Murray (MTD) 42 Deck Problem When Dis-engaged

wsmm

Member
The 42" deck on my Murray is supposed to engage the drive system as the deck is lowered. It appears that when in the raised and off position the deck is positioned forward. As you lower it it moves to the rear tightening the drive belt. The problem I have is that when it is up (the belt is loose), but it will try to spin the blades, which have the bakes on. This causes the belt to smoke, but it seems to be smoking at the pulley on the engine not the belts. Any ideas of what I can do to eliminate this problem, other than getting rid of the mover. With the deck down and blades spinning there is no problem.
Thanks,
Bill
 
The Murrays use very unique belts that have to the exact size and pitch. Nearly impossible to improvise belts on those.

First, make sure it is the correct Murray belt.

Next, inspect deck linkages for being bent. Make sure a spring to pull the deck forward isn't missing. While inspecting, look for adjusters for the travel forward(blades off).

Last, sometimes there are extra holes in the brackets that hold the deck on the mower. If the deck has been removed recently, make sure you used the right holes. Could be a rusts pulley causing extra friction. If it smokes a lot, it sounds like the belt is routed wrong.
 
MURRAY AND MTDS are NOT and NEVER were the same company.From your problem and description I'd suspect you have an MTD 400 or 600 series.That being said/ rrobert pretty well covered it.Only belts I've ever found to work properly are OEM MTD belts and Gates Bladerunner series which are specially made to precisely match OEM specs of mfg branded belts.
And make sure the belt guide rods are there alongside the drive pulley and NOT pried aside by a lazy ignorant servicer.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top