Kubota G2160 PTO Belt

[istock1]

All,

I recently purchased an '04 Kubota G2160 with less than 300 hours on it. After mowing my two acres with an old Craftsman (that I only kept running because of the great info on this site) I thought it was time to upgrade. It cut great for a few mows, then the deck would intermittently start and stop with the PTO on, and without the engine noise changing. The blades spun freely by hand so I took it apart and found that the two belts that run from the engine to the PTO shaft were both extremely loose even with the PTO engaged. I tightened the tensioner but even at the max recommended in the manual it was still not engaging.

My question is this: If those are the original PTO belts, does it sound like they just loosened over time? My only experience is with automotive belts which seem to crack before they stretch past the point that the tensioner can accommodate. It doesn't look like the flywheel or PTO shaft can move so I can't think of anything else but a stretched belt.

Thanks,
Ian

 

[Topher265]

Are the blades and PTO shaft locked together? Meaning, when you turn the shaft, do the blades move and vice versa. It's possible a shear pin sheared.

It is also possible the belts wore out...they are 11 years old. Did you also check the deck belts under the cover?

 

[istock1]

Tohper,

Thanks for the reply. The PTO shaft does move with the blades ... I had my wife engage the PTO with the engine running so that I could see that the disconnect was in fact between the flywheel and PTO shaft. The deck belts are nice and tight and look brand new. Spindles are lubed, etc.

Where I am confused is that the belts don't look worn; they aren't cracked or have loose threads or anything. It really just seems like both belts are about an inch too long for what they need to do. I ordered a new set anyway ... hopefully that fixes the problem.

Ian

 

[Topher265]

Could the spring tensioners be binding and not applying much force? How far down into the V's of the pulleys are the belts?

 

[istock1]

I don't think so ... there are a total of three springs (I think) between the PTO lever and the tensioner pulley and they all seem fine (i.e. the tensioner pulley looks like it is moving as far as it should). With the PTO engaged the belts are loose enough that I can slip them off of the pulleys!

 

[David_Kb7uns]

The belts are worn, the G2160 mower is very hard on PTO belts.

Have a G2160-60 with the 60 inch deck probably on 3rd or 4th set of belts since new. Use only the OEM belts K2110-25032 they are made by Bando and cost in the $80b range for a matched set. I have found no other source and the Bandos are the heaviest I have seen. Some Kubota Dealers can supply an alternate set that is close and fits other mowers also but they are a B section belt will not last as other B section belts.

There should be a sticker by the adjusting nut and initial belt tension distance by the diagram is critical for proper break in and maintaining to limit slippage. For engagement it is best to bring engine above idle so not to stall and once engaged run up to full speed and then drop to cutting level. Keeping the belts up to spec on tension and easy engagement will lead to longer life, cutting tall grass too fast and bogging deck down leads to slippage and high wear and belt life shortens quickly.

Overall the belt wear is the only major flaw I have with the G2160 and it runs great. Since machine is new to you, check fuel filters one is by injection pump and other is by wheel well before electric fuel pump on left side.

David Kb7uns

 

[istock1]

David,

That is great to know ... it's even better to know that I'm not crazy! I will give the fuel filters a look as well like you suggest.

Thanks,
Ian

 

[istock1]

Just an update to anyone finding this post ... the PTO belts were the culprit even though they did not look very worn. The new set ($80) are working good as new.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Just watch engaging slowly and not bogging down or mowing too quickly and they will last longer.

Also check tension spring length frequently with ruler and keep it tight. I also backed the brake shoe on pulley a little.


David Kb7uns