3235 pto belts slip

[jtec1]

Hello, i've recently bought a 3235 and have been working with it to bring it back to life i almost have it. but the pto belt are new and have the correct numbers on them i installed them and they just won't hold when u get it the grass. my grass is mostly weeds and isn't thick at all.

any help?

[Sam Mac]

Think this one should be in the CCC/MTD Cub Cadet built Tractors (GT) section.

I’ve read of issues with the vacuum operated actuator on other sites. Never worked on one so I’m kind of shooting in the dark. But I’d take a look at it and see if it’s working. Sorry I’m not more help on this one maybe someone who knows more about them will chime in.

[John H]

Hey, on my 3204 the outer bearing when out on the pto shaft, maybe yours are going and cause the pto shaft and pulley move making the belt come off. On the motor are the belt guide in place and on the bottom of the pulley on the pto shaft there should be two bolts that keep belt in place. this may help to,http://www.partstree.com/parts/?lc=c...&dn=0055200002

[jtec1]

I have both guide bolts in place on the bottom, and the vacuum actuator tries to tighten the belts but doesn't tighten enough when deck is under load. I will check the front pto shaft bearing to be sure.

[Oak]

I will look at mine and see if anything is adjustable. Could you have a vacuum leak causing the actuator not to stroke all the way?

[jtec1]

I have checked the vacuum from the engine to the actuator i am getting 15-17 at the actuator. Same at the engine. wonder if this isn't enough suction? when the actuator is connected to the idler linkage the arm pull almost all the way back in, if i disconnect the linkage it only goes in another 3/8"

[Sam Mac]

Did you check to see if you have something binding up in the mower? Or are the belts too long or worn out? Can you turn the drive shaft to the deck by hand easily?

[jtec1]

First of all thank u every one that had input on my issue.
Today i had enough wasted time on this unit, i was getting ready to rebuild the engine do to minor vacuum loss. i was doing the warm up and check compression to record the before readings, when i removed the spark plugs i had noticed that the gap didn't match an old plug on the bench from another kohler the gap was at 45ths. i installed a new set of plugs and the vacuum gauge smoothed out still has lower vacuum than a new one but when the pto is engaged the belts no longer slip

[Sam Mac]

I'm glad it's working but I don't get how changing a sparkplug made to PTO work