Throwing the belt

[StarTech]

You can research these to see if any of them is your mower.

 

[Billy71]

It's a 461ZX-999681801 and year is 2012

 

[StarTech]

Is the belt retainer on the LH idler pulley? I have where owner replace the belt and throw away the retainer or install the belt wrong. It has to be removed to install the belt but needs re-installing.

 

[cpolarbear]

Any body have any ideas?

You may have a pulley going bad. Had that issue on my JD deck, and one of the pulleys ended up being the issue. They may turn, but if they don't free spin, they cause drag and that will throw the belt off. Check your pulleys and spindles for free movement when the belt is off. They shouldn't have any noise, grinding, or play when spinning or being checked. Ensure spindles are regularly greaased if they have a fitting, too...

 

[cupboy]

Was the old belt coming off too? If not what happens if you re-install it?

 

[cpolarbear]

Whenever I had that issue with my John Deere, it usually turned out one of the deck pulley wheels was going bad...

 

[sgkent]

It is an old Scottish custom before each season. All the men get around and see how far they can throw their old belts that don't fit anymore after a long sassy fat winter.