Brand New - Betstco FH-EFGCH195 Burning Belts

[bctxprop]

I'm trying to understand what's going wrong here. This flail cutter has been used twice as it's brand new, and both times I've burned the belts. I spoke with the representatives at Betstco on Friday, and their mechanics walked me through a few troubleshooting steps. The first issue identified was that the top pulley was out of alignment (came that way), which I promptly fixed. Fortunately, I had a backup set of belts ($75), so I adjusted the tension and corrected the alignment. After making these adjustments, I went ahead and cut about 10 acres of Coastal Bermuda mixed with Bahia grass. Unfortunately, the belts started smoking again and were nearly destroyed by the time I finished.

I'm at a loss as to what could be causing this issue. Should I consider returning this equipment, or is there something I might be overlooking? I've greased all the specified points, and the gearbox is properly oiled. My Brush Hog rotary cutter handles the same terrain without any issues. I’d appreciate any insights or help y'all can provide. The belts have 1/4" to 1/2" deflection as specified in the manual it came with.

 

[5030]

It's not American made. Simple answer. You have an alignment issue, probably the main frame.

 

[bctxprop]

10-4 so you'd return it?

 

[bctxprop]

What's frustrating is that after spending $3,800 on this equipment, it took several hours to assemble, and now I've already spent an additional $150 on belts that are getting destroyed. This is turning into an expensive mistake. According to their website, they supposedly accept returns, but I guess we'll see how that goes. I'm pretty disappointed...

 

[Midniteoyl]

Are the belts a 'matched set'?

 

[5030]

Never bought anything from them. If I need an implement I always buy from my dealer. Might cost a bit more but I've never been unhappy with any purchase.

They may accept returns but I bet you pay for return shipping and a restock charge and because it's now used, I bet they won't refund your entire amount.

 

[5030]

Are the belts a 'matched set'?

Whether they are is not really relevant. If you look at the pictures, the wear is on all of them and it's on the edges. That tells me there is an alignment issue.

 

[5030]

Far as matched sets of belts are concerned, there is really no matched sets of belts other than measuring various belts and matching them as close as possible to overall length.

 

[bctxprop]

Never bought anything from them. If I need an implement I always buy from my dealer. Might cost a bit more but I've never been unhappy with any purchase.

They may accept returns but I bet you pay for return shipping and a restock charge and because it's now used, I bet they won't refund your entire amount.

10-4. If it's truly a manufacturer's defect, they should make it right—especially considering the significant investment of money, and the time I've put into assembling it. But given the current situation, you're probably right. I'll keep you all updated on how it turns out. My dealer doesn't carry flail cutters, which I don't think are as common here in my part of Texas. I took a gamble based on the positive reviews I saw on YouTube.

 

[bctxprop]

Are the belts a 'matched set'?

No, don't believe it's a matched set. It's just the belts that came with the flail mower from Betstco. I think they're 21" in length.