Drive belt 212

[ralph241]

The drive belt on my 212 keeps coming off. At high and low speed. There doesnt seem to be alot ad play in any pulley though. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!

 

[oldnslo]

which drive belt are you asking about? The one from the engine to variable speed pulley? The one from the variable speed pulley to the transaxle? The mower deck drive belt?

 

[ralph241]

The one from the variable speed to transaxle I'm thinking. It hooks to the pulley right above the right rear tire. It's easy to put back on but it's a pain trying to figure out why it comes off in the first place.

 

[oldmech]

Hi! If belts (2) are in good condition. The variator does not work well. May be spray some W40 on variator bushing. Good luck! Oldmech

 

[ralph241]

Thanks! I'm new at this. Which one is the variator?? Pulley up front??

 

[Dapolksjj]

Thanks! I'm new at this. Which one is the variator?? Pulley up front??

Facing the tractor and variator lever, the variator is the rearmost pulley you can see from above the tractor. That pulley has a center section which moves to and fro. If that pulley is bound it may throw your belt. It is this sliding action which controls ground speed while you operate at full throttle. If that variator is sticking it may be worn out. That whole pulley was expensive years ago but it took a long time to wear out.

 

[oldnslo]

with the tractor OFF, crawl under it and look at the idler pulley that is by the trans axle. Is the spring still attached and does the idler pivot smoothly like it is keeping the belt tight? Next look up at the pulley where the belt from the engine and the belt to tranny are located. This is the variator pulley assembly. The center "V" shaped portion of this assembly should vertical and not tipped. If it is tipped this indicates the pulley assembly is getting worn. If still vertical have someone press and hold the clutch down while you carefully try and slide the center "V" section side to side. NOTE: You will have to hold the spring loaded idler to remove the belt tension to the trans axle to do this. It should slide back and forth with minimal resistance. If very difficult to move try cleaning with brake cleaner that is NON-flammable and then lightly lube the shaft or hub.

Now get out from under the tractor and have someone sit on and start the tractor. While still in neutral have them let the clutch out slowly while you watch the belt going to the trans axle. Does it bounce around a lot? Is the idler jumping around trying to keep the belt tight? If yes this also indicates the variator pulley is tipping and worn which would cause the belt to jump off.

good luck

Like Dapolksjj said, these parts are expensive and I believe JD may have obsoleted some of them.

 

[ralph241]

Thanks for the help! I'll check it out this weekend. When I put the belt back on once again!!