44 and 50 Deck Belt Slippage?
 

How prone were the 44 and 50 decks used on the 1x8/9 series IH Cub Cadets in taller/thicker grass?

Just curious- Thanks!

I have a 1975 1650 Quietline with the 44" deck and the only issue I've had with tall grass/weeds is weeds getting caught in the belt and prematurely wearing it out. I have started using SPZ2000 belts on the mower for the heavier/taller grass on my 10acres. Make sure you adjust your belt before you start and about 30 mins in to eliminate any slack. Slipping has never been an issue for me as I keep a 1/2in wrench on the mower to do the belt adjustment.

I have used a 50C deck for 12 or so years, under my 782,about 100 hours a year.
Its not as nice a cutting deck as the new stuff, but it cuts grass or corn stubble
pretty good
Never had a problem with the deck to mower belt of the blade drive belt under the cover, but I service the deck spindle belt several times a year to keep the idler pulley free and to clean out the grass clippings that accumulate under it.
I put new belts on every year, just so I don't have to deal a broken belt while I'm mowing.
I use goodyear insta-power belts as they last just as long or longer than OEM and 1/2 the price as klub cad-didit over priced stuff.
Your luck will vary.
If you mow wet grass you will be scraping the underside of the deck after every mowing to keep the grass good looking after mowing. BTDT.

How do you know the belt is slipping? Blades not turning at all? Uneven cut on all blades or a particular blade?

I haven’t experienced any belt slippage, but have very little mowing time with my 149 with 44 deck. 3/8 belt seems to me, under a heavy cut, might slip. Just curious other’s experiences.

The belts don't normally slip on that setup, if the idlers are not bound up and the engine will pull way down and you will hear it and/or smell the belt burning.
:beerchug: