belt question

[Todd Porter]

Hello,

I bought a used Cadet last fall to mow the three acres I bought last summer. When I got it home, I noticed the belt had a nick, no big deal right? Went thru Amazon and bought a couple of cheapies in an effort to save some money, good idea, right? Only mowed twice last year, and it's been so wet this year I hadn't got much chance to mow. On my second go round this yr. the new belt grenaded, literally fell apart. Looked at the hours and I only put 14 hrs. on from the time I replaced it last fall. As I replaced it with the spare I saw 'MADE IN INDIA' printed on it...uummm...probably not a good idea, eh? So, looking for recommendations for good belts and cheap prices, hoping this isn't going to be a common thing, surely I should get more than 14 hrs.? I really like the mower, it has ag treads on the back and pulls up and down hills very well, mows clean, the p.o. kept the deck well adjusted, not certain about maintenance though. I greased the deck bearings earlier and they were STIFF. Anyway, all comments welcome, thank you.

[CADplans]

As far as the spindles,

is it;

1) they were stiff

2) they ARE stiff



A tight spindle will blow a belt. How much load does the engine get when you engage the mower?

Typically, grease can not magically "fix" a spindle.

[Todd Porter]

WERE. When I had the tensioner off to change the belt they turned easy. The engine doesn't bog down hardly at all when I engage the clutch, but I can hear the pitch of the mower itself change when I get into heavier grass. I don't really hear the engine do anything odd, but the deck does change pitch.

[zippy1]

I was told from another forum member here years ago to use only cub cadet belts. And I have without any trouble. (knock on wood)
And something else could burn up a belt is misalignment. If for some reason your belt doesn't run true, but don't know if 14 hrs would do it
I think it's just the cheap belt. Sometimes you get what you pay for.

[R Bedell]

There is a BIG difference in V belts, with the construction of the materials they are made from. A Cub Cadet mower application needs a belt that will endure the bending and twisting as the belt moves through the Mule Drive. I know CC belts are more money initially, but are cheaper in the long run. So, if you like changing belts frequently, then the cheapies are the ones to buy. If you are looking for longevity, you might consider the CC belt.

[cubfixer]

Todd, Roland is right. I only would use CC belts. They are higher than the cheapies, but I just last week replaced my PTO belt that I last changed 15 years ago. I use my 100 for general mowing and also as a bush hog, and have been known to mow a rock or two.

Use the belt chart (on this site) to find the IH number and also write down the length and width. Take it to your cub dealer. You won't regret it.

[Todd Porter]

Thanks for all the advice. I think my problem has been a little compounded by the week and a half of rain we got after the first mow. By the time I got to mow the second time it was pretty tall. Plus I have a very nice crop of bluegrass, which is apparently tough as nails,very hard on this mower. But I finished up today, I'll hit it again before the end of the week and try to keep it low. Definitely not buying bargain belts again, but I might try to go with a bigger machine eventually.

On that note, been thinking of getting a 'vintage' cub as a backup. Any recommendations? I'd like something with a similar or larger deck (mines 42 inches) Thanks.

[dontheo]

Roland has it right. That baby twists like Chubby Checker. Ever time I pull the deck, which seems often for something, I look at it and am amazed how it survives. I went through the same thing. Put on a CC belt and no more problems. The spare I bought is gathering dust and I love it.

[Todd Porter]

Bump. I finally got my belt, a new cc one. Got lucky and the local shop had one in. Lasted 1.5 hours. Getting pretty frustrated here, can't afford 2 new belts every week. As soon as it cools down (the mower) I'm gonna pull the deck and see what the hell is going on, if I can. I looked thru the manual, not a lot of info there. Are there any pulley adjustments that need to be checked?
When I put it on initially and started mowing I could tell a difference immediately, the cheap belts would bog down in medium sized grass. This one did not. I was pleased until I heard the belt start to come apart, was working beautifully.
I'm wondering if the pto clutch is maybe going, or gone? This tractor has 260 hrs. on it, is there any way to check the clutch? I'll heed all advice, thanks for your patience and time.

[J-Mech]

Well, for starter, what model tractor are you working on? How about some pics of the mule drive and deck ..... Sounds like you have an alignment issue...