P28 maintenace help

[Jesse]

Hi all, can anyone tell me what tension the belts should be on a Predator 28, thats the 3 belts from the engine to the spindle and the wide belt from the spindle to the cutting head, also I have very slight play showing on the 2 inside bearings on that spindle when you put pressure against the arm/wheel from side to side, it is very slight, what are the bearings wear limits, and costs to replace and is it aswell to just replace all 4 if its got to be stripped.

[Jesse]

Hi all, can anyone tell me what tension the belts should be on a Predator 28, thats the 3 belts from the engine to the spindle and the wide belt from the spindle to the cutting head, also I have very slight play showing on the 2 inside bearings on that spindle when you put pressure against the arm/wheel from side to side, it is very slight, what are the bearings wear limits, and costs to replace and is it aswell to just replace all 4 if its got to be stripped.

 

Have I scarred every one off ?

[GlobalNewark]

Not sure on this as I am not familiar with these, I will get someone to check tomorrow as I have just traded some in so should be in the manual. Saying that I am lead to believe that some have had the clutches & belts changed to different types.

[Jesse]

Not sure on this as I am not familiar with these, I will get someone to check tomorrow as I have just traded some in so should be in the manual. Saying that I am lead to believe that some have had the clutches & belts changed to different types.

 

Thanks for that, but regardless of which clutches are fitted it should make no difference on tension, belt type yes I see your point, mine engine to spindle is 3 v belts, spindle to cutter wheel is 1 wide grooved belt, the manual says nothing regarding tension only how to adjust, my worry is not to over tighten so as to damage the engine crank, its all been really well maintained with low hrs this is going to be its first adjustment on belts. Thanks for looking into this any help is a big help.

[GlobalNewark]

Sorry Jesse, had a look at Two manuals today but no mention of belts in either nevermind adjustment. I don't think you will be a million miles away with 10mm deflection in the middle of the two pulleys but I would contact the manafacturer to be sure.

[Jesse]

Sorry Jesse, had a look at Two manuals today but no mention of belts in either nevermind adjustment. I don't think you will be a million miles away with 10mm deflection in the middle of the two pulleys but I would contact the manafacturer to be sure.

 

Thanks Global, thats what I was thinking and have dune them up to, I may just make a few calls to be on the safe side but thanks for taking the time, I do like the look of your Bandit grinders 4x4 ones but just have concerns over access, what are your thoughts ? I know you are the bandit man, but you have moved both machines around so could be a good person to ask.

[GlobalNewark]

The 4WD grinders are great & will get most places but are 35" wide without the dual wheels, it's always a compromise between narrow access & having a substantial machine. This is available as belt drive or hydraulic drive now.

 

The newer grinders of 35" width are more compact now & better balanced and there is 29" which is our smallest. I think all machines have there place in the market but very few people swap from a Bandit.

 

Stump grinders are big business at the moment, we have sold & delivered Eight in Two weeks.

[Alinicoll]

I`d be interested to hear what the correct tension is if you find out. We`ve had problems with the belts on ours today.

[Jesse]

I`d be interested to hear what the correct tension is if you find out. We`ve had problems with the belts on ours today.

 

Have they just been going slack or thrown a belt? when did you last inspect them or is this the first problem , what hrs on the clock ?

[Alinicoll]

I`m not an expert in maintenance, nor have I worked on this machine much.

 

... However, the belts have broken three times with little use. I suspect inadequately sharp teeth and aggressive use are major factors but it would be nice at least to know a correct tension to rule that out. I couldn`t tell you the hours off the top of my head as it`s not my machine but it`s not done a great deal of work. We got it second hand with low hours.