Patent ID: 6176071
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: A01D,F16H

Abstract:
A tensioning assembly for a primary drive employed in supplying rotary power from a vehicle to at least one sheave associated with a blade on a mower deck which, upon being driven, creates a tight side and a backside in a primary drive belt on opposite sides of said sheave, said tensioning assembly comprising:a bracket pivotably supported on the mower deck;a first idler pulley rotatably carried on a first portion of the bracket;a second idler pulley rotatably carried on a second portion of the bracket in fixed relation to the first idler pulley;said first pulley engaging the tight side of said belt;said second pulley engaging said backside of said belt;a resilient member operatively coupled to the bracket for biasing the first and second pulleys mounted thereon toward a tensioning position wherein each of the first and second pulleys effectively lengthen a path of the belt, thereby tensioning the belt.