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Okay - so I was mowing my lawn (actually mowing leaves more than lawn), and I heard a loud pop - sounded like a spring breaking (metal verses hitting a branch or something below the deck) - and then the blades seemed to slow significantly (if they were turning at all). I was afraid to look under the deck while it is running (seems like something someone would do for a Darwin Award).

I stopped the mower, and checked the tensioning of the belt. It seemed looser than before, so I pulled the deck to see if one of the springs on the deck broke that would impact the tensioning, but I didn't see anything obvious. I did notice on the cable from the PTO engagement lever (not sure the real name) and the deck that some of the black outer case had come off, but that didn't seem to be the issue. Could be that the cable stretched somehow? We have a good local shop that has parts - but I am not sure what to ask for as it wasn't something obvious. I did check the blades (just in case I did hit something, but there didn't seem to be any issues with the blades themselves).

Thanks for any help.

Your belt is stretched and should be replaced with factory belt. With deck removed, clean thoroughly, topside and underside. Inspect all parts for wear,replace as necessary. Remove blades and sharpen or replace and torque to specifications. Grease spindles and all moving parts. With deck off, use shop light and inspect underside of tractor from front to back. Please let us know if we can help you further. Merry Christmas and GOD bless.http://www.troybilt.com/equipment/t...lView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=14102

moscouter said:

Okay - so I was mowing my lawn (actually mowing leaves more than lawn), and I heard a loud pop - sounded like a spring breaking (metal verses hitting a branch or something below the deck) - and then the blades seemed to slow significantly (if they were turning at all). I was afraid to look under the deck while it is running (seems like something someone would do for a Darwin Award).

I stopped the mower, and checked the tensioning of the belt. It seemed looser than before, so I pulled the deck to see if one of the springs on the deck broke that would impact the tensioning, but I didn't see anything obvious. I did notice on the cable from the PTO engagement lever (not sure the real name) and the deck that some of the black outer case had come off, but that didn't seem to be the issue. Could be that the cable stretched somehow? We have a good local shop that has parts - but I am not sure what to ask for as it wasn't something obvious. I did check the blades (just in case I did hit something, but there didn't seem to be any issues with the blades themselves).

Thanks for any help.

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Those cables snap inside the housing where you cant see it.

moscouter said:

Okay - so I was mowing my lawn (actually mowing leaves more than lawn), and I heard a loud pop - sounded like a spring breaking (metal verses hitting a branch or something below the deck) - and then the blades seemed to slow significantly (if they were turning at all). I was afraid to look under the deck while it is running (seems like something someone would do for a Darwin Award).

I stopped the mower, and checked the tensioning of the belt. It seemed looser than before, so I pulled the deck to see if one of the springs on the deck broke that would impact the tensioning, but I didn't see anything obvious. I did notice on the cable from the PTO engagement lever (not sure the real name) and the deck that some of the black outer case had come off, but that didn't seem to be the issue. Could be that the cable stretched somehow? We have a good local shop that has parts - but I am not sure what to ask for as it wasn't something obvious. I did check the blades (just in case I did hit something, but there didn't seem to be any issues with the blades themselves).

Thanks for any help.

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You said you pulled the deck and didn't see anything obvious, did you look underneath the mower itself for a broken spring. Perhaps a spring broke on the tension pulley for the pto belt, if so you'll lose or have incorrect blade speed.

I bet the cable broke grab a end and pull it see if it comes out.

Belts do not stretch they wear out and sit deeper in the pulleys that makes them loose giving the allusion that they stretch.

Carscw said:

Belts do not stretch they wear out and sit deeper in the pulleys that makes them loose giving the allusion that they stretch.

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I would like to see proof of this when comparing a old belt with a new belt. I had belts stretch on me before.

Yeah, a "pop" then the problem arises........

Belts don't wear out with a "pop".....

Something broke somewhere, but for any intelligent discussion about your mower needs to start with the model number off of the tag under/behind the seat!!!!

But I see that this is an old thread........

could it be a tensioner pulley spring that broke on the deck? thats how you lost tension? belts dont stretch with a pop like has already been said. they stretch a little but not alot. just like a chainsaw chain.

I will say it again a belt is not loose because it stretched. Duh if a belt was to stretch so much that it has became loose it would have already broke. Belts are not made to stretch.

Why do we need a model number for every dang problem?
This mower has a basic set up with a cable pto so the noise he heard was the cable breaking or a spring that is why the belt was loose.

i still dont know how i have put a new belt on a mower and took the old one off, put them up next to each other and they were about 3/4" difference and it not stretching. (the old belt being larger)

metz12 said:

i still dont know how i have put a new belt on a mower and took the old one off, put them up next to each other and they were about 3/4" difference and it not stretching. (the old belt being larger)

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I had held both up side by side and seen 1in or 2in difference in length before.

Take a new belt and a old belt and cut them so you can lay them out I bet they are the same with in half a inch.

Or to save your money just use a tape measure and check each one twice.

Don't use one of the things the parts stores use because the old belt will come up longer because it is wore.

I have never seen I belt stretch 2 inches they are just not made to do so.

You are being tricked by a illusion.

Do you really think the belt you pay $50 for should stretch 2 inches before it breaks

Yes they will stretch instead of breaking. Just like the engine stop cables on walk behind mowers.

This is what others had to say



cheese Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date
Jul 2001
State:
GA
Posts
14,247
I have seen loose belts that were once tight, but they are always the same length when the back side is measured as the original belt. I don't think they really stretch, but rather the v wears down and allows the belt to ride deeper in the pulleys, creating the excess length. Usually the only belts I see that have stretched (to any significant degree) had broken cords and were on the verge of self-destructing. Just my observation.

Carscw said:

This is what others had to say



cheese Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date
Jul 2001
State:
GA
Posts
14,247
I have seen loose belts that were once tight, but they are always the same length when the back side is measured as the original belt. I don't think they really stretch, but rather the v wears down and allows the belt to ride deeper in the pulleys, creating the excess length. Usually the only belts I see that have stretched (to any significant degree) had broken cords and were on the verge of self-destructing. Just my observation.

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Im still waiting on some photos of the evidence that belts dont stretch. Until I see the photos then Im not believing that belt dont stretch.

Carscw said:

Why do we need a model number for every dang problem?
This mower has a basic set up with a cable pto so the noise he heard was the cable breaking or a spring that is why the belt was loose.

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It is nice to try and give some decent advice while we are investing the time, since I have no idea what "a basic setup with a cable" is.........

Fish said:

It is nice to try and give some decent advice while we are investing the time, since I have no idea what "a basic setup with a cable" is.........

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Sorry I just assume every one knows how mowers are set up.

I have worked on so many mowers I know what they are without looking them up.

And anyone that has been using mowers for years knows the sound he heard and what could have happened. I don't see how looking at a diagram of this Amower will tell you why his belt got loose.
We all know that the cable on this mower breaks all the time.

Carscw said:

Sorry I just assume every one knows how mowers are set up.

I have worked on so many mowers I know what they are without looking them up.

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WOW!!!!!!! That is quite a statement!!!

Fish said:

WOW!!!!!!! That is quite a statement!!!

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You act like a mower is a complicated machine.

Carscw said:

You act like a mower is a complicated machine.

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Hopefully you will take on the "Space Shuttle" forums soon........

Carscw said:

I bet the cable broke grab a end and pull it see if it comes out.

Belts do not stretch they wear out and sit deeper in the pulleys that makes them loose giving the allusion that they stretch.

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I agree with you 100% on this. I know this has come up before on this forum. I have never seen a belt stretch. I just don't argue this point anymore when I see it and let whoever think what they want.

Fish said:

Hopefully you will take on the "Space Shuttle" forums soon........

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No I like it here with people that need model number so they can follow the steps of how to put air in a tire

reynoldston said:

I agree with you 100% on this. I know this has come up before on this forum. I have never seen a belt stretch. I just don't argue this point anymore when I see it and let whoever think what they want.

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Thank you kind sir

Carscw said:

Thank you kind sir

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Why argue with them because I have nothing to prove because they know a lot more then me. Just ask them and they will tell you.

Carscw said:

Sorry I just assume every one knows how mowers are set up.

I have worked on so many mowers I know what they are without looking them up.

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Reynoldson. Is this the kind of arrogance you just described???? EH??????????????

reynoldston said:

Why argue with them because I have nothing to prove because they know a lot more then me. Just ask them and they will tell you.

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Yeah, I just asked him eh??? I have nothing to prove too!!!!!!! But if I give advice, I like to be correct, which is why I request the model number!!!!!!!!

I get why ask for the model number for some things. But it's just not needed for everything.

Something's you just know from experience and not from some trouble shooting guide in a book.

In this case what could you have told him that anyone else did not tell him if you had the model numbers ?

Fish just drop it. I just like to get you going.
I do understand why you ask for the model number.

Comes from a couple of decades of working at an OPE shop. The folks coming to the counter think that they know everything, will want to order parts to fix their mower,
because they are all the same thing, and they don't bring a model number, will bug the parts guy for an hour until he guesses a model number, looks up the blowup, the
customer points to it on the screen "That's IT!!!!" Orders the part, guy come to pick it up, "THAT AIN"T IT!!!!!" Blames the parts guy for ordering the wrong part, etc,
etc., and so on.....

Same with helping the folks here on the web, If they cannot trouble themselves to find and put up the model number, which they will need to fix their mower, then I
will let other guys here tell them that they need a new keyswitch, clutch, carb, coils, etc....

But I for one feel a tad guilty if I tell someone to buy a $50 or so part, and that doesn't cure the problem. Which is why I suggest a lot of "free" tests, like to see the blowup of the mower for better intel......ETC....

I have the same problem in my business life, which probably is why I am poor. If a young sport comes in on a Sat in April, wanting a keyswitch, solenoid, etc.

i'll ask him why......... Then I'll test the keyswitch and solenoid for free, then if they are fine, I'll ask him the model numbers, as none of the mowers are wired the same....

Fish said:

Reynoldson. Is this the kind of arrogance you just described???? EH??????????????

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Leave me out of the number debate. I have ordered enough parts to know how important the right numbers are. No you don't need the model number or brand for every question but some you do. I am more into the belt stretching debate. Belts don't stretch. Its almost just like the oil debate no one gets anywhere with it so why care or try.

reynoldston said:

Why argue with them because I have nothing to prove because they know a lot more then me. Just ask them and they will tell you.

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You brought yourself to the debate......

reynoldston said:

Belts don't stretch.

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Then where's the proof at? Wheres the photos at?

davbell22602 said:

Then where's the proof at? Wheres the photos at?

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There is no proof you are right they do stretch.

davbell22602 said:

Then where's the proof at? Wheres the photos at?

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That will be the day I have to prove anything to you or anyone else. Like I said before to you I am dumber then post next to what you know. Now there can't be much debate there I really I don't have any hard feelings over this. :smile: