Belt Tension Adjustment - NorthStar M296026C Owner's Manual

Note: Belt tension and alignment are inter-related. Do not adjust one without checking the
other.
1. Remove belt guard.
2. Loosen (4) engine base (mount) bolts.
3. Loosen lock nuts on tension bolt and alignment bolt.
4. Turn tension bolt clockwise to increase belt tension and counterclockwise to decrease belt
tension.
5. Check that the pulleys are aligned using a straight edge. To achieve proper pulley alignment
you may need to adjust the alignment bolt. This bolt will serve as an adjustment point to
counter the tension in the belts, which may cause the engine pulley to be misaligned with the
cutter wheel pulley. Note: Set screws in pulley have a torque specification of 14 ft/lbs.
6. Belt tension is proper when a 5 to 7lbs force will deflect the belt 1/4" at the midpoint.
7. Retighten all loosened nuts and bolts.
8. Reassemble belt guard.
Lock nut
Note: New belts require a "break-in" period of approximately 10 hours. Readjustment may be
necessary after "break-in."
Note: Use only factory recommended belts. Contact your NorthStar dealer.
Maintenance & Repair

Belt Tension Adjustment

Tension bolt
20
Lock nut
Alignment bolt