Caroni Flail Belt Failure

[Foozle]

Is it possible that the places where the belt is making contact with the pulleys are not smooth? I haven't checked mine yet, but if there were rough spots it might generate the extra heat and belt wear.

Also, do we have a count of how many TBN folks have a Caroni and how many of them are having issues versus not having issues? I'd be interested in knowing the number of Caronis, model #s, # of hours and any issues encountered. I'm happy to compile this information confidentially and post the summarized result if anyone wants to participate in the unofficial survey. Just send me a PM if you want to submit your info.

Dave

 

[IslandTractor]

Also, do we have a count of how many TBN folks have a Caroni and how many of them are having issues versus not having issues? Dave

Hasn't there been only one failure reported on this thread? The rest of us are just checking out issues like proper belt tension and normal heat patterns. I certainly have not had any failure.

 

[Cyberroc]

Hasn't there been only one failure reported on this thread?

1 failure

300 trying to help.



The only failure I have with the Caroni Flail Mower is that I don't own one as of yet... but I will.
.
.

 

[sunspot]

Foozle, Grapeman had early belt failure. I seem to remember one other member had a belt problem???

Gates does not make a Kevlar B43. They have PB42 and PB44.

 

[have_blue]

Is it possible that the places where the belt is making contact with the pulleys are not smooth?
Dave

Unless grossly rough, pulleys smooth themselves out in the first hour or 2 or use.

One of the most common design flaws in a belt and pulley system is small pulleys,,, especially with a lot of belt wrap. Does the Caroni have any pulleys smaller than ~3"?

 

[IslandTractor]

One of the most common design flaws in a belt and pulley system is small pulleys,,, especially with a lot of belt wrap. Does the Caroni have any pulleys smaller than ~3"?

No. The smallest is perhaps only a bit more than 3" but I'm pretty sure it is not smaller than that.

 

[Foozle]

One other question. I'm not sure I was always careful early on when engaging the PTO to have the engine at an idle speed. If the PTO were engaged at a high RPM could that cause a shock to the belts and potentially damage them?

 

[IslandTractor]

One other question. I'm not sure I was always careful early on when engaging the PTO to have the engine at an idle speed. If the PTO were engaged at a high RPM could that cause a shock to the belts and potentially damage them?

I imagine yes but it would also potentially damage other components of the mower and the tractor itself. Idle speed for PTO engagement always.

 

[sunspot]

Foozle,
Not an answer but I learned about low RPM before PTO on from the fine folks here at TBN.
I have always been at idle before engaging the Caroni so that rules out that cause in my case.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I imagine yes but it would also potentially damage other components of the mower and the tractor itself. Idle speed for PTO engagement always.

For a flail the inertial load is so great I prefer to just shut off the tractor, engage PTO, and then just start it with pto in gear. Starter spins it up quickly for a nice graceful start w/o use of the pto clutch. Not sure if this would be a problem with HST tractors, but mine are gear.
larry