(Tom Arnold) explain the mule drive Please

4435 · Jul 2, 2010

Tom, On this 4020 Ingersoll. The spring that tensions the mule drive belt? Is there a way to set this up so it doesn"t have to be removed each time I remove the deck drive belt.

I don"t have an owners manual yet and the set up on the 4020 is much different than my old 444.

Thanks Tom

Tom Arnold · Jul 2, 2010

That's the first time I've ever heard that complaint.

Since I'm not there to see what's going on, I suggest that you start by using the link below. When you get there, click on the illustrated parts list link. Then, scroll down and find the Rotary Mower section. Most likely, you have either a RM-48 or RM-60 deck but if you have a RM-44 that's fine too. They are all covered in the parts manual. Perhaps seeing the diagrams will help solve your problem.

Out of curiousity, is the spring just falling off or do feel that it must be removed in order to take off the drive belt. You post is unclear on that issue.

The threads on the Tee handle should be clean. The T-handle should not be bent anywhere in the threaded section and it should rotate easily. There is ample thread to back off all the tension on the spring and then some. Once the spring has no tension, you should be able to flip the belt off of one of the mule pulleys with ease.

One that has been done, then removal of the belt from the deck pulley and then the PTO pulley should not be a problem. The Operator's Manual for your deck should outline the entire procedure.
Ingy

4435 · Jul 2, 2010

Tom, It makes very little difference where the adjustment screw is turned the spring tension stays virtually the same. It doesn"t seem to be assembled quite correctly and even with the parts diagram (RM60) I can"t seem to put my finger on it.

The spring does not fall off and must be manually removed to get the belt off the pulleys. You could put a nickel between the coils at any position of the screw.

Facing the direction of travel the spring is set up on the right side and the screw is on the left.

Next time I am at the case dealer I will have the parts lady order a owners manual.
Thanks Tom

Tom Arnold · Jul 2, 2010

If your Case dealer isn't an authorized Ingersoll dealer, then you're shopping at the wrong place. Case sold this division in 1983 to Ingersoll and stopped supporting these tractors as of that date. I have heard all kinds of horror stories about the ultra-high prices some Case dealers have charged customers for parts so I suggest that you use some caution.

It sounds to me that your mule harness is either bent or seized. I think that you may need to take it apart and start looking for the real cause of your woes. That adjuster is there to take the spring pressure from zero pounds pull and up. As you spin the Tee handle, that spring should either lose tension or gain tension. It should not remain static. Are you sure that you have the spring mounted where it should go?

Download the correct page of the parts manual for your RM-60 deck and then take it out to the garage for a direct comparison.

4435 · Jul 3, 2010

Tom, No I am uncertain of the correct location of the spring, I have it hooked in the right idler as the idler flops fore and aft unattached other than its pivot Item 29. The forward end of the spring is attached in one of the holes in the front mount bracket #21. Everything appears to be the same as the picture of the early RM60 deck as shown online in the ingy parts catalog page 21. Its as though there needs to be some way to control #27.

Thanks Tom

P.S. The Prices seem to be competitive with what I see on ebay for new parts.

(Tom Arnold) explain the mule drive Please

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