300lbs.Overloaded perhaps ?

I would agree....300 lb roller is a REAL STRAIN on a
variable speed transmission set-up.

T-Man

I take it this is a newer MTD model? Todays tractors arent built like ones from years ago, unless you have one heavy duty type tractor built for hauling stuff ( garden tractor) , i wouldnt suggest pulling anything over 100lbs, they arent designed for it. Todays tractors are built for comfort and quietness ( apparently peeple complained a small gas engine is too noisey- go fig) , not for pulling large loads, specially since 1/2 the motor and drivetrain is made from plastic, to quiet things down. Id suggest using an ATV to haul the roller around, or the next snap might be the transmission.
Kidd

Thanks for the input guys .
First question I have to ask all of you is do any of you own or manitain a vari-drive transmission?
Also I'll eat ever piece of plastic that you can find in that vari-drive system.
The tractor is 4 years old and I have pulled many items including a driveway drag with 4 concrete blocks on top.
The only problem that I encountered was some slipping of the belts at low speed.
And the case of the 300# roller ,heck I can pull that by hand.
I was hopeing someone with a vari-drive encountered the same problem.
I will be tearing it down this weekend to check belt alignment ,movable pully ,belt tensioners and adjustment of the pedal linkage.

Perhaps you may then be able to answer your own question.I don't think you will find any plastic in/on the vari-drive ass'y.I would hope not.I once had a MF10 with a variable drive that was built for the abuse you give your unit..JMHO tbk

I have 4 MTD's with that setup - the single speed trans with the variable pulley. Ive pulled meybe 150lbs of crushed stone with my LT12, i broke the trailer before the tractor tho. To haul really heavy stuff i use my standard trans Dynamark. Reason why? My Dynamark's tranny is full of gear oil. The MTD's is just packed full of grease( note no holes to add/drain oil).
Kidd

It isn't uncommon for the new units w/ the 754-0468 rear belts to drop off the idler. Sometimes you see edge wear- sometimes not. It is to the point now that I ask clients at PM if they have replaced it yet, and if not- should I go ahead and do it. Saves a lot of grief. They aren't long wearing like the older 0370 belt set ups or definately like the o281/0281's.

Thanks Tomplum
Yesterday when I was working on it everything seemed to be in order.
I visited my local TSC and replaced that belt.
Finished rolling the backyard with no problem.