4-3 BELT ADJUSTMENT
Belt tensions should be checked every 40 hours to
get maximum life from drive belts and best perfor-
mance from the cutter. Belt tension is adjusted by
increasing or decreasing the length of the spring on
the moveable idlers. For proper belt tension on the
mower, the spring lengths should be set at 2-7/8”.
(Figure 4-2) To adjust the spring length, loosen or tight-
en the 3/8” hex nuts on the spring adjustment rod until
the correct spring length is reached.
Figure 4-2 3/8” Hex Nuts - Spring Length Adjustment
4-4 BELT REPLACEMENT
Use only genuine Bush Hog replacement parts. It is
not necessary to replace both belts if only one is
worn.
A. Remove right and left side shields.
B. Relieve spring tension by loosening the two
3/8” hex nuts on each spring adjustment rod. (Figure
4-2)
C. Remove old belts.
D. Install new belts as shown below. (Also refer
to the decal on underside of belt shield)
1. Belts must be installed at the same time. One
belt cannot be installed and tightened down before
the other.
2. Disconnect the upper adjustment rod from the
upper idler assembly.
3. Place both belts into the respective grooves
on the driving sheave.
4. Work the lower belt over the other sheaves.
After the lower belt is in place, complete the installa-
tion of the upper belt.
5. Connect the upper adjustment rod and the
upper idler assembly.
6. Tighten the compression springs on the upper
and lower drives to 2-7/8” long. Tighten the jam nuts
on the adjustment rods.
7. Replace all shields before operating machine.
Figure 4-3
UPPER BELT DIAGRAM
LOWER BELT DIAGRAM
Upper Idler Assembly
Upper Adjustment Rod
Driving Sheave
At Gearbox
Driving Sheave
At Gearbox
Lower Adjustment Rod
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