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Section 5: Maintenance 19
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING
TENSION ON CLUTCH BELTS
Maintaining correct belt tension is impor-
tant 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 – even though the engine is
running at full speed. A loose belt will
also result in premature belt wear.
While checking belt tension, also check
for cracks, cuts or frayed edges. A belt in
poor condition should be replaced.
NOTE: The photographs in this Section
show a reverse drive assembly (pulley (A,
Figure 5-8), belt (B), cable (C) and
linkage(D)). These components are not
used on Model 12226.
Checking and Adjusting
Forward Clutch Belt Tension
It is important to maintain correct tension
on the forward clutch belt (C, Figure 5-9).
A loose belt will cause the tines and
wheels to slow down – or stop completely
– even though the engine is running at full
speed. A loose belt will also result in pre-
mature belt wear.
• Check belt tension after the first two
hours of break-in operation and after
every 10 operating hours.
• At the end of each tilling season, check
the belt for cracks, cuts or frayed edges.
A belt in poor condition should be
replaced.
Checking Forward Belt Tension
1. Before checking, shut off engine, allow
the engine and muffler to cool down, dis-
connect the spark plug wire, remove the
ignition key on electric start models.
2. The coiled part of the forward clutch
spring (E, Figure 5-9) measures 2" in
length when the Forward Clutch Control
levers are not pulled up. Pull either
Forward Clutch Control Lever up against
the handlebar and measure the length of
the coiled part of the forward clutch
spring. Tension is correct if the length of
the extended coil is 2-1/2" (see Figure
5-10). The forward clutch cable needs
adjustment if length of the extended coils
is less than 2-1/2". See Adjusting the
Forward Clutch Belt for a procedure. If the
extended length is more than 2-1/2", there
is no need to adjust as long as the unit
operates correctly when moving Forward.
Adjusting the Forward Clutch Cable
Do this procedure if the forward clutch
spring measurement is not correct (see
Checking Forward Belt Tension)
1. Before adjusting the belt, shut off
engine, allow the engine and muffler to
cool down, disconnect the spark plug
wire, and remove the ignition key on elec-
tric start models.
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to
a complete stop, remove ignition key on electric start models, 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.
WARNING
Figure 5-11: Location of forward clutch cable
spring (E) and forward cable adjuster (F).
Follow the belt adjustment instructions
carefully. An incorrect adjustment could
result in the clutch control mechanism
engaging too soon. This could cause
loss of tiller control and result in per-
sonal injury or property damage.
WARNING
Figure 5-10: Correct spring length when
Forward Clutch Levers are engaged is 2-1/2".
2-1/2"
extended
spring length
Figure 5-9: Forward clutch belt. (C, Left-
side view, no belt cover.)
C
E
F
Figure 5-8
C
A
D
B