pto belt comes off cub cadet model 123 with 42" deck

[knucklescraper]

My pto belt keeps coming off. I have a cub cadet model 123 with a 42” mower deck (3 spindles). I have read many old posts on this site about this issue which leads me to believe I have a wrong belt or mule drive idler pulley or both. I have the telltale grooves in the front axle.

Questions:

1. What is the correct outer diameter of the mule drive idler pulleys?
I have one (the original I assume) that is ~3.3” OD and a replacement for one
that had a binding bearing that is 3.0” OD.

2. There are two holes in each side plate. What hole should the mule drive idler pulley rod be in and why are there two holes? One is more forward and down and the other is more back and up. (see attached image)

3. Could someone kindly verify that these part numbers I looked up are correct before I go ahead and order?

PTO to mower deck belt (3/8” W x 81” L): IH-473462-R4
mule drive idler pulley: IH-61176-C92
mower deck spindle drive belt (½” W x 77” L): IH-477599-R2

I’m not having a problem with the mower deck spindle drive belt but according to the part number I looked up, the one I’m currently using is 1” shorter than it should be and about 1/16” thinner in width so I may as well get the right one.

4. Where would you order these parts from?
a.) cubcadet.com
b.) ccspecialties.org
c.) messicks.com
d.) somewhere else

Thank you

[Red Dave]

I have a 123 with a 42", 3 blade deck. I also had a problem with throwing the PTO belt off after a few seconds.

The solution for my problem was to replace the after market belt which was 1/2" wide with one from CC Specialties that is 3/8" wide. I know it doesn't sound logical because it seems like it shouldn't make a difference, but it does.

The aftermarket belt had the correct numbers on it, but it was too wide for the pulleys on my deck and they would throw it off.

[CubDieselFan]

Another vote for B, CC Specialties.

[knucklescraper]

Hi Red Dave. Thanks for the reply. That is encouraging. I'll be ordering a new belt.

Perhaps you could do me a favor. The next time you use your cub cadet 123, could you note what hole the rod to which the vertical pto belt pulleys are mounted is in? I'm referring to the two holes on the side plates that mount to the frame that the pulley mounting rod can fit into.

Would you also be able to check the outer diameter of these vertical pto pulleys? I want to use what you're using since it is working.

[darkminion_17]

The rod is in the wrong hole.

[knucklescraper]

Thanks darkminion_17. I'll move it back to the other hole when I get the new belt.

Thanks CubDieselFan for the vendor input.

[Billy-O]

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

The rod is in the wrong hole.

That's what she said.....

[knucklescraper]

That gave me a laugh Billy-O!

[Red Dave]

Originally Posted by knucklescraper

Hi Red Dave. Thanks for the reply. That is encouraging. I'll be ordering a new belt.

Perhaps you could do me a favor. The next time you use your cub cadet 123, could you note what hole the rod to which the vertical pto belt pulleys are mounted is in? I'm referring to the two holes on the side plates that mount to the frame that the pulley mounting rod can fit into.

Would you also be able to check the outer diameter of these vertical pto pulleys? I want to use what you're using since it is working.

OK Knuckles, here is what I found:

The pulleys are 3 inches in diameter.

The hole the rod is in is:


If it isn't apparent from the pic, it is the hole that is slightly above and to the rear of the other hole. I put a yellow paint pen mark on it to try to make it clearer.

Hope that helps.

[knucklescraper]

Yes it does. Thanks for taking the time Red Dave.

I ordered parts last night from ccs so maybe next weekend I'll have everything assembled and can cut the grass.