JD GX345 54c mower drive belt rub

charleyflst · May 12, 2016

My problem is belt related...the drive belt path interferes with the idler arm post on one side and the tension spring on the other. Crazy things is, bought tractor used about 10 years ago, never a belt problem...now io see the "original belt is plowing into the afore mentioned and nearly chewed in half. Something changed, no way this rubbing could have gone on for 10 years, right? So I bought a replacement belt. I dont feel like it will last more than a few hours with the path interfering...facts
double pulley sheaves..lower one is narrower than top one. someone told me to flip.( affect on belts?)
top sheave is level with rubber cup (recently tore up on "original")
I know mulching double sheave/pulley top sheave sits taller than rubber cup..I have a 345/54c mulching mower also
the problem is the gx345..non mulching mower
btw..both mowers sn state 54C Mower

charleyflst · May 12, 2016

Additional information...I replaced the bushings inside the idler arm assembly, thinking they were the problem...even though i did not notice much of a wobble. New bushings (4) did not make a difference in alignment.

Is the spring on the idler arm tension bar supposed to be in the end of the link? that is where it was, but i also see wear makrs in to holes indicating it was there once upon a time. should I move it in?

T.R.K. · May 12, 2016

I am no expert but:

Are the rear deck mounts still firmly welded to the deck with no bends and no cracks? I'm looking at the rusty place at the front of the left hand one.

Have you ever replaced the belt between the blades and did you use the OEM belt that time? It looks like it needs to be a bit shorter to give max. clearance for the pivot post and spring.

When the deck is mounted, Are you sure its in the correct holes on the links that drop down from the mower? It seems to me that the deck located farther backward would swing the double pulley forward and away from the pivot. That is also why I asked about the welds on the rear deck mounts.

Lastly, and maybe you should check this first, Are you sure the parts guy gave you the correct belt for your mower with you deck mounted on it? I know in some cases several decks will fit one mower, but use different drive belts.

charleyflst · May 13, 2016

Thx, surface flaking only, its a solid deck. Deck belt about 4 seasons old, no cracks. Deck was mounted since then. I see lots of other references to similar problems with many jd mowers.

I dint see anything bent, cracked nor loose. I guess i ll just try it with new power belt and see what happens. Thx

I ll update if still a problem.

JD GX345 54c mower drive belt rub

charleyflst

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charleyflst

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T.R.K.

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charleyflst

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