M444 drive belt beginning to shred

mightymouse · Nov 4, 2017

My drive belt just started to shred on me. Do I dare run it at all like this? I plan on replacing the belt as soon as I can find a new one but the snow just started and I don't want to have to shovel by hand! Thoughts? Where can I find replacements? Part # 6504510 DF 46-1156 Thanks I tried to post a pic of the shredding but can't figure out how.

Wayne440 · Nov 4, 2017

My experience has been that belts do not last long once that happens. Be aware that it will come apart completely in the most inconvenient location possible. Compare that potential inconvenience with shoveling and make your decision.

flyerdan · Nov 5, 2017

Wayne440 said:
My experience has been that belts do not last long once that happens. Be aware that it will come apart completely in the most inconvenient location possible. Compare that potential inconvenience with shoveling and make your decision.

A Google search of 6504510 returns a few results, one being a place in MN that shows two in stock. They're $66 each, so it would behoove you to find the source of the shredding before replacing.

There is also a reference back here (as there often is when Googling Bobcat part numbers) to a thread that deals with belts on a M600, might want to follow that as well for more sources.

mightymouse · Nov 5, 2017

flyerdan said:
A Google search of 6504510 returns a few results, one being a place in MN that shows two in stock. They're $66 each, so it would behoove you to find the source of the shredding before replacing.

There is also a reference back here (as there often is when Googling Bobcat part numbers) to a thread that deals with belts on a M600, might want to follow that as well for more sources.

The belt was older and had a few nicks on the edges when I installed it. I got a good 2 years of hard work out of it so I think the shredding is due to age. (wish I would have put a new one in when I had the chance) Let's assume it's not the age, what would cause shredding of the edges? Did the variable speed sheath moved out of alignment? Debris got under the belt to cause wear? What should I look for? Your help is appreciated. Thanks

6brnorma · Nov 7, 2017

mightymouse said:
The belt was older and had a few nicks on the edges when I installed it. I got a good 2 years of hard work out of it so I think the shredding is due to age. (wish I would have put a new one in when I had the chance) Let's assume it's not the age, what would cause shredding of the edges? Did the variable speed sheath moved out of alignment? Debris got under the belt to cause wear? What should I look for? Your help is appreciated. Thanks

The main reason I find is wear in the bushings in the " driven" sheave. Use a mirror to look down the "jackshaft" and check the condition of the bushings on each of the three pins. Oval shaped bushings need to be replaced. Age of the belt is a definite possibility as well oil, runout in the jack shaft, jackshaft bearings, etc.