Cub Cadet GT2542 PTO Belt

[eoline]

My Mom has a Cub Cadet GT2542 with a broken belt. I will be visiting her soon. She says that it is not the deck belt (the belt that turns the blades). It is the belt that you must lift the hood to access.

I fould a damaged GT2542 pdf operator's manual on the internet with missing graphs. I was able to find two kinds of belts referred to in this manual: the deck belt and the PTO belt. I believe the belt that needs replacing is the PTO belt. This manual was of little help.

I looked for other manuals that I thought might be similar to the GT2542 manual. These manuals advise that the belt that leads up to the engine is too complicated to replace and to take the mower to a service center.

My Mom says that it is simple to replace and, in fact, does not require any tools. I do know that my deceased Dad had not problem replacing it. I have never worked on mowers (or automobiles) but I consider myself pretty handy with repairs.

My question is: Does the GT2542 PTO belt require a service person to replace?

Thanks

[micman32]

It's really easy to replace and you don't need any tools. The belt runs from the PTO to the mower. Loop the belt around the PTO pulley then bring it down. There are 2 pulley's mounted on the frame ahead of the front wheels. Make sure you get the belt twisted right on the pulleys and then back the pulley on the mower deck.
You might also want to try Cub Cadet Landing Page. You may be able to download a manuel.
Hope this helps!

Michael

[eoline]

Michael,

Thank you so much for the reply and instructions. I feel more confident now.

[micman32]

eonline... Glad to help!

Michael

[JTKub]

Originally Posted by eoline

..My Mom says that it is simple to replace and, in fact, does not require any tools. I do know that my deceased Dad had not problem replacing it. I have never worked on mowers (or automobiles) but I consider myself pretty handy with repairs.

My question is: Does the GT2542 PTO belt require a service person to replace?

Thanks

It's an absolute piece of cake to replace. 2 minutes, if that. Just make sure it's routed properly and the belt does NOT ride 'flat' side down into the two front idler sheaves. It's easy to neglect that little detail and is probably the #1 cause of PTO belt failure on the 2K series machines. The "vee" shaped side of the belt has to ride in a "vee" shaped pulley/sheave.

Joel

[micman32]

You are absolutely right about that Joel! I totally destroyed a brand new belt by not making doubly sure that the belt was seated correctly!!!
I definately make sure now!

Michael

[JTKub]

Yep it's kind of tricky the first time or two you install it since both sides need to do a 90deg twist coming off the PTO to mate up with the idlers. It really is a very strong and reliable setup when routed properly. I've got something like 120hrs/4yrs on mine and it's chewed up BADLY from me not installing it right a cpl times and having it jump and jamb up.

Joel

[micman32]

WOW! that is great. I think I am on my 4th one. My 2518 has around 400 hours on it. I know my dealer replaced at least 2 of them under warranty. Then the one I destroyed (which was brand new) and the one that is on currently.
I noticed when I was cleaning mine up for the season that the belt is really brittle. I think all that heat from then engine takes its toll on the belt.
I'll just run it til it breaks!

Michael

[magicalj]

One more thing to make sure of. Make sure that you don't have any extra twist in the belt. I had a extra twist in the belt on my 2180 and destroyed it in under a minute. Each side of the belt only twist 90 degrees.

AJ