John Deere 210 Pulley Vibration

[WV84JD210]

I have a vibration on my 1984 John deere 210. It occurs when the PTO is engaged to the mower deck and it appears to be from the deck belt tension pulleys. Can definitely feel it in the seat. The main bolt that goes into the engine block is good and snug but the pulley bracket has some play at that location. Is there supposed to be some play in the pulley assembly (other than the movement for the tension spring pivot, etc.)? Is there supposed to be that much vibration at the tension pulleys?

http://youtu.be/Y3ZmUc6Pou8

 

[oldnslo]

Have you checked the bearings in the idler pulleys? If these start to go bad they can cause vibration.

Out of balance blades on the mower deck or bad spindle bearings on the mower deck will also cause vibration which could be transferred up to the idler pulleys from the belts flopping around.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

my guess is the same as oldnslo. either bearings on spindles are going or you have out of balanced blades.

 

[WV84JD210]

Thanks guys, I'll be looking into your suggestions.