What belt? - Belt chart helps but....
 

The belt chart often referred to here on this forum tells me I need a IH-489397-R3 for my PTO belt (I have a model 124 with 48" deck).

That means the belt should be 3/8x75.5" However, when I go shopping all the vendors I have found seem to indicate the new replacement is 1/2"x77"(Gates brand which I do trust). It says it right on the packaging: Direct replacement for IH-489397-R3

The 77" does not bother me too much but the 1/2" vs. the 3/8" does. This does not seem right. Does this sound legit to you ? If not, does anyone know of a source for the "right" belt?

Thanks in advance!

That's the spindle belt. At least on my 42 inch deck

That is CORRECT. If you are not going to purchase a Cub Cadet Belt, then I would use the 3/8" x 76" belt conversion to aftermarket.

OK - so I go to buy an actual Cub Cadet belt and it seems I need a deck serial number. Turns out IH-489397-R3 is only for serial number ~218000 and above. You have to use IH-473462-R4 for serial numbers below that.

First - does it _really_ matter? I think the "R4" belt is longer.
Second - where is the serial number located?

I have looked pretty hard on this deck to find a serial number but am coming up with nothing. Is it on a plate that is gone, or have I just missed it? Where on the deck might it be?

I looked in the technical library but the manual does not show the serial number location.

Thanks in advance!

The "serial numbers" the charts are talking about are TRACTOR SERIAL NUMBERS, not deck serial numbers.

You stated you had a 124 (S/N Range - 218010 to 306085), thus the IH-489397-R3 is correct

The IH-473462-R4 Belt is 3/8" x 81", grossly out of range as far as belt length.

Now ALL of this is considering, you have all stock equipment....tractor, mule drive, and mower deck with no alterations or modifications.

The reason for the different belts (in the NF arena) is in consideration, whether the tractor is a CCO, a NF with a bolt on Mule Drive, or a NF with a QA Mule Drive.

Thanks! I think it is pretty clear the R3 belt is correct. I'll order that.

Out of curiosity - what does CCO mean? QA must mean quick attach. I guess QA refers to the mule drive hanger that slips into the jaws at the front frame that have little bar to operate the retaining jaws. My 124 has that but my 123 does not.

Thanks again!

Cub Cadet Original

You are correct.

The QA feature started with the 1x4/5 Series tractors. Earlier models had "bolt on" implements.