Most lawn tractors use a clutch that loosens the belt to make it slip to disengage. With a chain that is not possible. You would have to have a more expensive and complicated clutch to run chain. Expensive and complicated are 2 words that tend to not be included in typical factory mowers.
Proud member of the Mower Cycle Gang... aka the "Mowrons!"
My build (Chaos is one of 3 built like this) Chaos Build
It makes sense now LOL. I can see the advantages of using a chain though, No slipping or stretching unlike a belt. Does anyone know of a lawn tractor that uses a chain instead of a belt drive?
Moose Established Member
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Age : 35 Join date : 2014-01-12 Points : 4748 Posts : 919 Location : Defiance, Ohio
The only way you can have a chain drive is either using a Peerless 700 transaxle to convert from belt to chain, or use a horizontal engine with a torque converter or centrifugal clutch.
Clutching issues aside...Chains are best used on horizontal shaft applications. If you use a chain on a vertical shaft application, it will be side-loaded and wear faster along with robbing some HP. Generally, they don't like to hang sideways.
Imma have to quote stretch on this one "I change my belt every few years" if you keep proper tension and don't intentionally burn up your belt they last a good long time
T-Dub13 Established Member
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I'll add that the condition of your pulleys and idler have a great impact as well. I've had great results with polishing the pulleys on older rusted up machines. I take the belt off the engine and start it, then run some rough (like 100 grit) sandpaper inside the "V" until the surface is nice and clean. Then move to 220 grit to get a nice machined looking surface. It can be a risky operation, but since I'm a machinist, I'm used to sanding moving parts. be careful. Same can be done with the transmission pulley by driving it with a cordless drill or leaving the belt on. (even more risky, but it works).
I've also had a pulley that had a dent in it from someone removing it improperly. It took some time and patience, but I did manage to hammer it out until it was close to perfect. It stopped chewing up belts after that.
Moose Established Member
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Age : 35 Join date : 2014-01-12 Points : 4748 Posts : 919 Location : Defiance, Ohio
+1 on what tdub said some people think that the more "texture" your pulley has the better it will grip but I like to use a gravel road vs a paved road analogy your rust will give you a gravel road feel on aggressive takeoffs rust will flake and just chew on your belt momentarily possibly lodging pieces of rust in your belt causing premature wear (like rocks in your tires) if it is smooth and clean your belt will bite and grab onto the pulley much like a tire biting into pavement and sending you flying :p However! I dont really mess with my pulley much if it works it works if it doesnt then I swap out the tranny 8D
Subject: 
February 15th 2014, 8:05 pm
