Mower deck belt jumping off

[zrrick]

I have a GT1554 with the 54" mower deck. Lately the belt has begun to twist, then jump off the pullies. I have replaced the belt this spring and recently replaced the tension spring. No luck...Any ideas what to check next.

Zrrick

 

[wat5150]

Just asking here but did you check the diagram to make sure you have the belt looped right? it sounds like the belt is too big or its not installed properly. Also its very important to make sure the tension spring is just right.

 

[rcbe]

also - when you replaced deck belt, was it an OEM belt or at least a direct replacement? many aftermarket belts out there that will match up lengthwise, but have a different cross-section or made of different material - believe yer belt should be a Kevlar type..

 

[savageactor7]

zrrick another possible reason could be the deck PTO pulley bearing is going or just bad enough so that the resulting wobble throws the belt off. To check that I would manhandle that deck PTO pulley to see if there's any slop to it.

 

[zrrick]

Found the problem...the idler bracket was bent which misaligned the idler pulley. Replace bracket and shoulder bolt and all is fine.

Thanks for the help!