stumper63
ArboristSite Operative
Sorry to plagiarise the thread title, couldn't help it....
Just thought I'd share a little discovery I happened upon by chance a couple weeks ago. Got 3400 hours on the 2003 252, time to replace the jackshaft sheave for the cutter wheel belt for the 2nd time. Not too bad for averaging 1700 hours per sheave. If you're wearing out belts prematurely this is probably the culprit. The inner ridges got worn down below the outer edges of the sheave and don't grip properly. I have no complaints with the factory belt setup, only tighten every 40-50 hours, takes four minutes.
Anyway, apparently Vermeer changed styles of sheave some time ago and the dealer happened to give me the wrong one for my machine. I believe the one he gave me is for the newer 27hp models, but not sure. The Vermeer part # is 180007297.
Anyway, the sheave is about 3/8" bigger in diameter, yet still able to use the same center section that the sheave slips into and tightens down on the jackshaft with. Only thing is that you can't get to the setscrew that tightens down the keyway to the jackshaft. But the three bolts that clamp the sheave to the jackshaft hold it just fine, at least for the last 40 hours or so...and over the years I've forgotten to tighten that setscrew and nothing has ever happened.
Reason I'm posting this is because the machine seems to cut way faster with the small increase in cutter wheel rpm from the slightly larger diameter sheave (pulley). I have the Sandvik wheel, but suppose it might help other tooth styles to cut faster too. BTW, this sheave was only $35, the correct one is about $85, so what's not to like?
So if you'd like to increase your productivity change out that sheave, IMO it's the best $35 bucks you'll ever spend on your 252.
Stumper63
Just thought I'd share a little discovery I happened upon by chance a couple weeks ago. Got 3400 hours on the 2003 252, time to replace the jackshaft sheave for the cutter wheel belt for the 2nd time. Not too bad for averaging 1700 hours per sheave. If you're wearing out belts prematurely this is probably the culprit. The inner ridges got worn down below the outer edges of the sheave and don't grip properly. I have no complaints with the factory belt setup, only tighten every 40-50 hours, takes four minutes.
Anyway, apparently Vermeer changed styles of sheave some time ago and the dealer happened to give me the wrong one for my machine. I believe the one he gave me is for the newer 27hp models, but not sure. The Vermeer part # is 180007297.
Anyway, the sheave is about 3/8" bigger in diameter, yet still able to use the same center section that the sheave slips into and tightens down on the jackshaft with. Only thing is that you can't get to the setscrew that tightens down the keyway to the jackshaft. But the three bolts that clamp the sheave to the jackshaft hold it just fine, at least for the last 40 hours or so...and over the years I've forgotten to tighten that setscrew and nothing has ever happened.
Reason I'm posting this is because the machine seems to cut way faster with the small increase in cutter wheel rpm from the slightly larger diameter sheave (pulley). I have the Sandvik wheel, but suppose it might help other tooth styles to cut faster too. BTW, this sheave was only $35, the correct one is about $85, so what's not to like?
So if you'd like to increase your productivity change out that sheave, IMO it's the best $35 bucks you'll ever spend on your 252.
Stumper63
