Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Husqvarna ride on mower drive belt, tension spring, idler pulleys

Question
QUESTION: Model: LTH1742.

Hello,
we ran over a large rock and broke a blade.  I've removed the mower
assembly
and thought that I'd be able to run/drive/ride the 'tractor' on its own but
there's
no movement.
The drive belt appears to be very loose but I'm not sure if that's normal?  
Could
the belt have been stretched at the time of the 'seizure'?  That is, should I
replace the belt?  
Or, do you tighten something to get it back into order?  Should I be looking
for
another reason why the machine will not now move before I assume that
there's something wrong with the belt?

Thank you,
Philip.

 




ANSWER: The drive belt should be tight when the clutch is released.  Check and make sure the belt is around the idler pulleys.  If the belt is tight, try turning the pulley on the engine.  It's possible you sheared the key on the pulley.  Let me know what you get from those two things and we'll go from there.  Thanks, PK.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your ideas, PK.  I've checked the clutch's effect on the belt.  It
remains loose despite the belt's being around all of the idler pulleys.  There
still appears to be a good 'v' shape to the belt.
Is there a way to tighten things?  I'd hate to buy a new belt if it's a different
adjustment that I should be doing.
Thanks again,
Philipl.

Answer
The AYP/Husqy mowers don't really have any adjustments to speak of.  If the idler pulley or clutch pulley is moving through it's full range and the tension spring is in place and tight, that's about it.  

My list shows your mower has a Hydro-stat.  That's correct isn't it?  

I'd check that the belt is properly routed, if you need a diagram let me know, and if it's around the pulleys correctly and still loose and the spring and idler motion checks out, I think you would need a new belt.  I don't see how hitting a rock could cause a drive belt problem though.  It could cause the engine pulley key to shear, so be sure to check that first.

This is rather an odd circumstance so let me know what you find.  Thanks, PK.