CC 3235 mower deck belt replacement

[drew32]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and *really* wish I stumbled on this site years ago! There is a wealth of information on here that would have prevented many headaches and dollars in the swear jar over the past few years!

As the subject line reads, I own a Cub Cadet model 3235. I've owned and operated it for about 6 years and, for the most part, am extremely pleased with its performance in maintaining my 5 acres (I'm located in the suburbs north of Atlanta). I've had a few hiccups over the years but between being somewhat handy and some really nice folks at Cub Cadet service, I've managed to survive .. until now!

I need to replace my mower deck belt. I have the 54" deck and the belt snapped/wore out the other day. I ordered and received my replacement belt but am having a heck of a time figuring out to replace it. I would think this would be an easy task, but it doesn't look like it - I know how the belt should run around the pulleys, but don't see how to unless I remove the deck and/or the transmission. Am I looking at this right? Is replacing a belt this convoluted? I think I did a fairly thorough search, and apologize for any oversight on my part, but was not able to locate any DIY's, etc.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, again.

drew32

 

[scoutcub]

Drew -

Do you have the owners manual for the mower deck? It has a schematic for the belt layout. I just installed a new 60" deck on my 5000 series, and had to install a new belt. I found the easiest way is to get a long screwdriver and stretch the belt into the notch of an end pulley while rotating it....popped right on. And yes, the mower deck has to be off and accessible......good luck!

 

[drew32]

Drew -

Do you have the owners manual for the mower deck? It has a schematic for the belt layout. I just installed a new 60" deck on my 5000 series, and had to install a new belt. I found the easiest way is to get a long screwdriver and stretch the belt into the notch of an end pulley while rotating it....popped right on. And yes, the mower deck has to be off and accessible......good luck!

Unfortunately, I don't have the manual for the deck, only the tractor. Looks like the next step is to remove the deck and, like you said, the belt itself should pop right on. Thanks for the reply!

 

[davkir]

This may not be relevant, but on my J.D. deck the belt is tensioned with an idler pulley with a very strong spring. It's easier to remove the spring before you change the belt. To re-attach the spring, I use sort of an old fashioned tool used for changing drum brakes on old cars.

 

[drew32]

This may not be relevant, but on my J.D. deck the belt is tensioned with an idler pulley with a very strong spring. It's easier to remove the spring before you change the belt. To re-attach the spring, I use sort of an old fashioned tool used for changing drum brakes on old cars.

Hmm, interesting tip. I'm going to work on it tomorrow AM. Don't know how relevant that piece of info is yet, but I appreciate the advice - I'll definitely keep that in mind.

 

[mostly_gas]

take pics of the belt installation and routing. You will have slept and eaten before you replace it again!

 

[drew32]

This may not be relevant, but on my J.D. deck the belt is tensioned with an idler pulley with a very strong spring. It's easier to remove the spring before you change the belt. To re-attach the spring, I use sort of an old fashioned tool used for changing drum brakes on old cars.

Turns out that was a really helpful tip you provided, as it one of the most cumbersome steps! I'll listen better next time

 

[drew32]

take pics of the belt installation and routing. You will have slept and eaten before you replace it again!

I really should have taken step-by-step pics for a DIY to post, but I got so caught up in getting it done that I wouldn't stop to take pics. I was reluctant in removing the transmission but it turned out to be only 2 or 3 bolts that were in some hard to reach areas. After that, I just routed the belt and reinstalled the transmission and spring (I underestimated putting the spring back on .. little more difficult than I thought).

Everyone, thanks, again, for your input. You have a great little community here and I hope to be back soon!