Bought a used 3206 with 250 hrs, 54 inch deck, 54 inch blade with hydraulic lift. I've put about 45 hours on it since buying with no problems until recently. PTO vacuum actuator failed. Bought new and improved verison, apparently an update was in order. Installed the new actuator and solenoid, this appears to have fixed this problem. However, after mowing for about 30 minutes the front pto belt (there are two) shredded. Scared the heck out of me as I thought I toasted the engine, loud band, frayed belt fragments flying, burnt rubber smell. Had a new pair of belts JIC. Installed them without adjusting anything, probably a mistake. Engaged PTO and immediately shredded the front belt. I have read the post by "Cyblood" and think his problem is similar, but wanted to see if anyone else has ideas. I think the belt shredding can be traced to installation of new vacuum actuator and my guess is my failure to adjust pulleys/tensioner is the problem?? The pulleys are running true. Any ideas are welcome.
3206 PTO Belt Shredder
- Thread starter mossydave
- Start date
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TractorLarry
Gold Member
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2006
- Messages
- 281
It sounds like the PTO clutch is doing it's duty, it just can't spin the belt when it engages.
Can you turn the belt manually with everything shut down?
It sounds like the Belt or something else may be binding. May have actually been the cause of your first failure as well now that I think about it.
Maybe the initial PTO clutch was a victim, not the actual fault?
-Larry
Can you turn the belt manually with everything shut down?
It sounds like the Belt or something else may be binding. May have actually been the cause of your first failure as well now that I think about it.
Maybe the initial PTO clutch was a victim, not the actual fault?
-Larry
mossydave said:
Thanks for the reply. Everything appears to be in working order. I'm beginning to think the culprit is the new and improved vacuum actuator, the design is different from the one that failed. The previous version had a straight threaded rod while the new version has a hooked rod. The belt shredding has happened only with the new actuator. I'm thinkning the new actuator pulls on the PTO idler pulley at a slight angle, allowing the belts to walk around on the idler pulley. I have new belts on order and will dicuss this idea with the Cub mechanic at my local dealer when I pick them up.
jnovak01
New member
Could you tell me on your Cub if you have a very sensitive forward pedal?
I have a 3204 and really have to feather the forward pedal, or the CC can jerk you forward. Reverse is better but still the pedal is not a linear feel as one would expect.
Thanks.
I have a 3204 and really have to feather the forward pedal, or the CC can jerk you forward. Reverse is better but still the pedal is not a linear feel as one would expect.
Thanks.
My 3206 has a pretty smooth acceleration in both forward and reverse. I did bypass the PTO disengage when the reverse pedal is used and adjusted the reverse pedal a little to give more throttle in reverse. Otherwise, I have not adjusted anything pedal-wise.
I got my new belts from my local Cub dealer today and discussed the idea of the belt walk causing the shredding problem. The mechanic agrees and showed me how the PTO idler pulley arm can have some slop in it after awhile allowing the idler arm and pulley to engage the PTO at a slight angle. This allows the PTO belt to walk off the idler pulley and get caught up in the other PTO pulleys. He told me there are a few DIY remedies that may help rectify the problem, like replacing the bushing on the idler pulley arm, or shimming it, or loosening the whole assembly and cocking it a bit to put a reverse angle on the whole assembly. May try one of these options in the future. The guy behind the counter, has worked with Cubs for decades and also has a 3000 series, told me it happened to his machine and he mows with the one belt. I did the same today and had no problems. Will continue like this until the rear PTO belt fails...then I may replace both, or just the rear. Would be nice to have the machine work as manufactured.
mustang714
New member
I have read with interest the posts on belt shredding by a 3206. I have a 3206 that I bought new and use a 48" mower deck and a snow thrower. I am now experiencing the same belt shredding that others seem to. I am wondering if anybody has access to the shop manuals to install these belts properly.
I also read with interest that mossydave had deactivated the automatic disengage of the power take off when in reverse. How do I do that.
I also this spring when taking the snow thrower off had no hydraulics to the front lift. Thought the cylinder was frozen but when taken out of the system freed up. I know the pump and valve assembly are working as the hoses tensed up when I worked the control lever. I am now taking hoses to a hydraulic shop to have all fittings checked.
I would appreciate any input.
Mustang
I also read with interest that mossydave had deactivated the automatic disengage of the power take off when in reverse. How do I do that.
I also this spring when taking the snow thrower off had no hydraulics to the front lift. Thought the cylinder was frozen but when taken out of the system freed up. I know the pump and valve assembly are working as the hoses tensed up when I worked the control lever. I am now taking hoses to a hydraulic shop to have all fittings checked.
I would appreciate any input.
Mustang
diesel_nut
Gold Member
I don't know for sure but I'd think there would be a switch on the reverse lever/linkage somewhere to enable the disconnect. I'd search the linkage out for a switch. The new tractors(2500 Series for sure) have what is called "RevTech" (Reverse Tech) which allows you to set a switch to ALLOW cutting in reverse. Very nice!!
mustang714
New member
Thanks I'll try that!!
savageactor7
Platinum Member
mustang on our GT the 'quick disconnect bracket' that secures the nose of the deck was rubbing against the belt, fraying it. Luckily I caught it within the 1st 5 hours or so. I notched out some more clearance with an angle grinder.
The belt is still doing its job after 80hrs.
Also for what it's worth I always engage the PTO with the lowest rmp's that will allow it to engage...about 1/4 throttle.
The belt is still doing its job after 80hrs.
Also for what it's worth I always engage the PTO with the lowest rmp's that will allow it to engage...about 1/4 throttle.
