jmzjojo
Forum Newbie
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2025
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 1
New here. Deere 2012 x300 178 hrs. 38" deck deck belts started breaking 2 seasons ago; past months have gone through 5 belts; They are Amazon OEM kevlar banded belts. They SNAP. 2 belts back I replaced the PTO with: HiTorque 130ftlb BIGBearing Blade Clutch & 10A PTO Switch OEM Upgrade fits John Deere AM147972 AM141536. This is a replacement for my part number, but it has 25lbs more torque. Could that be causing the belts to snap?? I had the issue before switching the PTO, so I still think there is something else and it is not the extra torque.
I also replaced one idler pulley even though I brought the deck to the Deere mechanic who inspected the deck and said all pulleys were good. The belts always snap; they do not fray....which is what I'd expect to happed if they were hitting one of the J-bolt hangers. I've researched this and read hundreds of comments on youtube. I've added washers under a pully, I've moved the J-bolt so it is not near the belt. I've leveled the deck . I have since put everything back as it had been (removed pulley washer and J-bolt back where it was). After 3 mowings, my last belt snapped. Comments from youtubers show some of these changes to work, but not always. Even changing PTO has not worked for some. I've levelled the deck again, I've used different brand belts. Guys using JD belts at a cost of about $70 still have them snap. I have just ordered a 5/8" x 144 kevlar belt from The v-belt guys website. It is 1/2" longer than the designated 1/2" wide v belt. I will examine all the deck again before I install the new belt. I only engage the PTO with the pedal lifting the deck to its highest position, then let it down slowly on cut grass. When the belt snaps, it is when the PTO button is pulled. After 3 cuttings on the last belt (once on very tall grass), I thought all was good.... then, pop! Anyway.... do you think the added PTO torque could be a problem? or any other things to check?
I also replaced one idler pulley even though I brought the deck to the Deere mechanic who inspected the deck and said all pulleys were good. The belts always snap; they do not fray....which is what I'd expect to happed if they were hitting one of the J-bolt hangers. I've researched this and read hundreds of comments on youtube. I've added washers under a pully, I've moved the J-bolt so it is not near the belt. I've leveled the deck . I have since put everything back as it had been (removed pulley washer and J-bolt back where it was). After 3 mowings, my last belt snapped. Comments from youtubers show some of these changes to work, but not always. Even changing PTO has not worked for some. I've levelled the deck again, I've used different brand belts. Guys using JD belts at a cost of about $70 still have them snap. I have just ordered a 5/8" x 144 kevlar belt from The v-belt guys website. It is 1/2" longer than the designated 1/2" wide v belt. I will examine all the deck again before I install the new belt. I only engage the PTO with the pedal lifting the deck to its highest position, then let it down slowly on cut grass. When the belt snaps, it is when the PTO button is pulled. After 3 cuttings on the last belt (once on very tall grass), I thought all was good.... then, pop! Anyway.... do you think the added PTO torque could be a problem? or any other things to check?
