Hello Fredo, I'm happy to see you got it up & sewing so quickly.The belt needs to be that tight or it'll slip.The style of motor we use has a built-in brake so when your foot is off of the pedal it will be hard to turn the machine over,so if you push the pedal down 1/4" it releases it so you can turn the machine by hand.Also,when you stop & start sewing you always want to have the takeup lever(chrome piece you thread through & goes up & down when sewing) @ the highest point.
Have fun & Thanks for Buying a hard working Cowboy !!