snowblower auger belt tension

[frankp]

I work on snowblowers and know it is important to state model and serial number but this is a general question as I have three blowers that I need to solve problem with the auger belt jumping puller. Does anyone have a suggestion about belt tension in both the engage and disengage position? Can I just adjust to result in slight tension in the disengaging position and the let the belt tension increase when the engage lever is squeezed? Or is there a correct way? Thanks

[fixer5000]

first off ill say you must use the correct type belts on snowblowers. second there is usually a small metal device that keeps a loose belt from jumping off the pulleys. third if they are too tight when relaxed they will wear very quickly. make sure your pulleys bearings are ok and dont wobble

[KE4AVB]

First as fixer5000 said you start with the correct belts then look for bent or missing retainers. This is usually why belts jump off after being disengaged.

On some equipment you may need to fabricate your own belt retainers to resolve a problem. I had a older JD self propelled mower that had been in several shops for the drive belt not staying on the driven pulley. While trying to find out why I notice that where two mounting holes for a retainer that was never installed. I made my own retainer and it resolve the problem. I also had several old riders where customers had removed and lost the NLA belt retainer/covers and had to make ones from materials at hand.

As for specific ideas to snowblowers belt problems I simply don't get them in here for repairs as I am location in Southeast USA where there is no need for them.

[RoyM]

You should be in Buffalo. Bent or misaligned pulleys often cause that problem. Pay particular attention to the bearing behind the auger pulley, it is prone to failure.

[Deere2me]

I work on snowblowers and know it is important to state model and serial number but this is a general question as I have three blowers that I need to solve problem with the auger belt jumping puller. Does anyone have a suggestion about belt tension in both the engage and disengage position? Can I just adjust to result in slight tension in the disengaging position and the let the belt tension increase when the engage lever is squeezed? Or is there a correct way? Thanks

No, you don't want ANY tension while dis-engaged.

You need to check the mfgs. website and download/ get ya an IPL. Look it over closely and you'll probably find ( as others have mentioned) some missing belt retainers. They are prone to vibration cracking and getting snagged by the belts and are very often missing.

Worn idler pivot bushings/shafts can also cause yer problem, as well as the aforementioned pulleys.

It's been quite a while since I've messed with any snow blowers,( I used to work in/ around D.C.) so have at it.

[frankp]

Good information. You guys refreshed my mind. It hasn't snowed yet in New Hampshire. Thanks

[38racing]

The retainers also serve to make the belt slip when disengaged. With them in proper location I try to adjust belt just to it's point of slipping when disengaged. I found an MTD tiller whose manual pointed out that there was no neutral when the belt cover was off because the pin was part of the cover.