Hustler speed problem

[Davo81]

I bought a hustler 980 a while back it has a 18hp briggs vangaurd on it and it only runs about 12mph what should the top speed be on this machine

[dirtdobber]

Not sure what the top speed is supposed to be, but 12mph seems too low. My hustler 950 runs much faster. Some things to check...
Belt condition and tension
Engine performance - is the engine running as strong as it should
Engine speed - Is the engine governed and thus prevented from reaching enough RPM to shift the clutches?
Make sure the clutches are functioning properly - that they will cycle through their travel.

[Davo81]

The engine is brand new it does have a governor on it the clutches seems to be working ,do you now how to measure for the correct belt length and thanks for the quick reply

[dirtdobber]

This link is to a thread I started for a problem I was having. It transitions to another member with an engine speed problem. This may help you make sure you have the correct engine speed.

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/transmissions/36948-belt-slip-clutch-modification-5.html

Here's another thread that includes a discussion and a link embedded to a document that will help you with the belt length.

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/transmissions/37505-help-clutch-adjustment-identification-coot-2.html

[Davo81]

Think I might have found my problem my belt that was on it wasn't but 13/16 wide

[dirtdobber]

That certainly can be a problem. When you get the correct belt and properly tensioned, you should have about 1 inch of deflection.

[wedge]

Think I might have found my problem my belt that was on it wasn't but 13/16 wide

BINGO !

[Davo81]

If I wrap a piece of string around the base of the primary clutch and the outside of the secondary and add two inches will that give me the measurement for a new drive belt

[dirtdobber]

Davo,

Your question seems to indicate that you haven't read the information I provided to you in post 4. Go to the second link I provided to you in post number 4 above. It will take you to a publication that, on the 6th page, not counting the cover, gives you the belt part number based on your center-to-center distance (for 780 clutch series).

[hydromike]

Davo,

Your question seems to indicate that you haven't read the information I provided to you in post 4.

This is assuming we know his secondary clutch diameter. Rather than get locked into a part number, just measure things the old-fashioned way and get hard numbers to use in the belt lookup. Here's a post from an earlier thread for a fellow that had the same issue:

A real easy way to get you close to the right starting length is to simply measure it with a flexible (fabric) tape measure. Put the belt that's too long on the machine, make sure it fits well on the two clutches by just holding it by hand or putting a couple zip ties around it (between the clutches, so it's squeezing the belt tight on the two clutches. At this point, you can take the tape measure and figure out how long the actual belt needs to be by essentially "making" the belt with the tape measure. I loop it around the bottom of the clutches (over the top of the zip-tied, too-loose belt) and then pull it tight on the top and get the measurement. Make sure the engine is moved the entire way forward in its adjustment before you do it. You can add a 1/4' to a 1/2" in the measurement just to be safe. I do this each time I put a custom machine together, since I'm not smart enough to use the center-to-center/pulley diameter method.

Here are links to a couple pictures showing excerpts from the Dayco belt catalog with dimensional data and part numbers. Make sure you get the right top width, too. There's a .pdf of this in the brochures section, but I can never download it correctly.

[Davo81]

Thanks for the info I am going to measure it in the morning and order a belt my secondary clutch is 11-1/4" my primary is 6" and 14" center to center that is the reason I didn't won't to use the center to center measurement on the link you gave me and I did read all the info you gave me and i appreciate it

[wedge]

DId you say you Drive clutch is only 6" in diameter ?
If it is smaller than 7.1/4" your machine will be Slower than one with the bigger drive clutch !

[dirtdobber]

I did read all the info you gave me and i appreciate it

Good deal. Post a picture of this clutch setup you have. It sounds like an odd configuration to me. You must have very little clearance between the engine and transmission. Also, measure the distance between the sheaves (inside) of the driven clutch to get an idea of belt width. With a driven clutch of that size, I don't know if it requires a belt bigger than 1-3/16 top width......I also wonder if your drive and driven clutches are mismatched in terms of belt width. Of course, I'm speculating out loud.

[john swenson]

yes

[Davo81]

How can I insert a pic in a post