Cub Cadet 33" Wide Area - Manual (Page 23)

CUTTING DECK AND LIFT SHAFT
14
PTO belt
The function of the PTO belt is to transfer the mechani-
cal force from the engine to the blades. The belt faces
a lot of different forces.
• Clutching and de-clutching
• Heat from bending or deformation.
• The friction of the belt against the pulleys cre-
ates heat. This heat softens the belt which weak-
ens it.
• When a blade impacts an object like a rock or a
tree root, the belt is subjected to an shock load.
• The belt has rubber in it. as the rubber ages, it
becomes brittle making it weaker.
NOTE: A damaged belt can cause the deck to
vibrate when the deck is engaged. The vibration
can be bad enough to simulate an engine or
blade issue.
NOTE: Not all belt damage is visible. Broken
cords inside the belt are not visible to the naked
eye, but can cause vibration issues and greatly
reduce the life of the belt.
CAUTION: Cub Cadet belts are design to fit our
equipment and are not standard lengths. Use of
a non-OEM belt may prevent the mowing deck
from working properly.
To service the deck belt:
1. Take the deck cover off by removing the three
self tapping screws with a 3/8” wrench.
See Figure 4.10.
NOTE: Earlier 2007 production may have nuts
and bolts securing the belt cover to the frame.
Figure 4.10
self tapping screws
2. Slide the cover off of the mower.
3. Release the tension on the engagement pulley.
Disconnect the spring end of the deck engage-
ment cable from the Idler bracket.
See Figure 4.11.
4. Loosen both idler pulleys enough to slip the belt
out between the idler pulleys and the belt guides
using a pair of 9/16” wrenches See Figure 4.12.
.
Figure 4.11
Figure 4.12
Idler Pulley
Belt Guides