[Beaver]

I purchased a new 2018 UForce 500 back in November and I have about 160 kms on it right now. Whenever I drive it I always get a belt burning smell. Most often when it goes into reverse and when it has to be pushed a little for example when it's being driven through a bit of snow. Is this normal or should I be concerned?
I find that you have to be heavy on the pedal to get it rolling and keep it rolling.  I know it is only a 500 but seems real sluggish to get going. I drove the zforce before I bought it but not the UForce and the zforce didn't seem sluggish at all. Should have drove a UForce because I have nothing to compare it to.
Thanks

[NMKawierider]

As far as operations the two should feel about the same so..I would say you have a belt problem...and now that it's been slipping a lot I wouldn't be shocked if there now wasn't some sheave damage. Best get that checked-out asap. Toasting belts.. is not normal.

[Beaver]

Thanks for the input. I have called the dealer and they said that they will look at it and are ordering a belt in case it may need one so I son't have to wait.

[NMKawierider]

If what you were smelling was belt..you will need one..at least. Maybe Gates makes a belt for the 500s. Gota be cheaper. Anyone out there know if they do?

[REDRIDER]

make sure you don't have hanging up brakes, or something dragging on the driveline. I would jack it up and make sure the tires spin. If it's under warranty you can just take it back to the dealer of course.

[Beaver]

Hey guys thanks for the input sorry I didn't get back sooner. The dealer took a look at it and realized the emergency brake was adjusted incorrectly. It was too tight so every time I would go from a stop it would need a little extra power to overcome the e-brake causing the belt to burn a little. All good now no belt burning smell.

[doug80638]

That was probably the hot brake pads you were smelling. A dragging e-brake gives off quite an odor and only after a short distance.

I wouldn't be concerned about the belt as it is designed to overcome much more resistance than the e-brake can provide. The belt would slip for only a moment while the pads would continue to burn so long as the machine was moving.

Did they replace the pads? That's quite a distance to ride with the brakes on.

[Beaver]

That's a good question I'm not sure if they did, I don't think so because they didn't mention it. They were originally going to throw a new belt on but once they found the issue I don't think they wanted to spend the time in getting into it to replace it. Hopefully it is fine. How many miles or kilometers are they good for?

[NMKawierider]

I have taken-off and left the hand brake on several times...twice long enough to toast the pads and make .."the smell".. the last time I went about a 1/2 mile. Yeah the pads are toast now but I just re-adjusted them and left them. My rear gear case is going to need rebuilding someday soon and figured I would replace the pads and resurface the rotor when it was out. I wish they would make it so it won't move when it's on or..if it's on and you put it in gear an audio alarm would go off..like a back-up beeper...something. The little red light in the dash isn't enough. I guess one could pull it on harder but..mine's pretty glazed now and don't think it will help much.

[doug80638]

Belt life is dependent on the driver and work load.

Using low gear when under 18-20mph for varying terrain or heavy work load will increase belt cooling and help it to last lots longer.

Using high gear for slow speeds and heavy loads will reduce air flow in the chamber allowing the belt to heat up and run hotter. Heat is the enemy of these belts (for any machine).

Many have gone over 3000 miles and are still going on the original belt. I inspected my belt at 1500 miles and it still looks brand new.

Failures have occurred at much lower mileage, and you can bet it was because of the choices made by the driver.

[Beaver]

That's good to know thanks