Expecting too much from my frontmount mower?

[Buxus]

Unfortunately, after the belts were replaced a second time, I was convinced it was fixed and was so eager to get back to mowing I did not check the tension on the pulley until the belts burnt a third time (I know, rookie mistake...). This time (after third replacement) I went to the shop before they delivered it to my place to check exactly this. The belts sit much tighter than they did post-burn, but of course post-burn they were already stretched. The spring, which post-burn was not stretched at all, now has about 2-3 mm of stretch between coils. It's a pretty stiff spring. Hopefully this tension is enough to keep it tight.

It does raise a new question though:

If there is again an issue of belt slipping, if I were to put a slightly shorter or stiffer spring (my diesel mechanic neighbor's suggestion) what would be the risk? I assume if it was too tight I risk damaging the clutch? Hopefully this is a moot point and the mower continues to function well like it is now, but I was curious what TBNers thought.

 

[hawkeye08]

Lots of variables but if you don't go overboard, likely no issues

 

[IXLR8]

Unfortunately, after the belts were replaced a second time, I was convinced it was fixed and was so eager to get back to mowing I did not check the tension on the pulley until the belts burnt a third time (I know, rookie mistake...). This time (after third replacement) I went to the shop before they delivered it to my place to check exactly this. The belts sit much tighter than they did post-burn, but of course post-burn they were already stretched. The spring, which post-burn was not stretched at all, now has about 2-3 mm of stretch between coils. It's a pretty stiff spring. Hopefully this tension is enough to keep it tight.

Sounds to me like you finally have the correct idler pulley, or belt width, which is putting proper tension on the belt system. Most of the quality mower companies are using a Kevlar belt now... and they don't stretch. The rubber may wear due to slippage, but the belts don't stretch. Sounds like it is now fixed/running correctly now and you most likely won't have any issues. I understand your concerns and hesitation in pushing it too hard... but I suspect is fine now.

 

[Buxus]

Update: So far so good. It's been about a month now and with new pulleys, belt, clutch, etc. the Grasshopper has worked well. I have gradually become less nervous about thick grass, and it seems like it is handling the same thick grass that it handled well last year, and that burnt the belts this year. In other words, it seems back to its old workhorse self. If anything changes I will repost.