My Tractor Forum banner

Release Tension LX188 Drive Belt

3K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  robb2000 
#1 · (Edited)
Well, it's me again with another problem! I did some deck work today, thinking the nylon bushings on the idler arm needed replacing because of a lot of rubber powder found on the deck. Got that done, and when I went to test it, awful squealing and no movement from the mower when I tried to back out of the shed. Looked under and noticed that the drive belt was not inside the most middle small pulley, which is not far from a far right small pulley, and the belt is riding on the bottom edge of the middle pulley. Tried pushing it back up with my thumb, but it's really tight. It just needs to slip back into the pulley. Jacked the mower up to test if tranny was locked, but the back wheels spun okay. Hesitant about hammers and screwdrivers to force it back on.

Accepting any guidance, I can only think of one thing to do first, get the belt back onto the pulley to see if it will work. But now I'm thinking the belt dust came from that belt instead of my deck belt. Need to release a little pressure. All replies are welcome! Thanks!

EDIT for Added info. The transmission disengage is now stuck to the pushed in position. I pulled on it, but not a ton of pressure, but it didn't want to pull back to release where I could push the mower.

EDIT: Not sure if this will go to the right page, but number 16 pulley on the "Belt Drive and Idlers" is where the belt is riding on the bottom of the pulley. I am now suspecting that it might be wedged somehow on the guard.

https://www.green-parts-direct.com/...76-lx178-lx186-and-lx188/AD-4275-169227-58500

GrampsTed.
 
See less See more
#2 ·
FIXED for now. I got under there again and gently tapped the belt around the plastic idler with a blunt punch and got the belt back on the pulley. I then noticed that the belt was running through one metal ring instead of split between two. That might have been causing the belt dust, but I don't really think so. Only time will tell if it's really fixed for good. Deck is cleaned up and I'll be looking for rubber dust when I mow later one.
 
#4 ·
That's how I test my LX's bearings in the pulleys........with the engine running, depress the brake and let it out again.....listen for the noise! For belt replacement, lock the brake pedal.
 
#7 ·
When I got my LX188 a few years ago, the bolt holding the deck electric clutch kept falling out. I replaced it and the washer with the correct Deere bolt and washer, got it very tight.
Only ran it for a short time, bolt came out again. Replaced it again (lost in the grass).
Replaced the clutch, didn't help. Deck is the 38 inch one, used the correct JD belt.
Third bolt replacement I made the mistake of using blue loctite on the bolt. Bolt sheared off flush with the eingine shaft.
Luckily a friend helped me get it out with an easy out.
It seemed that the belt was way too tight. I left the lock arm (on the left side that hooks on the front) a few inches loose and used a rope to hold it.
Belt tension felt good. The engine bolt never came out.
I tried several JD belts but all were either too loose or too tight.
Ended up using a generic A60, 62 inch belt and all has been fine since then.
I later got a GT275 with no deck. Bought a 38 inch deck for it, used the same A60 belt, no issues.
fyi.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top