Changing a Cub Cadet Deck Belt

Installing a deck belt can be a challange. This video gives a quick walk though out the typical procedure. Contact a Messick's parts technician to order the proper belt for your specific model mower.

Instructions

Step 1 - Position your riding mower for replacement

Park your riding lawn mower on a flat, level surface. Before you begin to replace the riding mower belt, turn the engine off and remove the ignition key. Then, disconnect the spark plug ignition wire.
Elevate the deck height level to its highest position.
Place wooden blocks that are just short of the deck's highest position under the deck's edge for support, then lower the deck onto the blocks.
Pull the J hooks from the left side then the right side to release the deck from the hangar brackets.
Remove wooden blocks from under the deck carefully.
Pull the click pin out of the front deck hanger rod.

Step 2 - Replace the riding mower deck belt

Remove the belt keeper rod and remove the deck belt from around the mower's engine pulley.
Put the deck height lever back in its highest position and turn the front wheels to the left. Slide the cutting deck out from the right side of the mower.
Remove the belt cover from the outer pulleys.
Unhook the idler spring, then remove the nut and bolt which secure the deck idler pulley with the belt keeper. Using a 3/8 drive ratchet in the square hole of the right idler bracket, separate the idler pulleys then remove the left pulley.
Replace the old mower deck belt with a new Cub Cadet OEM belt. To find the right belt, browse ourtop-selling belts or use our parts finder tool.
Reassemble the mower deck by following the previous directions in reverse order.

Step 3 - Reattach the deck to the riding mower and route the deck belt

Attach the nut and bolt which secure the deck's idler pulley with the belt keeper. Re-hook the idler spring.
Put the belt covers back on the outer pulleys.
Slide the cutting deck back under the mower.
Route the deck belt around the engine pulley and secure the belt keeper rod.
Insert the click pin into the front deck hanger rod.
Insert the J hooks into the hanger brackets on the left and right side of the mower.
Reconnect the spark plug ignition wire and start the mower. Take note of any off noises or vibrations, which could indicate an improperly installed mower deck belt.