Cub Cadet ISeries - Manual (Page 152)

CUTTING DECKS AND LIFT SHAFT
146
PTO belt
Some cutting deck designs use a single belt to
transfer power from the engine crankshaft directly to
the blade spindles.
Other cutting deck designs use one belt to transfer
power from the engine crankshaft to a second belt that
drives the blade spindles.
The belt that goes around the crankshaft or PTO
clutch is referred to in this text as the PTO belt. Where
a second belt is used, it is called a deck belt or a timing
belt (on timed decks).
The function of the PTO belt is to transfer the
mechanical force from the engine to the blades. The
belt faces alot of different forces.
• The friction between the belt and the pulleys cre-
ates heat. The compression of the belt as it
bends around the pulleys also creates heat. All
of this heat softens the belt which weakens it.
• Every time the electric PTO is engaged, the PTO
belt is subjected to an impact load. When the
electric PTO is engaged, it goes from 0 to 3,600
RPM instantly. This can actual remove sections
of the belt.
NOTE: Engaging the Electric PTO before the
mowing deck is placed into the grass will reduce
the impact load on the belt.
• When a blade hits an object like a rock or a tree
root, the belt is subjected to an impact load simi-
lar to the impact load of engaging the electric
PTO.
• 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 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.
To replace the PTO belt:
1. Remove the deck as describe at the begining of
this chapter.
NOTE: Removal of the deck is not necessary,
but makes it easier to route the belt around the
spindles.
2. Slide the belt off of the pulleys.
NOTE: Generally it is not necessary to remove
the spindle covers, however if there is debris
build up under the spindle covers it is recom-
mended to remove them and clean out the
debris. To remove the spindle covers follow the
steps described in the spindle section of this
chapter.
3. Route the new belt around the pulleys.
• For a 50” deck, See Figure 8.6.
! CAUTION ! 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.
Figure 8.6