Mower drive belt conversation

10 years ago

I've owned this 1989(?) Simplicity 5212.5 for a decade or so now and have gone through a drive belt every other year.

First 10 years I owned it either I would get lucky and would visually see the belt wear or it would snap out in the middle of the yard.

Now I can feel the irregularities in the belt while the mower is running or see movement in the "clutch" pedal. Man it runs smoother with a new belt.

How often do you all change your drive belts?

First couple I got were from local mower shops then I discovered ebay and auto parts stores could help me out if I knew enough about what I needed.

I have used great feeling green and regular black belts. Some claimed to be Kevlar or something special but all seem to last about the same amount of time. What is really the preferred material?

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Comments (3)

snuffyinatl
10 years ago
Sounds like you may have a bad drive or idler pulley....I have a 2005 Craftsman that still has the original drive belt, and I'm cutting 3 acres with it every week....may want to look at the pulleys, guides, everything involved....then get a good Kevlar belt....the ones I always see at tractor supply are blue.
Toronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
Original Author
10 years ago
Huh. Anything to look for with the pulleys besides making sure they spin reasonably nice and quiet?
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rcbe
10 years ago
toronado - if you are buying cheapie aftermarket drive belts for your simplicity, then you are most likely getting about what you paid for. Usually best to stick with OEM unless you are very knowledgeable on belt technology.
RE: pulleys... also chk ALL the involved pulley grooves for dents, cracks, damage, etc. .... and ck any involved pulleys on pivoting arms for free movement and not sloppy at arm pivot bushing/bolt.