[Whenu]

Hi all, I have an older model MTD, 13AM475F670, lately it has been eating spindles and pulleys, the last ones lasted 1/2 hour, then stripped the splines.
I've re-bushed the mounting holes for the hanger brackets as they were flogged way out of round.
When starting the motor, the blades are turning as well, putting a strain on the battery, it has the standard length belt, wondering if a longer one would help.
Cheers.

 

[VTXRider]

Welcome to the forum Whenu.
Something is very out of balance on your deck. My first guess is the spindle bearings are bad. Then the deck needs to be adjusted per the instructions in the manual so it is not engaged when starting the engine.

 

[Whenu]

Only seems to be the left spindle that strips, will check belt engagement but not sure if there is any facility for that.

 

[Whenu]

Amazing what one will find in the manual.

 

[Whenu]

Adjusted the deck by about 6 turns of the deck adjustment, did a test run in some longish grass for a tank of gas, all went well.
Is it possible for the belt to have the correct part no. and still be shorter than standard?

 

[WNYTractorTinkerer]

Get the trimmer's Model # and look HERE

 

[Whenu]

Had a quick look on there but the model doesn't come up, too old I think.
Got the original no. off the MTD site, wondering about the belt length.