Why Does My Yardman Mower Keep Destroying the Belt That Is on the Deck to Power the Blade?

Old Belt

• Yard Man mower belts are expected to wear down over time. If you purchase a used Yard Man, the belt may be reaching the end of its service life. The belt could be stretched out of size from use, which doesn’t keep it tight on the pulleys as your mower deck operates. Do a thorough inspection by pulling on the belt and examining the undersides. Look for rips, cracks, shredding or rotting, and replace the belt if you find any damage.

Pulleys

• Yard Man deck belts are designed to rotate over several pulleys like the PTO idler pulley, center pulley and double pulleys. These pulleys are made of tough metal that, if damaged inside the belt grooves, could cut on the belt as it rotates. Pulleys that are out of balance due to loose hardware could also wear the belt down prematurely or possibly dislodge it. Remove the belt and inspect the pulleys for serviceability.

Deck Maintenance

• Damage to the belt can be prevented by keeping the deck area of your Yard Man mower clean. Do not allow grass, dirt or gravel to accumulate in the deck area. Clean it after every use. If you mow over rocky or rough surfaces, inspect the belt and the pulley grooves for rocks that could be lodged inside them. Ensure you keep any lubricants or grease away from the grooves, or you could cause belt slippage.

Belt Size

• If your Yard Man mower’s belt is due for a replacement, ensure you get the correct size belt, preferably from the manufacturer, as shown in your operator’s manual. If the original belt is no longer made, only replace it with a belt approved by your Yard Man’s manufacturer.