Drive Belt Tension Check and Adjustment

NOTE: Press PTO switch in the disengaged position for all checks and adjustments in this section.

When controls are properly adjusted, the machine will respond as follows:

• With engine stopped and clutch disengaged, machine should move freely.
• With engine stopped and travel clutch applied, traction roller should not move.
• With engine running and set at slow idle, brake released and travel clutch released, machine should not move.
• With engine running and set at slow idle, brake released, travel clutch lever engaged and holding machine by handlebars, transport wheels should spin on gravel or concrete surface.
• With engine running, brake released, and travel clutch applied, unit should propel itself up an incline.

Check Procedure

1. Park machine on a level surface.

2. Move run/stop switch to STOP position.

3. Release travel clutch lever and park brake.

4. Pull the machine backward: transport wheels and roller should turn freely.

   1. If roller and transport wheels turn freely, proceed to next step.

   2. If roller and transport wheels do not turn, adjust belt tension and repeat step.

5. Move travel clutch lever to engaged position and pull the machine backward: transport wheels and roller should not turn.

   1. If transport wheels or roller turn, or if excessive force is required to engage clutch, adjust drive belt tension.

   2. If transport wheels and roller do not turn, proceed to next step.

6. Release travel clutch lever. Start engine and run at slow idle. The machine should not move forward. If it does, adjust drive belt tension.

   1. If machine moves forward, adjust drive belt tension.

   2. If the machine does not move forward, proceed to the next step.

7. With engine running at slow idle, hold machine by the handlebars to prevent it from moving. Engage the travel clutch lever.

   1. If transport wheels will not spin on gravel or concrete, belt adjustment is required.

   2. If transport wheels spin on gravel or concrete, proceed to next step.

8. With engine running at slow idle, engage the travel clutch lever to begin forward travel. Release the operator presence bail.

   1. If forward travel stops, belt is properly adjusted.

   2. If forward travel does not stop, see Adjusting Operator Presence Bail in this section or your John Deere Dealer.

Adjustment Procedure

1. Park machine on a level surface.

2. Move run/stop switch to stop position.

3. Release travel clutch lever.

4. 
   TCAL41579-UN-22JAN13

   Loosen upper cable jam nuts (A) and lengthen (decrease belt tension) or shorten (increase belt tension) ferrule length to change belt tension.

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5. Tighten jam nuts to specification.

   Item	Measurement	Specification
   Jam Nuts	Torque	11 N·m (96 lb.-in.)

6. Repeat check procedure. (See Check Procedure.) If additional adjustment is required, repeat previous steps. If proper adjustment cannot be obtained, reference the Technical Manual for additional service information.