Sub Frame Help
 

I've been having some issues with subframe types and belt lenghts. I am aware of the belt lenght chart on this website, and it is very helpful, but I am having issues with the belts and I think it is a subframe issue. Last summer I bought a 108 with a subframe. The subframe has the automatic belt tension handle on the mule drive, and teh frame its self is slightly arched. I bought a 42" deck and put it on the 108, and the belt that I ended up having to use is 84" long. This is the length of belt that was neccesary for one guy to comfortabely install the belt, and it has worked fine. Well this spring I thought I'd get my 129 going. It did not have a subframe, so last fall at a tractor show, I bought a 42" deck and frame from an individual who claimed he had used it on a 108. This subframe is straight in the back, and the mule drive does not have the auto adjust tension handle, it just has a spring. The deck also appears to be of a slightly different vintage, as the deck runners are stamped sheet metal rather than the bent round bar on my other deck, and teh rear hanger brackets are lighter than the other deck. So I install the new deck/frame on my 129, and take belt off the 108 to try it, and it is to long. I stopped last night and bought a 1/2x80, and I cannot physically get it on. I assume that I have yet to get the right subframe/tractor combo, as I have yet to buy a belt based on the chart that fits correctly. Any thoughts/suggestions.

The first mule drive/subframe, with the belt tension handle, looks like it's for a 44, 50 inch deck. The second mule drive/subframe looks like it's for a 38 inch deck. Neither are the "correct" muledrive/subframe for your 42 inch deck, so the belt chart won't help. I would do what you've done with your first subframe and deck, find a belt that fits, and if it works, go with it. I have a 108, came with a 44, 50 mule drive and an NF subframe with a 38 inch deck, and a 80 inch belt fit it. I found the correct 38 inch muledrive/subframe, i believe it's identical to yours, and I needed a 81 inch belt to use the mower deck. I think my 38 inch deck is an earlier model, hence a different belt length than the one in the belt chart. I use the implement technical section of the site to help identify mule drives, subframes, and decks, if that helps. There are really good pics in there. Just my .02.

Thanks for the help. I did not realize that a 38 would use a different subframe than a 42. It always appeared to me that the mounting points and pulley location were the smae on the 38/42, and that the outer spindles were just moved in? Now that I look at things I agree that the first subframe was intended for a 44/50 deck as the mule drive pulleys appear to be slanted. I picked up a couple different belts tonight and a 83 ended up working nicely with the second mule drive/deck setup.

Wj-ihc, you're right, that subframe should work for a 38 and 42 inch deck. I have a parts list for my 38 inch muledrive/subframe, and it states "38 and 42inch" deck on it. I think it's the same MD/SF in your pics. As long as it works with the 83 inch belt, that's all that matters.

Stuff like that just annoys me. Drives me nuts when things don't work just like they're supposed to, but your right, all that really matters is its mowing.:beerchug: