Proper belt tightness?

[boncrshr]

Quick question for the resident experts...I will be setting up the new motor mounts in the Hustler tomorrow and I have a belt from Richard Clark, which he said is approximately 1" too long for the original application, but will work. Since I am starting fresh, what should the optimum tightness be on the drive belt? Should it just barely slip over the clutch when new? Any thoughts on determining the distance away from the trans on a new motor?

[jerseybigfoot]

I just installed a new belt on my Hustler and moved the trans forward to get the belt tight enough. The ideal situation is to have the belt tight so you get full range of gear ratios from the converter but not too tight that belt rides below the edge of the driven converter at idle. My Attex seems to run better with the belt very tight and squeaks a little. This is a new CVT with a small diameter driven end. My hustler is not as tight with about an inch deflection. I also changed to harder rubber motor mounts on both machines to keep the deflection from influencing the ratios.

[boncrshr]

Thanks Jersey....that was very helpful.

[Bushed]

Hello
Just bought a 1981 980 big foot. Has the 18 HP B&S engine. Can anyone tell me what part number (Dayco etc) the drive belt is? Know that Richard has them but would like to find a local source.
Thanks

[jpswift1]

I have a Hustler 980 BIGFOOT with the same drivetrain and I will get the belt numbers for you, or go to a parts store to see if they can cross reference what I have with a Dayco belt. You have a great machine there and Im sure you'll be very happy with it. Can you post up some pics for us? Thanks and good luck with it!

[jpswift1]

I was tinkering with my Hustler tonight, but it was too dark to see the numbers since they were worn down pretty well. I will post up tomorrow what I can see in the daylight