Homemade Idler pulley

[rhwells2003]

Has anyone made one before? My set-up is a gas motor, and a gast pump mounted to a wood platform. Thinking some sort of idler pulley could keep my belt good and tight. Anyone made something like this before?

[maple flats]

No, but I've re-purposed old ones. If you don't have one, try a lawn mower repair shop, many have a bone yard where you can get one to use either free or at least cheap.

[maple flats]

If that fails, I did mine differently on 2 vacuum pumps. I made a pivoting engine mount and I tilt the engine to put the belt on and then the weight of the engine holds tension. Just make sure to size the belt so the engine is near level. On one pump I also have to add some weight to the floating side of the engine for better "traction " on the double belts, for that I have a 3" limb about 8-10' long that lays on the edge of the floating side. With that I get no slippage.

[MT Pockets Producer]

This is our set up on a gas driven 1550. The idler is a car part I had kicking around but Tractor Supply has them for $16. This is a simple setup using a piece of angle iron bolted to the frame and a spring holding it down. There is very little tension on the spring when engaged so as not to put undue strain on the bearings and belt. There is a little kickstand we use to hold it up in a disengaged position for starting and warming the motor before engaging. It has worked well so far. 1352413525

[rhwells2003]

That is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks MT Pockets Producer. Good looking set-up