Bill_C
Gold Member
I didn't use the same words, but that's exactly what I meant. Kinetic energy from the rapidly spinning and properly balanced blade stands the vertical spindle straight up - just like a kid's spinning top. That thrust relieves all but contact pressure from the bearings. Remove the blade, and you remove the kinetic source that commands the upright position. At that point the idler spring tension causes the belt to pull the spindle off vertical. Bearing wear ensues.
//greg//
Nope, not so!!!
I've had typical mower spindles apart. I've designed chain and pulley tensioners that spin far faster with heavier load.
The thrust loads from running the mower in the field are far greater than any load from the belt alone.