4-3 BELT ADJUSTMENT
Belt tension should be checked every 40 hours to
get maximum life from drive belt and best perfor-
mance from cutter. Belt tension is adjusted by
increasing or decreasing the length of the spring on
the moveable idler. For proper belt tension on the
48” mower, the spring length should be set at 7-1/16”.
For proper belt tension on the 60” mowers, the
spring length should be set at 6-5/8”. For proper belt
tension on the 72” mowers, the spring length should
be set at 7-7/8”. (Figure 4-1C). To adjust the spring
length, loosen or tighten the 3/8” hex nuts on the
spring adjustment rod until the correct spring length
is reached.
4-4 BELT REPLACEMENT
Use only genuine Bush Hog replacement parts.
A. Remove right and left side shields.
B. Relieve spring tension by loosening the two
3/8” hex nuts on the spring adjustment rod.
(Figure 4-1C)
C. Remove old belt.
D. Install new belt, referring to the diagrams below.
(Also refer to the decal on the mower deck) Be
sure that the belt is properly positioned in all
sheave grooves.
E. Adjust tension on the belt by adjusting the length
of the spring on the moveable idler. The correct
spring lengths are 7
1
⁄
16
”, 6
5
⁄
8
”, and 7
7
⁄
8
” for the 48”,
60” and 72” mowers respectively.
F. Replace right and left side shields.
11
40 HOURS
7. Spindle Assembly - Apply multi-purpose grease
with grease gun until grease purges out relief
hole. Grease fittings for spindles should be
accessed by removing the plastic plugs in the
shields. After completing lubrication, replace
plastic plugs..
(7) 40 Hours
ATH/FTH 600,720 BELT DIAGRAM
FTH 480 BELT DIAGRAM
FRONT
BELT INSTALLATION GUIDE
FRONT
BELT INSTALLATION GUIDE
Figure 4-1C
3/8” Hex Nuts - Spring Length Adjustment
