SLX54 XT2 drive belt install question

CurtCub149 · #1 07-13-2021, 06:34 PM

I have an XT2 that has less than 30 hrs on it and I have to replace the belt after the OEM broke. So I've researched the manual which says to contact the authorized dealer for a transmission belt replacement (all I get is the answering machine and no callbacks) so no problem I'll fix it myself. It fell off a month or two back and the belt looked fine, I just pulled the idler pulley over and aligned the belt, and installed it back on.

So now that the belt broke, I was going to show my wife how to install a new belt when I discovered that the pulley is surrounded by an extended metal framework???

I've seen folks recommend taking the engine bolts out and raising the engine rather than removing the bolt attached to the deck pulley/clutch assembly/drive pulley.?

I started prying the framework out enough to get my belt around and in but stopped and thought I'd ask. It's been a week-plus waiting for the belt and I'd like to mow my 3 acres prior to the rain we're supposed to get in the next few days.

Any help would be appreciated.

guyina4x4 · #2 07-13-2021, 10:43 PM

Just take the pto Pulley off.

Make sure all the pulleys spin free.
Those belts don't just break for no reason.

I have changed belts by bending those tabs but only as a last resort, if the pulley won't slide down.
Just be sure to bend them back or the belt will come off and ruin your day mowing.

CurtCub149 · #3 07-14-2021, 09:59 AM

Thank you. I used my impact and got the pto pulley and clutch assembly down but will still have to bend the metal since the drive pulley won't budge.

Definitely a poor design, cub should be ashamed of themselves.

ol'George · #4 07-14-2021, 12:14 PM

While you are playing with things under there, and banging yer head, look for a reason you "done wore out the belt"
Sounds like it is a new (er) machine, and possibly should have lasted longer.
Do use an oem belt in most cases, or one specifically designed for a lawn/garden application.
Not one hanging on a rack @ tractor supply or the local/mom/pop Hwd. store.
it ain't gonna last if you do that.
Check any idlers that posta move and lube if needed.
Also why if "fell/came off" in the first place.
Also keep a spare, -----------the roof don't leak when it ain't raining,
and when it rains it pours and the grass grows prolifically while you wait on the UPS delivery

darkminion_17 · #5 07-23-2021, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurtCub149

Thank you. I used my impact and got the pto pulley and clutch assembly down but will still have to bend the metal since the drive pulley won't budge.

Definitely a poor design, cub should be ashamed of themselves.

Under warranty? if so you shudda brought it to a dealer before you bent stuff.

CurtCub149 · #6 09-09-2021, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

Under warranty? if so you shudda brought it to a dealer before you bent stuff.

Just out of warranty and they wouldn't cover a drive belt.

Anyways, had a local lawn store finishing placing the belt on. Low and behold, they didn't bend the metal back and after just three edge mows (zero turn now mows 80% of my 3 acres) the belt fell off. I'll have to wait until it cools to see what the issue was. Judas, a $3k tractor made useless by a freaking belt.