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CHECKING AND ADJUSTING
FORWARD DRIVE BELT TENSION
Maintaining correct tension on the
forward drive belt is important to good
tilling performance and long belt life. A
loose belt will slip on the engine and
transmission pulleys and cause the tines
and wheels to slow down – or stop com-
pletely – even though the engine is
running at full speed. A loose belt can
also result in premature belt wear.
If you find you cannot bring the Forward
Clutch Bail all the way up to the bottom of
the upper handlebars, you will need to
loosen the belt tension.
Also check the belt for cracks, cuts or
frayed edges and replace it as soon as
possible.
• Check belt tension after the first two
hours of break-in operation (new belt).
• Check belt tension after every 10
operating hours.
To Check Belt Tension:
1. Be sure that the engine is stopped and
the spark plug wire is disconnected and
moved away from the spark plug.
2. Lift the Forward Clutch Bail up and
hold it to the bottom of the handlebars.
3. Measure the length of the coiled
portion of the clutch bail spring (A, Figure
5-4) with a ruler. If the belt tension is
correct, the length of the coiled portion
should be approximately 1-7/8".
4. If the spring is too short, the belt
tension will be too loose. If the spring is
too long, the belt tension will be too tight.
5. To adjust the length of the spring,
release the Forward Clutch Bail. Unthread
the hex nut (C, Figure 5-4) to the top of
the screw. Next, screw the threaded
adjuster (B, Figure 5-4) counterclockwise
(as viewed from the operator’s position)
to increase the length of the spring, or
clockwise (as viewed from the operator’s
position) to decrease the length of the
spring.
Figure 5-3: Install tines so that cutting edge of tines will enter soil first when tiller moves
forward.
Section 5: Maintenance
WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all
parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark
plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or
property damage.
A
D
C
Figure 5-4: Lift bail and check length of Clutch Bail Spring to check for correct
belt tension (1-7/8").
1
2
3
4
A
C
B
B
ENGINE
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