Bolens 12226 owner manual C A D B, Checking and Adjusting Forward Clutch Belt Tension, Maintenance

Section 5: Maintenance 19

WARNING

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, remove ignition key on electric start models, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

CHECKING AND ADJUSTING TENSION ON CLUTCH BELTS

WARNING

Follow the belt adjustment instructions carefully. An incorrect adjustment could result in the clutch control mechanism engaging too soon. This could cause loss of tiller control and result in per- sonal injury or property damage.

Maintaining correct belt tension is impor- tant to good tilling performance and long belt life. A loose belt will slip on the engine and transmission pulleys and cause the tines and wheels to slow down

–or stop – even though the engine is running at full speed. A loose belt will also result in premature belt wear.

While checking belt tension, also check for cracks, cuts or frayed edges. A belt in poor condition should be replaced.

NOTE: The photographs in this Section show a reverse drive assembly (pulley (A, Figure 5-8), belt (B), cable (C) and linkage(D)). These components are not used on Model 12226.

C

A

D

B

Figure 5-8

Checking and Adjusting

Forward Clutch Belt Tension

It is important to maintain correct tension on the forward clutch belt (C, Figure 5-9). A loose belt will cause the tines and wheels to slow down – or stop completely

–even though the engine is running at full speed. A loose belt will also result in pre- mature belt wear.

C

Figure 5-9: Forward clutch belt. (C, Left- side view, no belt cover.)

•Check belt tension after the first two hours of break-in operation and after every 10 operating hours.

•At the end of each tilling season, check the belt for cracks, cuts or frayed edges. A belt in poor condition should be replaced.

2-1/2" extended spring length

Figure 5-10: Correct spring length when Forward Clutch Levers are engaged is 2-1/2".

Checking Forward Belt Tension

1.Before checking, shut off engine, allow the engine and muffler to cool down, dis- connect the spark plug wire, remove the ignition key on electric start models.

2.The coiled part of the forward clutch spring (E, Figure 5-9) measures 2" in length when the Forward Clutch Control levers are not pulled up. Pull either Forward Clutch Control Lever up against the handlebar and measure the length of the coiled part of the forward clutch spring. Tension is correct if the length of the extended coil is 2-1/2" (see Figure

5-10). The forward clutch cable needs adjustment if length of the extended coils is less than 2-1/2". See Adjusting the Forward Clutch Belt for a procedure. If the extended length is more than 2-1/2", there is no need to adjust as long as the unit operates correctly when moving Forward.

E

F

Figure 5-11: Location of forward clutch cable spring (E) and forward cable adjuster (F).

Adjusting the Forward Clutch Cable

Do this procedure if the forward clutch spring measurement is not correct (see Checking Forward Belt Tension)

1.Before adjusting the belt, shut off

engine, allow the engine and muffler to cool down, disconnect the spark plug wire, and remove the ignition key on elec- tric start models.