301 - 48" Mower Deck - Belt Rub on Hanger Bracket
 

Currently trying to button up the restoration on my 2186-48.

When I bought the mower the R. side deck hanging bracket was torn at the base of the bracket where the welds are and a little further into the main body of the U-channel where the drilled hole is.
I beat the bracket back down to the OEM weld positions. Welded it back together and thought I was done...

See picture (circled in red)
https://i.imgur.com/vBex9iz.jpg


Installed the deck drive belt today in preparation to hook up the deck and mow the yard for the first time:
Noticed severe rub of the belt on the R. side hanging bracket.
I can't believe this was engineered to be this way.
Parts diagrams and service manuals can't explain this to me.


Scratching my head right now.
Perhaps someone can chime in if they see an error in my photos.

My only solution is to drill and install some sort of post with a collar on it to redirect the belt around the bracket while maintaining the ability to spin. Prefer something with zerkable bearings if possible.


Deck without double pulley tension.
No belt rub, but no tension for PTO drive belt.
https://i.imgur.com/ALLMDNA.jpg

Deck with double pulley tension.
Lots of belt rub, yes tension for PTO drive belt.
https://i.imgur.com/syCi0OZ.jpg

Closer shot of belt rubbing.
https://i.imgur.com/NifEkzq.jpg

OEM belt path route:
https://i.imgur.com/j290McS.jpg

Install the deck on the tractor and hook up the PTO belt. The double pulley is to tension the PTO belt, not the deck drive. Nothing wrong with your set up. You're over thinking it.

Looks to me like you welded the bracket crooked.....

301 - 48" Mower Deck - Belt Rub on Hanger Bracket
 

Ran into same issue on a similar deck and thought I had an issue. Once pto belt is installed the double pulley will be pulled forward eliminating rub.

Same setup on my 2185, I remember worrying about it too. It runs close to the bracket (<1/2") but doesn't hit or rub. I replaced the PTO belt this year, read lots of reviews on the aftermarket belts that said they don't last; go OEM if you have to replace it.

Drive pulley
 

Move drive pulley ahead to remove belt interference like first pic. Which way is tension lever supposed to be (#3)?
There are 2 different springs available , one for units to 1997 and one for units after 1997.

Question has already been answered. Post #2.

Yup! And in post #5 :ExtremeFunny::ExtremeFunny::HeeHee::HeeHee: