Caroni Mower Belt Help?

Bull88 · Jun 22, 2007

I recently purchased a Bolens G192 tractor for light work around my property. The tractor came with a Caroni TC590 5 foot finish mower. The other day, while mowing, a belt broke. No problem, I found a set on the net. However, now I am unsure exactly what the proper procedure is for replacing them. I have removed the access cover above each belt. Each belt must go around a total of three pulleys. But, without unbolting stuff, I see no way to loop the one end of the belt over two of the pulleys. If anyone has one of these mowers and recognizes what I am talking about, I'd appreciate a bit of technical advice before I start disassembling the mower more than I have to.

Thanks very much...hoping to mow this weekend!

Dave

rickmacheske · Jun 22, 2007

If it's anything like the Landpride, you don't need to remove any of the wheels. I remember having to loop the belt under the main wheel, where the power comes from.

IslandTractor · Jun 23, 2007

Agri-Supply is a big Caroni dealer. I betcha someone there knows the answer. Agri Supply® Online Store - Where we have Something for Everyone for your Farm Shop & Home

rossetal · Jun 26, 2007

Bull88 said:
I recently purchased a Bolens G192 tractor for light work around my property. The tractor came with a Caroni TC590 5 foot finish mower. The other day, while mowing, a belt broke. No problem, I found a set on the net. However, now I am unsure exactly what the proper procedure is for replacing them. I have removed the access cover above each belt. Each belt must go around a total of three pulleys. But, without unbolting stuff, I see no way to loop the one end of the belt over two of the pulleys. If anyone has one of these mowers and recognizes what I am talking about, I'd appreciate a bit of technical advice before I start disassembling the mower more than I have to.

Thanks very much...hoping to mow this weekend!

Dave

I've got the 6-foot version, the problem's the same. The issue is the low clearance between the pulleys on the center blade shaft and the housing. The belt looks like it won't fit through, but it can be coerced. Here's what I do: position the new belt so that the narrow edge (the portion that engages the pulley) is pointing inward and push it as far as you can over the top of the offending pulleys. It won't go too far. Then take a wooden dowel about 1/2" in diameter and a foot long. Place the dowel against the flat outer edge of the belt and gently tap on the other end with a rubber mallet to drive the belt over the pulley. After you get it to the halfway point, you can grab both free ends of the belt and pull it the rest of the way over the pulley. Then repeat for the second belt. If you're careful, you won't damage the belts in the process. Note: a big screwdriver is not a good substitute for the dowel. Trust me.
This is truly a pain in the rear, but I haven't found a better way.

My other problem with this mower is that belts seem to break at least twice a season. Both broke on me Sunday, and, of course, I had only one spare on hand. Does anyone have experience with using the higher-priced kevlar belts on finishing mowers? I wouldn't mind paying the much higher prices if I only had to change belts once a year, or less.

Regards,

Jeff Ross

bucmeister · Jun 26, 2007

My Woods RM990 takes a double band C belt they claim is Kevlar and I usually get about 3 seasons of hard use, including foodplot/hunting camp road mowing.

Kays Supply · Jun 27, 2007

There is a parts page at Agri Supply. It isn't a perfect picture but it might help you figure out your belts. agrisupplyco.com/rearmower.html

squireg · Aug 7, 2017

Rather than pounding the belt into place with a dowel rod, just remove the two forward bolts holding the gearbox support housing in place. Then, using a piece of wood, gently pry up the support just enough to easily push the belt between the housing and pulley. (Or you can just remove all 4 bolts.) I would also recommend replacing both belts at the same time with brand new belts also purchased at the same time. I recently replaced both belts with a brand new belt and an older (never used) new belt and noted a considerable difference in their length. After checking and re-tightening several times after a few hours use, the belts are approaching the same length. Also, it is important to inspect the belts regularly and far better to replace the belts proactively. I let mine go for way too long and one belt broke and wrapped around the gearbox shaft damaging the gearbox shaft seal. Fortunately the shaft was not damaged and the seal was replaced by a local hydraulics shop.

leonz · Aug 7, 2017

When you purchase multiple V belts for one machine they have to be from the "exact" lot number. The lot numbers are molded in the V belts top carcass.

Send me a PM with your e-mail and I will send you a copy of the parts and service manual. The Kevlar belts are worth every penny and you will have much, much less trouble with shock loads breaking the belt cords that are molded into the V belts.

Gunny · Aug 8, 2017

rossetal said:
My other problem with this mower is that belts seem to break at least twice a season. Both broke on me Sunday, and, of course, I had only one spare on hand. Does anyone have experience with using the higher-priced kevlar belts on finishing mowers? I wouldn't mind paying the much higher prices if I only had to change belts once a year, or less.

Regards,Jeff Ross

Just my opinion, but I believe they're worth it. My Dad broke at least one belt on his Gravely every year. When he gave it to me, the belt was broken, so I replaced it with a Kevlar, when I passed it along to my younger brother five years later, that belt was still on it. He hasn't mentioned having to replace it, so I assume it's still working for him also.
I bought a used RFM and the belt broke on it the second time I mowed with it. Bought a kevlar belt for that one and it's been on and doing well for three years now, but it is beginning to show some wear.

Joyce White · Aug 21, 2017

thank to you I was able to get the belts over the pulley, taking out the two front bolts worked so easily. Now however I can't get the new belts to fit over the left & right outer spindles. If you have any ideas on this I would really appreciate hearing. By the way I am a senior so huge amounts of brute strength is an issue. I did purchase the special spindle tool, if that makes any difference.

leonz · Aug 21, 2017

Which model rear finish mower do you have Ms. White? Have you backed off the gear box to reduce the amount of tension needed to install the driven belts?

Joyce White · Aug 22, 2017

leonz said:
Which model rear finish mower do you have Ms. White? Have you backed off the gear box to reduce the amount of tension needed to install the driven belts?

We have a Caroni Spa Model TC 710. No we have not backed off the gear box but will try that as soon as the weather lets up, we have severe weather warnings at the moment. The new belts are 5/8" x 71" which seem to be the right length as far as I am able to tell (old ones very damaged) however the old belt measures 1/2" rather than 5/8" don't know if this means anything, just worn maybe. This model is a rear discharge chute. Thank you for helping.

leonz · Aug 22, 2017

Joyce White said:
We have a Caroni Spa Model TC 710. No we have not backed off the gear box but will try that as soon as the weather lets up, we have severe weather warnings at the moment. The new belts are 5/8" x 71" which seem to be the right length as far as I am able to tell (old ones very damaged) however the old belt measures 1/2" rather than 5/8" don't know if this means anything, just worn maybe. This model is a rear discharge chute. Thank you for helping.

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Once you back the tension off of the gearbox by releasing the lock not on the long and slide the tray that the gearbox is mounted on backwards the new belts will go on with zero issues.
Are you sure you do not have a 910? its the only one with a rear discharge chute.

Please be sure that the new belts have the same lot numbers molded in the carcass of the V belts if they are not you will be changing belts again very soon.

Leon

Joyce White · Aug 23, 2017

leonz said:
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Once you back the tension off of the gearbox by releasing the lock not on the long and slide the tray that the gearbox is mounted on backwards the new belts will go on with zero issues.
Are you sure you do not have a 910? its the only one with a rear discharge chute.

Please be sure that the new belts have the same lot numbers molded in the carcass of the V belts if they are not you will be changing belts again very soon.

Leon

I checked the Number just to be sure and it is a TC 710. About the discharge chute, cut grass is ejected from the back but there is a metal flap right across the back rather than a directional chute. I will check the belts to make sure of the lot numbers on the belts are the same and am looking forward to seeing if we can get this thing running, thanks for all the help. I will let you know how it goes as soon as we can try what you suggest. Dr. this morning so probably not till tomorrow.

Joyce White · Aug 25, 2017

We worked on the mower yesterday. Went through all the suggested moves, got the gear box backed off etc. However that still does not leave enough room to put on the belts, they just will not fit over the spindles, also when the two belts are one over the other on the center spindles they are right up against each other. I am wondering if we have the right replacement belts. The old belts were too worn and damaged to get a number, except a partial 87417, and The belts we have are 5L710 B68 5/8" x 71" In the parts manual the code for the belt is 1706 but no size listed. Any ideas please. Thank you Joyce

Mark P. · Aug 25, 2017

Good Morning Joyce,

I looked on a Caroni parts listing from ASC and they listed the Caroni #1706 as - 5L770 B74 77" Belt 21/32" x 5/8" FHP .- agri supply #21023

hope this helps.

Mark

Joyce White · Aug 27, 2017

Mark P. said:
Good Morning Joyce,

I looked on a Caroni parts listing from ASC and they listed the Caroni #1706 as - 5L770 B74 77" Belt 21/32" x 5/8" FHP .- agri supply #21023

hope this helps.

Mark

I hope to talk with the Agri Supply people tomorrow, I appreciate the parts look up and have made a note of the numbers you gave. Will see what they have to say about what is needed. Thanks again, Joyce.

Joyce White · Sep 3, 2017

Joyce White said:
I hope to talk with the Agri Supply people tomorrow, I appreciate the parts look up and have made a note of the numbers you gave. Will see what they have to say about what is needed. Thanks again, Joyce.

I would like to thank everyone who gave me information and suggestions on fixing our Caroni Spa finish mower, we have it running again because of you. A very nice man at Agri Supply got the right size belts to us so we are in business. Good luck to you all and thanks again your kindness is truly appreciated. Joyce.