Caroni Mower Belt Help?

[Bull88]

I recently purchased a Bolens G192 tractor for light work around my property. The tractor came with a Caroni TC590 5 foot finish mower. The other day, while mowing, a belt broke. No problem, I found a set on the net. However, now I am unsure exactly what the proper procedure is for replacing them. I have removed the access cover above each belt. Each belt must go around a total of three pulleys. But, without unbolting stuff, I see no way to loop the one end of the belt over two of the pulleys. If anyone has one of these mowers and recognizes what I am talking about, I'd appreciate a bit of technical advice before I start disassembling the mower more than I have to.

Thanks very much...hoping to mow this weekend!

Dave

 

[rickmacheske]

If it's anything like the Landpride, you don't need to remove any of the wheels. I remember having to loop the belt under the main wheel, where the power comes from.

 

[IslandTractor]

Agri-Supply is a big Caroni dealer. I betcha someone there knows the answer. Agri Supply® Online Store - Where we have Something for Everyone for your Farm Shop & Home

 

[rossetal]

I recently purchased a Bolens G192 tractor for light work around my property. The tractor came with a Caroni TC590 5 foot finish mower. The other day, while mowing, a belt broke. No problem, I found a set on the net. However, now I am unsure exactly what the proper procedure is for replacing them. I have removed the access cover above each belt. Each belt must go around a total of three pulleys. But, without unbolting stuff, I see no way to loop the one end of the belt over two of the pulleys. If anyone has one of these mowers and recognizes what I am talking about, I'd appreciate a bit of technical advice before I start disassembling the mower more than I have to.

Thanks very much...hoping to mow this weekend!

Dave

I've got the 6-foot version, the problem's the same. The issue is the low clearance between the pulleys on the center blade shaft and the housing. The belt looks like it won't fit through, but it can be coerced. Here's what I do: position the new belt so that the narrow edge (the portion that engages the pulley) is pointing inward and push it as far as you can over the top of the offending pulleys. It won't go too far. Then take a wooden dowel about 1/2" in diameter and a foot long. Place the dowel against the flat outer edge of the belt and gently tap on the other end with a rubber mallet to drive the belt over the pulley. After you get it to the halfway point, you can grab both free ends of the belt and pull it the rest of the way over the pulley. Then repeat for the second belt. If you're careful, you won't damage the belts in the process. Note: a big screwdriver is not a good substitute for the dowel. Trust me.
This is truly a pain in the rear, but I haven't found a better way.

My other problem with this mower is that belts seem to break at least twice a season. Both broke on me Sunday, and, of course, I had only one spare on hand. Does anyone have experience with using the higher-priced kevlar belts on finishing mowers? I wouldn't mind paying the much higher prices if I only had to change belts once a year, or less.

Regards,

Jeff Ross

 

[bucmeister]

My Woods RM990 takes a double band C belt they claim is Kevlar and I usually get about 3 seasons of hard use, including foodplot/hunting camp road mowing.

 

[Kays Supply]

There is a parts page at Agri Supply. It isn't a perfect picture but it might help you figure out your belts. agrisupplyco.com/rearmower.html

 

[squireg]

Rather than pounding the belt into place with a dowel rod, just remove the two forward bolts holding the gearbox support housing in place. Then, using a piece of wood, gently pry up the support just enough to easily push the belt between the housing and pulley. (Or you can just remove all 4 bolts.) I would also recommend replacing both belts at the same time with brand new belts also purchased at the same time. I recently replaced both belts with a brand new belt and an older (never used) new belt and noted a considerable difference in their length. After checking and re-tightening several times after a few hours use, the belts are approaching the same length. Also, it is important to inspect the belts regularly and far better to replace the belts proactively. I let mine go for way too long and one belt broke and wrapped around the gearbox shaft damaging the gearbox shaft seal. Fortunately the shaft was not damaged and the seal was replaced by a local hydraulics shop.

 

[leonz]

When you purchase multiple V belts for one machine they have to be from the "exact" lot number. The lot numbers are molded in the V belts top carcass.

Send me a PM with your e-mail and I will send you a copy of the parts and service manual. The Kevlar belts are worth every penny and you will have much, much less trouble with shock loads breaking the belt cords that are molded into the V belts.

 

[Gunny]

My other problem with this mower is that belts seem to break at least twice a season. Both broke on me Sunday, and, of course, I had only one spare on hand. Does anyone have experience with using the higher-priced kevlar belts on finishing mowers? I wouldn't mind paying the much higher prices if I only had to change belts once a year, or less.

Regards,Jeff Ross

Just my opinion, but I believe they're worth it. My Dad broke at least one belt on his Gravely every year. When he gave it to me, the belt was broken, so I replaced it with a Kevlar, when I passed it along to my younger brother five years later, that belt was still on it. He hasn't mentioned having to replace it, so I assume it's still working for him also.
I bought a used RFM and the belt broke on it the second time I mowed with it. Bought a kevlar belt for that one and it's been on and doing well for three years now, but it is beginning to show some wear.

 

[Joyce White]

thank to you I was able to get the belts over the pulley, taking out the two front bolts worked so easily. Now however I can't get the new belts to fit over the left & right outer spindles. If you have any ideas on this I would really appreciate hearing. By the way I am a senior so huge amounts of brute strength is an issue. I did purchase the special spindle tool, if that makes any difference.