Lawn Mower Belts – When to Change yours?
Lawn mowers use rubber belts to move certain parts or accessories in or on the equipment. They have different sizes and widths depending on the model and make of the lawn mower. Some lawn mowers have several lawn mower belts; one may move the blades and another, the motor and wheels. This depends completely on the design of the equipment.
Close inspection of the lawn mower belts before starting the engine is recommended for safety reasons. A lawn mower belt which is damaged may fly off the engine when it is started and hurt you. It can also get caught inside the motor and damage the running motor. So a careful inspection and test of the lawn mower belts should be done before working with it.
It is never recommended to use used lawn mower belts in your equipment. Even if these belts seem to be okay and in good conditions they have been stretched by former use and they me damaged. This includes used belts you have saved for emergencies, damaged lawn mower belts can cause a serious accident if they tear or are thrown out from your lawn mower.
Lawn mower belts have a very important job; they move important parts of your lawn mower and make it work. Usually lawn mower belts move the blades using the motor’s energy and power. Another belt may help to cool down the motor using the same principle used in your car. They are important and vital for your equipment to work properly, therefore they must be given the attention they deserve.
Lawn mower belts are used in the same manner that a secondary power outlet is used in a tractor; in the tractor’s case it uses hydraulic power. The lawn mower uses physical power produced by engine pistons hooked up to gears and pulleys that move the lawn mower belts and transfer energy to the accessories powered by the engine. This means that they are important factor and participants in the proper functioning of your lawn mower.
If your lawn mower belts are damaged or torn your equipment will not work properly. Belts loose elasticity and they stretch with time and constant use. When they do they are not producing the traction and spinning action they were designed to produce so you are losing power and strength to cut the grass in your path. This is one of the reasons that you feel your lawn mower spin when it hits a patch of grass which is particularly long or high. This means your lawn mower belts are stretched and they are spinning when extra power is necessary to make the blades turn and cut grass.
Checking and giving proper maintenance to your lawn mower belts is very important. It will save you time and effort to keep them in top shape and good conditions. Neglecting them can cause an accident that will either hurt you or someone near you when you start your motor or may damage the lawn mower itself. It will take you two minutes to check their condition, but it may save you a lot if they are damaged and need change.