2008 RZT42..why do I need to replace the drive belt every other year1?

[pennyanguy]

2008 RZT-42... good runner, I am not the original owner but its only got about 800 hours on it. I have had it for about 8 years now...
every other year I find I have to replaced the drive belt because the LH drive begins to loose power and begins clicking...I can still drive it...it just looses power on turns and fades a little to the left on straightaways... change the belt and all is OK for a while. My yard is not very large, about 200 X 200, and being in NY I dont think I mow more then 15-20 times a year... So why do these belts not last...or is it something else I should look for (pulley, spring...)

I have searched the DB and can't find any recommendations for drive belt replacement intervals... is there any recommendation?

Anyone know of a better quality belt then the cub cadet replacement?

 

[tomplum]

I don't think that the Cub belt is cogged, correct? Toro uses some cogged belts and I always thought that was a good idea. What number are you using?

 

[pennyanguy]

I don't think that the Cub belt is cogged, correct? Toro uses some cogged belts and I always thought that was a good idea. What number are you using?

The part # I have is 754-04043B Its supposed to be 1/2" x 57.7".... I have been careful to get the MTD belt because some other makes online show the size as 58"...It is not cogged. Any ideas?

 

[tomplum]

An AX56 is cogged @ 58"

 

[pennyanguy]

An AX56 is cogged @ 58"

Do you think the cogged belt would last longer? the originals never seem to break, they just seem to stretch rather quickly...why would a cogged belt not stretch as easily?

 

[art]

Try changing the springs. The pulleys and idler must be good or your belt would be chewed up.

 

[tomplum]

If the belt I referenced is better for you, I dunno. Cheap to try. It would depend on a few different factors. My thoughts were that possibly the cogged belt would grip those hydro pulleys better. I have less lazy left hand hydros on the Toro's than the MTD's. The cogged belt may be the reason. Just a thought.

 

[pennyanguy]

If the belt I referenced is better for you, I dunno. Cheap to try. It would depend on a few different factors. My thoughts were that possibly the cogged belt would grip those hydro pulleys better. I have less lazy left hand hydros on the Toro's than the MTD's. The cogged belt may be the reason. Just a thought.

Thats as good an answer as any...I'm game... Got one on order already!:laughing:

Will let you know how it works out... Thanks for your expertise!

 

[pennyanguy]

OK, got both the cogged and factory belt in and ..... the cogged belt is 1/2" longer... way too long...I did install it and it would not tighten up enough with the idler pulley..., so I pulled it off and put the factory one on an ...back to mowing...at least for now.

What I did also do was replace the idler spring...belt seems to be tighter now then I recall it ever being before so we shall see.

Also...I did find the possible reason for my belts going bad so often...the engine drive pulley looks like someone used a crowbar to get a previous belt on and off, one lip is bent and twisted... the belt still goes around ok...but I bet thats why they are getting beaten up sooo easily... next time around i will be changing that pulley...which looks like its gonna take a lot for work then just a belt....ohh well

Theres the update

 

[tomplum]

Good catch. Too bad on cogged belt length though. Next new belt you get exact measurements for a comparison. Hopefully the drive pulley will slide off the shaft for you. About 2 out of 3 MTD's don't unfortunately.