'05 gt 1554 belt problem

hfdff · Mar 21, 2009

The belt on the deck keeps popping off after mowing for awhile. I replaced the belt last year due to it popping off and it seemed to solve the problem for awhile, now it has started all over again. Here's some of the symptoms I'm having: at startup the belt seems as though it is real loose just flapping away even when I engage the blades. I checked the spring length but not sure where exactly to measure. I did notcie some play in the idler assy. but not much. I compared the belt to a new one and it seemed to be the same. Dont want to spend another $80 bucks on a new belt. I ordered a new spring and I'm going to try that out Just want to see if anyone had any other suggestions and to if this is a common problem.

dqdave1 · Mar 22, 2009

Belt should have tension on it at all times; belt is started with clutch system. This seems to be a problem with many of the 1000 series machines. I have heard that CC has added another idler pulley to newer mowers (NOT SURE). I would tighen the idler spring a little by drilling a new hole for spring holder/bolt. Be careful not to overtighten as bearings become an issue. You may also want to add belt guides by the pulleys to keep the belt in place. 1/4" rod bent like a letter "L" with a loop at the bottom of the "L" to put a bolt through it to hold it in place will work. Good Luck.
I have found that if a belt looses it shape from slipping off it gets a "memory" and continues to slip off and will need replacing. Hopefully you can remidy it quickly.

hfdff · Mar 23, 2009

thx for the suggestions when I go pick up the new spring I'll check to see if they have some type of retro fit for a 2nd idler hopefully they do and thx again.

xb90 · Jul 13, 2009

I have the same problem. My local service guy contacted Cub Cadet on this and they actually recommended bending one of the pulley brackets so the angle of the belt (in relation to the pulley) is not so severe.

A couple of other things that have caused the belt to pop off:

Worn belt, gets to flopping around so bad it will pop off the pulley
Cutting height set to low (the lower the deck is set, the more severe the angle to the pully)

2manyrocks · Jul 13, 2009

If the previous posts don't solve your problem, I think there were a bunch of posts about this last summer during grass cutting season. I bet you can find them using the search feature. It's a great feature that you find a lot of information with. Good luck.