Mowing How do I release the belt tension on a mid-mount Kubota mower?

[Dnlatimer]

In preparation for winter storage, I want to release the belt tension on a Kubota RC72-30B mid-mount mower. I have tried several ways, but have not been successful as the spring is very strong.

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

You should have one tensioner pully on an arm that it spring loaded to give constant tension.
that arm with pully needs to be retracted to remove the tension on the belt so it can be removed from the rest of the pullys.
you can store the deck with the belt on though.

 

[Dnlatimer]

What is the best way to pull the pulley arm back? That spring is very strong. Is there a special tool that I can buy? Or special technique to try?

 

[94BULLITT]

Post a pic of the deck so we can help you better.

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

I don't have a kubota so some pics might help.
also see if there is something in the owners manual under changing the deck belt.
I you have no manual try to google your model number on the net.
I downloaded an owners manual (not the shop tech. manual) off the internet.
advise in the ownwers manual might be given.
I you can shoot a pic of the top of the deck i might be able to give you a hint.
some homemade jigs are easy to make.
look for a square hole that a 1/2'' breaker bar might fit into also.
tom

 

[rbarker]

What is the best way to pull the pulley arm back? That spring is very strong. Is there a special tool that I can buy? Or special technique to try?

On my BX deck I found it easier to remove the spring rather than try to pull the pulley arm back. I thought it might be tricky to get the spring reattached but it worked with only a couple of tries. Don't know if this is helpful on your deck but they are probably pretty similar.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[Leejohn]

The pulley where the belt has the lonest stright run, just take a 1/2 or 5/8" round bar put it between the belt and pulley. Then just roll it off at the same time prying it off.

 

[psvines]

I've removed the belt on my mmm BX2660 for 3 years. The first time was the toughest, it took a great deal of effort to disconnect the spring. Last month it was much easier. I pulled the belt away from the deck while very slowly rotating the belt, so that the belt rode up the side of a pulley... Then it snapped off the pulley. Putting it back on is a similar exercise, push the belt towards the deck while slowly rotating the belt, and eventually an edge of the belt will catch on the pulley and pop into place.
Just be VERY careful with your fingers!

 

[ronjhall]

I use a Exhaust Spring tool to remove tension from the MMM belt. Also makes it easy to install the spring.