Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD LT180 belt question, safety glasses, pulley

Question
I have a JD LT180. It has been to the dealer 6 times in 3 years because the belt keeps coming off. Is this something common with this model. Usually when I stop the PTO
briefly and then restart the mower this occurs. Bot it used from the dealer with 100 hours on it and have put on est of 20 hr since.. Thanks


Answer
Hello Monty:

Are the Belt Guards Bent or Missing? The Belt Guards are Designed to Keep the Belts from Jumping Off the Pulley when the Tension is Released from the Belt. All the Belt Guards Should be No More Than 1/4" from the Pulleys. If Any of the Pulleys or Idlers are Bent the Belt can be Forced Past the Guard and Jump the Off the Pulley. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. This is Not a Common Problem. It Happens to All the OEMs Mowers. You have to Realize the Speed the Pulleys are Turning and How Much Force the Belt can Exert on the Guards if a Pulley is Bent or the Guard is Set Too Far from the Pulley. I have Crews that Use Equipment Every Day and the Guards have to be Straightened at Least Once a Month. If the Drive Belt is Jumping Off, then Remove the Deck. Remove the Spark Plug/s from the Engine. Remove the Cutter Deck. Use Cardboard and Lay Under the Mower. **WEAR SAFETY GLASSES OR SHIELD!!!** Have Someone Operate the Drive System (Clutch/Brake). Look for Any Pulley Guard that is Not Within 1/4" of the Pulleys When the Clutch is Disengaged. Make Sure All the Guards are in Place and Tight. Turn Each Pulley by Hand. Watch for a Bent Pulley, a Bent Lip on the Pulley or a Pulley with Bad Bearings. Make Sure the Pulley is Fastened Securely to It's Bracket. Something is Bent and Allowing the Belt to Jump the Pulley. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John