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Cub Cadet zero turn is hard on primary mower drive belt

A

andy r

Member
My Cub Cadet zero turn Z-Force 44 with around a 20 horsepower Kohler engine wants to destroy the primary mower deck drive belt just about every time you use the mower. This would be the belt from the electric PTO clutch on the engine crankshaft to the center arbor on the mower deck. Today I put a new belt on it and mowed for 20 minutes in relatively light blue grass. Eventually I smelled something hot, stopped for a couple minutes and after starting again it snapped. The blue Kevlar belts from the farm stores are about the worst. A Kevlar wrapped mower deck belt is better. I cannot see anything that is rubbing on the belt. Routing of the belt is correct. Pulleys and idlers seem OK. Tension is good but not excessive. I do not think the belt ever slips. Arbors are greased. Blades are sharp. I can not figure it out. I do know that a farm store belt might be more like $20 and the original Cub Cadet belt might run $45. Is there that great of difference. Has any one else had this issue or any ideas as to what might correct this issue? Thanks.
 
If this is a standard V belt/pulleys you could get double sheave pulleys and have two belts to share the load.
 
From my experience working on lawn and garden equipment in the early seventies, right on through to what I hear today, no aftermarket belt holds up. I don't know why. Also, the two mowers I've had with electric clutches instruct you to run the engine up wide open before engaging clutch. This is counter intuitive to me for the sake of the clutch. But I learned the hard way that not doing as instructed breaks belts.
 
A mile-long belt around all those pulleys and idlers?? I think it's poor engineering from all manufacturers. You would think they could do better with a few dollars more.
 
He would NOT be able to do that without replacing the electric PTO clutch with one that has a double sheave. Not cheap, but a possibility. Space may limit that option as well.
 
We have a Husqvarna that has been a good machine for 20 years, and we have good luck with Kevlar belts from V-beltsupply. com. Much better than farm store belts and a lot cheaper, and they last for years.
 
Bob, was one of your mowers a Toro? I don't think every mfg recommends high RPM before engaging blades.
 
If the belt is getting hot, it is either slipping or rubbing.

Is the belt you are running a specified replacement, or one somebody told you would fit? There is a lot that goes into the design of a v belt drive. Just because 2 belts look similar, doesnt mean they will perform the same.
 
After running it for 3 minutes or so use a laser infrared thermometer on the pulleys. Increased temperature is a solid indication of slipping. also look at the bottoms of the pulley grooves if they show wear the pulley may be worn and not making appropriate contact, bottoming out. JimJim
 
I replaced my belt on my Kubota F2100 commercial mower. Knowing I was going to trade it in soon I put the best belt Granger had on it instead of the high priced Kubota belt. Mowed my 1 acer lawn one time and the belt was trashed. I too figured there must be a problem but after putting the OME belt on it I had no more problems. I used the mower 11 years and brought it used and never replaced the belt on it until last summer.
 
Like Jim said, check the bottom of the pulley grooves for belt contact. There should only be contact with the sides, not in the bottom.

Also look for even wear inside the pulleys, could be a bent or separated (broken weld) pulley.

Check the bottoms of the pulleys for any thing that doesn't belong. Once had a mower that would throw the belt. Found a chunk of bark wedged down in the vee. Had to dig it out with a screwdriver.

If all else fails try the factory belt. Something magically mysterious about them!
 
I would look at the bearing on that center spindle might be just enough drag form a semi bad bearing that is causing a slip situation. Or a high derag on the belt then with the load of cutting it can't pull the load so does what it knows best slip and burn.
 
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