[Graflex45]

I'm currently putting my tiller back together after powdercoating, got the gearbox on the back and waiting on the rattle can paint on the front hanger parts to cure.
question about the belt "guide" or whatever you call it the hangs off the transmission that I guess are to dampen down the belt flopping upward, Is that strictly necessary? That didn't come with mine, neither did the tiller belt shield. Is the shield just a safety feature or does it keep dirt from being thrown up into the pulleys and being ground into the belt?