deere belt? I tried a tractor supply belt some time ago for a JD rototiller and they wouldn't work. HAD to get a JD belt of the exact size.