Drive Belt Tensioner Pulley

[RedNeckMike]

Good Day All. I own a 2010 S150 Bobcat and while doing regular maintanance I noticed that my tensioner pulley needs replacing.
The tension indicator pointer which should be set roughly to the 2 O'clock position no longer moves while tensioning.
I just guessed at tension amount for now. I called Bobcat and they want over $500 for a new one($600 with tax)
I see amazon has them for $100 to $200 Canadian. My question is have any of you used these after market brands?
And what Brand would you recommened?
Thanks Mike

 

[reaperman]

It's common for the pointer to stick at the 12 o'clock position with the belt tension still in the proper spot. Just because the pointer doesnt move the belt can still be tightened and stay put. Basically, take a bar and apply tension, not too much and not too little either, tighten everything up and you're fine. You will be able to tell if the belt is too loose, it will start to chirp when applying force to the hydros. A little chirp or belt slippage is common under stress conditions. My pointers been stuck for the past dozen years or so without any issues.

 

[RedNeckMike]

It looks like the plate the pointer is attached to has rubbed against the pulley while it turns and has worn through so thats why it no longer moves. I have re-installed it with a good guess at tension. I did order a new after market one yesterday and it should be here Tuesday. I read the reviews on Amazon, some brands had terrible reviews, I picked one that had OK reviews. I hope it works fine and not a case of you get what you pay for. I will rate it for quality after I run it for awhile.
Thanks Mike

 

[reaperman]

Good luck on the new tensioner. If you do a search on this site you will see some posters have had luck getting the pointer un-stuck. In your case it sounds like it was rubbing.