openspaceman, welcome to TGMF. 

I'm sorry for the lack of reply from me, I thought I had already replied, not sure why it didn't post..  I was also going to ask if the belt was either off, or loose as Barrie pointed out, it can and does happen.

Hopefully it will be something simple which doesn't require a transmission assy, fingers crossed. 

Hi.  Parts for these engines are as rare as hens teeth these days.   

I don't know anyone who has any new stock personally.   You could try somewhere like https://www.jackssmallengines.com/Products/TECUMSEH/Carburetors-And-Parts-4-Cycle/s I think they ship all over the world.  Failing that you might be able to get a second hand part from a local dealer. 

Thanks for the welcome and the information for the pulley/tensioner assembly.

I suspected the belt tensioner because the spring between the pulley seemed so week (I can pull the two long runs of the belt that drives the gearbox together with no effort). One drive belt is new and I am not sure about the belt from the engine to the pulleys/tensioner.

That was the issue I had, the spring between the pulley halves seemed very limp and lifeless, probably a very poor quality spring to be honest.  The modified pulley twists and separates much like the Hayter Harrier ones, but of a more solid construction.  That does of course mean it will like belts with no wear in them.  You'll probably notice your belts have worn pretty thin, or at least one of them will have worn badly. 

I will let you know how I get on.

Please do.    

Hi Kevin. and welcome to TGMF.

What I've found with these Weibangs is the double pully between the two belts has a very soft spring between the the two inner pully half's.  This is supposed to be spring loaded to keep the belts tensioned.  I've had a couple where the spring has gone limp and therefore the belts were running loose causing the symptoms you describe.

So I would check the two belts make sure they haven't worn excessively, and check that double pulley between the belts.   There's a modified pulley for these now, if I can find the bulletin I'll post it up for you..

Thanks for this I will find the model numbers and mention the decompressor issue
                             Regards Ratt

No problem.  Just remember the decompressor issue would only apply if it has a 4-mix engine.  Likewise regarding adjustment of the tappets .

Thanks. What are the differences, if any, between the Echo model and the Shindaiwa version apart from colour? Are they exactly the same, or is one a Toyota, and the other a Lexus? I am assuming that the handles may be different, but not much else will be different?

So many questions.....

I have a Shindaiwa chainsaw, and it has been faultless. I did not realise until today that Echo was part of the same group.

Thanks for your time, and responses.

The Shindaiwa come out of the same factory.  They are both equally as good as each other from what I've seen.  Think the Shindaiwa had better anti vibration levels, but looking at the later Echo's the rubber grips / controls etc look very much the same now.  I wouldn't think there's much in it to be honest.  Either would be good. 

Hi CageyH, and welcome to TGMF. 

Brushcutter wise I'd go for something from ECHO.  These are great value for money and come with a 2yr Pro warranty, and five year domestic.   

As for cutting in wooded areas I'm not sure a hover mower would be up to the job, especially if there's any woody bits lying on the ground I doubt it would last very long.  Plus 2acres is a fair sized area, you really need to go for something bigger and more robust than a hover mower or you'll be spending so much time getting the job done. 

I'm assuming your ride-on mower gets stuck only in the woodland area where it's boggy?  The rest of the grass is quite stable?