Belt Tensioner

[dieselscout80]

I have a Ford 917 flail mower. Over the years I have had to adjust the belt tension semi regularly.

I have been spoiled by the serpentine belts in automotive applications in that they have automatic tensioners.

I wonder if an automotive belt tensioner could be adapted to my 917 flail mower?

 

[TractorTech]

No reason it couldn’t be adapted, but I have a 917H with the spring tensioner, other than lacking the serpentine belt, the tensioner is just a large, clunky version. Also, I use my flail two to three times a year for about five hours each time, but don’t tension the belt, but every two or three years.

 

[dieselscout80]

I didn’t know a 917h had a spring tensioner can you post a picture of it?

 

[TractorTech]

You are right, no spring. Don't know what I was thinking, but it could be added very simply

Getting old and confused.

 

[dieselscout80]

You are right, no spring. Don't know what I was thinking, but it could be added very simply

Getting old and confused.

I know the feeling.

 

[dieselscout80]

I wonder if an automotive valve spring would work?

 

[TractorTech]

Maybe a pair of them or a long spring.

 

[Williy]

A spring for a screen door just cut to size

willy

 

[Halftrack]

All of the 917s I have owned, had a spring under the adjusting nut. I used whatever I could find, but the stiffer the better. A valve spring would work.

 

[dieselscout80]

All of the 917s I have owned, had a spring under the adjusting nut. I used whatever I could find, but the stiffer the better. A valve spring would work.

The two 917 flails I have owned did NOT have a spring. The manual I have does not show a spring.

If one has been added to yours, can you post a picture of it?

 

[Halftrack]

Sorry, I no longer own a 917, and upgraded to a 918. The spring would be under the adjusting nut and the jam nut would be used to lock the adjusting nut. The bracket the rod runs through should be moved to the left, which would allow room for the spring, washer(s) and double nuts. A nylon grommet for the rod to ride in is another option.

 

[jwmorris]

This is how mine is as well.

They already knew how to make automatic tensioners by then but figured it might remind people there are grease zerks in there too. As it would happen, snugging the belt is a lot easier than changing a bearing.

 

[dieselscout80]

Sorry, I no longer own a 917, and upgraded to a 918. The spring would be under the adjusting nut and the jam nut would be used to lock the adjusting nut. The bracket the rod runs through should be moved to the left, which would allow room for the spring, washer(s) and double nuts. A nylon grommet for the rod to ride in is another option.

Thanks

Your description of how it was done makes sense and is what I was thinking would have to be done to add a spring.