Monday, July 11

We met the technician at the field about 9:30, and he installed the new belt, and it works great. This machine will only work with OEM belts made by MTD. Other belts, like the "NAPA" one we tried last week, is not nearly stiff enough. We have 2 sources of these OEM belts, and 1 is on order to hang in the shed - we shouldn't require it for several years.

THINGS TO NOTE:

*  The technician removed the 2 shrouds to install the belt, and recommended very strongly to leave them off. Cut grass gathers up under the shrouds and will overheat the belt.

*  With the shrouds off, the pulleys are exposed, but are safe with reasonable care - exercise that care!!

*  If the grass is a bit long, or a bit damp, mow from the outside of the runways to the center. This will leave damp cuttings on the runway, but they will blow away as they dry and the wind comes up. If the cuttings are a problem, there is a rake that can be towed behind the green machine - use it.

*  When you are done mowing, clean the top of the deck - last week when we first took the shrouds off, there was a whack of cuttings around the pulleys. Also clean under the deck around the blades. Both these basic housekeeping items will help prolong the life of the mower and belts.