OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions On Ride On Mowers Questions on Greenfield Ride On Mower Frames Fastcut 42" Design Flaws

I'd like to start a 'round table' discussion with other professional repairers, regarding the problem with Fastcut 42 cutter belts. From what I've read elsewhere, this is a very common issue, with some customers reporting as little as 5 hours from a belt (fitted by dealer). Apparently, in an effort to overcome this problem, Greenfield changed belt supplier for this item.

I've had a good look at the deck geometry and have some serious concerns about the placement of the LHS horizontal idler and how it feeds the belt onto the inside edge of the vertical idler (over way too short a distance to allow the belt to twist properly). I know only an idiot would bend and twist a belt so many times in such a short space (and waste heaps of power), but "it's a greenfield".

I'm also concerned about the amount of rub marks present on the upper and lower belt retainers on the vertical idlers. As it's a permanently tensioned system, this would suggest that there is an awful lot of whip happening when those dodgy bar blades hit something a little tough.
Add to that, the stupidly small radius they're back bending a B section belt around (horizontal idlers) and you have what appears to be yet another 'back yard' solution.

No, I'm not a fan of Greenfield products, as I believe them to be very poorly designed and engineered, but my customer has paid through the nose for one, so it's my responsibility to fix it (as he refuses to ever go back to the selling dealer).

I have some thoughts on how to re-engineer this deck to overcome the deign flaws, but I'd be interested in hearing the views of other professionals on this matter, before offering my own solutions.

Have you discussed any of these issues with Greenfield direct, the dealer is not going to be able to help in altering the design?

Hi Norm,

Two problems there.
If you are not a Greenfield dealer, you will not get anywhere in trying to discuss technical faults with them. I've tried several times before and all I get is "we know best".
The other problem is that Greenfield will never admit they have a fault.

Hadn't thought about that, thought they might appreciate feedback but now that Theo is gone they end up like many other companies, completely aloof and removed from their customers base. When a company heads down this road it doesn't take too long for the customers to walk so if this is the way Greenfield are going, I guess their future may be rocky

Norm, I understand where you are heading and while I had a bit of a rant to start with, I don't think it would be fair to focus on the company itself.
What I'm really after is hearing form other professionals in the field and their thoughts and experience with this particular model. In particular, I'd love to hear from anyone who has encountered this exact problem and come up with a solution that works.

I'm always reluctant to go modifying equipment and do it as a last resort only, hence the request for other peoples experience on this model.

I was only trying to make you feel like you were not being ignored.

Hello Tentimes
You did say later, "I understand where you are heading and while I had a bit of a
rant to start with, I don't think it would be fair to focus on the company itself."

I feel you need to address this directly with Greenfield Products.
It may be they have an in-service fix, if the problem is as you describe.

This takes nothing away from your expert observations, nor your asking here
whether folks have had a similar experience. Thanks also to Norm for identifying
associated issues with non-dealers seeking help.

Perhaps an image or two might explain your concerns to a broader audience.
For information on uploading images HERE.

Hope this helps.
---------------------------
Jack

UPDATE

Feeling lucky the other day, I called Greenfield and lo and behold, found someone in their Technical department that was prepared to speak intelligently on a technical fault to a non dealer.

He confirmed the known belt failure fault with these machines and that Greenfield had changed belt suppliers for this particular belt.
He also said that as they did not have 42" decks in production at the moment, he could not investigate the misalignment at this time, but would look into it at a later date.

In good faith, he sent me a replacement belt at no charge.

A big thanks to "A" at Greenfield (no names in case he gets in trouble for it).

If I see this machine again for the same reason, I'll post up photo's etc.

By the way, for anyone who wants to update their belt cross reference, the belt is a B136K (a B136 Kevlar Belt).
JM does the PIX belt, which appears to be eminently suitable, but I'm sure other suppliers will be on board soon.