Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Bought the machine late 2008 but had little snowfall 2008 and 2009. All was fine until this year . About the 3rd time I used it the auger belt came off. Put it on, looked for cause, moved the belt guide closer,but came off again. It appears the belt first turns inside out on the pulleys then jumps off. One thing I noticed is that the engine drive pulley and auger drive pulley are not in the same plane. When I put a strait edge on both outside edges of one pulley and extend the strait edge to the other pulley it appears one of the pulleys would need to be tilted a little to get alignment. Not sure if this is causal but if it is I am not sure how to correct other than shimming one side of the engine to tilt it.Any suggestions. A search of this site does not seem to indicate this is a common issue.
Gary

Beyond the engine pulley not being in the same plane as the pulley below it could also be possible the engine is not straight on the mounting plate.  I'd make sure the engine is not slightly twisted on the mounting plate or if it's sitting higher or lower on the crankshaft end.  I suppose the idler pulley could also cause a problem if it isn't straight.   I can't think of anything else that might cause this.

I have a new JD 1330SE and the drive belt came off after 2 hours use. It turns out the bolt holding the auger and drive pulley was lose and out about 1/2 inch. I tightened it down (need 2 wrenches) and re-installed the belts. It appears to be working now.

I would say this bolt holding the auger and drive bely pulleys was not tightened at the factory.

The only thing I can figure is the pulleys are misaglined and as it is used the belt had undue pressure on one side causing it to wear unevenly. I aligned the pulleys by moving the big lower pulley . Had to move it about a 1/4" and replaced the belt with a kevlar replacement . I really won,t know until I get some hours on it
Gary