Dixon ZTR deck problems

[grantnelson]

My DIxon Speedztr works well except for the mower deck. I continually have to put the drive belt back onto the pulleys. The mounting bracket that hold the idler pulleys recently began to break away from the deck leaving a crack on the deck. Dixon apparently had a recall on the deck so they gave me a new one and just used the components from the old deck. The belt still comes off every time we mow. The idler pulley spring would always come off too but I locked that on so at least the spring doesn't go flying when the belt comes off.

ANy ideas, I'm losing faith in my local dealer.

 

[J_J]

Check the alignment of the idler pulley, to the belt path. On my Dixie Chopper, the tension would pull the shoulder bolt and cause misalignment. It will eat into the deck after awhile. I added some bracing to keep the idler bracket vertical and bent the end of the spring to keep from losing the spring.

 

[grantnelson]

thanks for the info, I really appreciate it!

 

[Bird]

I had something similar happen with a Cub Cadet lawn tractor. If something gets bent a little bit out of alignment, the belt is going to jump off. Usually easily fixed.

 

[AlanB]

As others have said, alignment.

For me usually involves a lot of time laying on a cool concrete floor and looking at it from multiple angles until something stands out.

Also make sure you have the correct, and correctly tensioned belts and that they are on in the manner that the manual says they go on.

Good luck, those can be a pain to find at times, but usually it just comes down to looking a lot and understanding why it is happening. Sometimes helps if the dealer has another you can set them side by side and look.

 

[oldnslo]

NOTE: Look at the belt alingment at your cutting height. On some mowers the alignment changes with deck height.

Also try looking at how deck pivot or tilt from side to side or front to back or a conbination of both effects the alignment. I have seen some where while driving over rougher terrain the deck would tilt and the belts will jump off.


Like others have said look, look, look. Patience is a virtue in this case.

Roy

 

[Talli]

I have trouble with my deck belt. The belt it calls for is too big. It takes one that is 3" smaller. You might check to see if your belt is too big.

 

[Jimmy Joe]

Check to see if there is a worn bolt or bushing in the tensioner pully arm a little wear is all it takes. On my John Deere the bushing is plastic and it wore, I was able to just turn it 180 degrees and it worked but I will be replacing if I ever remember to pick one up.