How Do You Stop A Lawn Mower Belt From Slipping? Easy 8 Steps

It will be an awkward experience to mow with a belt slipping issue. You need quick fixation on this problem to keep your mowing job easier. But how do you stop a lawn mower belt from slipping?

To fix the belt slipping issue, remove the belt from the pulley and then screw the new but large size bolt in the spring. Put the belt again on the pulley and adjust the tension by screwing and unscrewing the spring bolt.

The content below will outline a step-by-step solution to fix the slipping belt issue on your lawn mower. Keep reading to learn an easy way of fixation.

How do You Stop a Lawn Mower Belt From Slipping? [Easy Solution]

If you are facing a belt slipping problem in your lawn mower, it happens because of a problem with the timing. It is straightforward to fix the timing problem. When the timing disturbs, tension also loosens. Because of this the belt starts slipping.

You can fix it by adding some tension to increase tension on this belt. Follow below simple steps to fix the belt slipping issue.

Things you will need:

Bolt (partially threaded quarter 20”)
Bolt (full threaded quarter 20”)
Nut (quarter 20”)
Screwdriver
Wrench

You do not need advanced tools; you can use your tool. A simple screwdriver and wrench are enough. You can get all these items from local stores if you do not have one.

Related Post: Loose Mower Deck Belt Symptoms! How to Fix It?

8 Easy Steps to Follow to Fix Lawn Mower Slipping Issue

Step 1- Take off the Belt

First, take the belt off. It is pretty easy; hold the belt in one hand and push the pulley. While pushing the pulley, also keep removing the belt. Does not need to worry; a loose belt easily comes off with one simple pull.

Step 2- Take off the Bolt

The next you need to do is to take off the spring screw. It is located near the pulley. Take the screwdriver and unscrew it and take this off from the spring. Throw that away; we do not need this screw anymore.

Step 3- Install a New Bolt

Take a new screw that should be quarter 20 times and have threads. Screw it in the place of the old screw. You do not need to dig a hole.

Its size, no doubt, is more than the previous one, but it will easily screw into the plastic surface. Just tap it with force; it will screw through the plastic.

Step 4- Install a Bolt From the Spring Bottom

Remove the partially threaded bolt and take a new full threaded quarter 20 bolt. Install this from the spring bottom.

Screw it with your fingers; once you screw it enough, take the screwdriver for tight screwing.

Gently screw the bolt from the top side of the spring. Keep it screwing until you see it is tight enough.

Now take another strong screwdriver to tight it further. Screw it with a better screwdriver. You will see the fully threaded bolt come out of the spring. Try to tighten the bolt as much as possible.

Step 5- Put the Belt on the Pulley

The next thing you will need to do is put the belt back onto the pulley. You may face some trouble putting it back. So pull the pulley assembly a little above and put the belt back on the pulley.

Step 6- Unscrew the Bolt

Now it is time to increase the tension in the belt. It is so simple now. Retake the large screwdriver to increase the tension in the belt.

But this time, instead of screws, you will need to unscrew the fully threaded spring bolt. As much as you will unscrew, the bolt tension will increase.

Keep checking the tension in the belt. If you add more tension, no doubt the slipping issue will be removed, but it will increase stress on the engine. Your lawn mower performance will affect. So ensure proper tension in the belt.

Step 7- Screw the Nut to the Bolt

Now take a quarter of 20 nuts to jam the bolt at the proper place. Your nut should be an open cap; it will ensure better jam than a capped nut. First, screw it with your fingers. Screw it as much as possible with your fingers.

But finger screw is not enough; you will need further screwing. Take a wrench and screw the nut tightly. Try tightening it as much as possible; it will keep proper tension in the belt.

Once you have done, your lawn mower is ready to mow.

Step 8- Test the Lawnmower

Finally, test the lawn mower to ensure you have done your job well. Hope the issue is removed; if needed, add some more tension; otherwise, go to the lawn and enjoy a smooth mowing.

Why is my Lawn Mower Belt Loose?

Several reasons your lawn mower belt loses up and starts slipping while mowing. Some possible reasons can be:

Some damages to bearings in pulley or cutter housings can cause the loose belt and slipping issue.
A damaged pulley also can be a reason for a loose belt
Loose assembly nuts or bolts can be a reason for a loose belt
A loose spring bolt is one of the most occurring reasons for the loose belt.

Related Post: A Comprehensive Guide on Gravely Drive Belt Diagram

How Tight Should my Lawn Mower Belt Be?

For consistent performance, you need a proper adjustment, not too loose or tight. Both will damage lawn mower performance.

You have tightened the belt but do not know how much it should be? No worries, here are two simple tests to check the belt tightness.

● First Test- Check with Fingers

Touch the belt with one finger and try to turn it. If the belt starts rotating, it means adjustment is okay. But if you need two fingers to rotate the belt, it is too tight.

● Second Test- Check Belt Speed.

If you are confused, let’s try another test. Switch on your lawn mower and press its accelerator. It is okay if you notice the belt gets its speed in a half-second. But if it is not, the belt is loose or too tight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What are the symptoms of my lawn mower belt being loose?

Slipping is the major symptom when you have a loose belt with your lawn mower. But some early signs can be high pitch noise, faster wearing on sides, and excessive deck vibration.

Do loose belts harm my lawn mower?

Most of the time, we think it only harms the belt, but it is not. A loose belt not just breaks the belt but also affects the lawn mower.
It reduces the tension on the lawn mower engine. But it causes damage to the pulley, spring, or other parts near the deck area.

What is the average lifespan of my lawn mower belt?

If you notice your lawn mower belt is slipping, the old belt can also be a reason. Belt, over time, loses its strength.
So, it is better to replace it with a new one. The average life of a lawn mower belt is up to 3 to 4 years with normal use.

Final Verdict

Slipping the belt not just irritates you during mowing but also harms your mower. If you face a belt slipping issue, fix it immediately. Do not hire a professional guy; it is pretty simple, and you can fix it by increasing its tension.

Related Posts:

How Do You Stop A Lawn Mower Belt From Slipping? Easy 8 Steps

How do You Stop a Lawn Mower Belt From Slipping? [Easy Solution]