Murray rider/noisy vibration in drive

[DarolW]

I've had this mower for 5 years and has worked great. No idea what year it is. Model # is 24762A, the "Date" numbers are 1357. No idea what that means. It's an 18 hp, hydrostatic automatic drive w/46" width.
Anyway, when starting up this spring, it stated making a noisy vibration under it. The whole mower vibrates. When I push the peddle to release the drive, it stops. Seems to be coming from middle to rear underneath. I checked the oil for the rear drive and it looked fine. Kind of hard to get it up enough to get a good look under there. Any idea what could be causing this? Worn belt maybe? Hate to start throwing parts at it.

 

[DarolW]

Here's a picture of it. Probably in the early to mid 2000 model.

 

[Fish]

Maybe just a belt with a big chunk missing.

 

[DarolW]

Maybe just a belt with a big chunk missing.

I just checked the belt and it's in pretty good shape. A little checked here and there. Wouldn't think that would be an issue, though, I don't know much about these critters either. I was thinking about dropping the mower part and have a better look at things. Looks like it might be a real chore.

 

[Fish]

First off, we need a correct model number. The tag should be under/behind the seat, and if the deck is a 46", then the first 2 numbers should be 46

 

[DarolW]

My apologies on the first number. Grabbed the wrong one. Here's the one you want.

 

[ILENGINE]

Partially or fully siezed idler pulley on the tranny drive belt.

 

[DarolW]

OK. I went out and checked both pulleys just ahead of the tranny. They both seem to be fine. I took the left one(sitting on mower /left side) off and it seemed fine. Would that be the one you're talking about? Anyway, the belt does seem to be flopping around quite a bit when engaged. Think maybe it's just worn/stretched out and not fitting the best? Any other ideas too.

I really appreciate the help.

 

[DarolW]

If I need parts for this, can you guys tell me what year it is by the info in the picture of Model #?

OK. After looking around the net, I think I've narrowed it down to a 97. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Fish]

Error

1996, take the belt all of the way off and inspect things closely, bad pulleys, or a burned/shallow spot on the belt...