cub cadet 682 belts

gamble71 · Apr 1, 2008

Hi all. Newby here, name's gamble. Former Army, now disabled vet in clarksville, Tn. Married with one daughter. Now to the question

Picked up a cub cadet 682 the other day and it throw the belt while mowing

I've looked on-line and it seems the belt is a 5/8x72. I was hoping someone could verify this before I go spending money. This is my first house and hence, my first tractor. Wife's already mad I didn't buy a new one, so trying to fix this before she finds out

Ppreciate any help

Farmwithjunk · Apr 1, 2008

I had a 682 for 15+ years. IMHO, it was the best lawn tractor I've ever had the pleasure of running. I bought a new Deere to replace it when the Koehler engine in the 682 had problems, and sold the IH mower. Mistake on my part. Wish I'd have kept it and put an upgraded engine in it. Oh well.

Anyway, back to you question. I don't recall the size of the belt, but I can't forget that I tried on several occasions to get "generic" belts to fit the Cadet and had ZERO luck with them. They would last MAYBE 1 or 2 cuttings and start flying off the pulleys. OEM Cub Cadet belts would last several seasons. They're a little more expensive initially , but in the long haul, much less trouble, hence, much less expensive.

If you ever decide you want to part company with that Cadet, give me a shout! I'd be more'n happy to climb back on a REAL mower.

gamble71 · Apr 1, 2008

Good to hear..... if nothing else I can take the old belt to NAPA. They carry a line of industrial belts that should last a while. Hopefully someone who's owned one remembers the belt size/number. I live out in the boonies and hate driving back and forth for parts

gamble71 · Apr 1, 2008

well, according to fordlord's post on another topic, it's the 5/8x88.

Now if I just had the money for that honda conversion

Farmwithjunk · Apr 2, 2008

gamble71 said:
well, according to fordlord's post on another topic, it's the 5/8x88. Now if I just had the money for that honda conversion

Even a later model Koehler would be a huge improvement. The KT17 (??? I THINK that's the model designation of the original engine) was a bit of a GIANT FIASCO for use in a garden tractor that was used on anything not as flat as a pool table. No pressure oiling and a VERY small crankcase oil capacity. MIne developed a front seal leak and in a matter of a couple minutes had a rod knocking. $1500 (at the time) for the IH dealer to rebuild the old motor (and I'd still have a lemon engine) or $1600 for a II generation Koehler Magnum. I took the easy way out, sold the entire tractor for $800 and bought a new Deere. I've still got that Deere 10 years later, but it never was the tractor that 682 was.

But yeah, a Honda in that tractor would be all that AND a bag of chips.

gamble71 · Apr 2, 2008

well, got lucky in one aspect, it's got the kohler 18hp magnum. Seems to run good, but excessively rich. Gonna replace the belt and tinker with the carb tonight. Might be interesting to see what I can get out of that old hunk o' steel. Run til ya blow, then get the honda

builder2 · Apr 3, 2008

gamble71 said:
Hi all. Newby here, name's gamble. Former Army, now disabled vet in clarksville, Tn. Married with one daughter. Now to the question Picked up a cub cadet 682 the other day and it throw the belt while mowing I've looked on-line and it seems the belt is a 5/8x72. I was hoping someone could verify this before I go spending money. This is my first house and hence, my first tractor. Wife's already mad I didn't buy a new one, so trying to fix this before she finds out Ppreciate any help

I am not familar with that model but had very good luck with Napa when we had a Napa store. They can measure the belt if it only broke in one spot and supply a suitable replacement (my 1872 has an indicator, 2 notches that if the belt is the right length, you can adjust between the notches). I smoked my first replacement belt as I did not have it in the belt guide properly, so make sure everthing is in alignment. I also had a front seal go in my 1872 like FWJ but was able to replace it before the engine was damaged. I noticed oil on the floor and upon inspection, the seal had walked forward on the shaft from the pressed in position. And yes to your earlier question which you answered yourself. I have found with almost every engine that if you have oil (and water in water-cooled) your good to go, meaning always check your machine before use. As you become more familar with your equipment, you notice when things are not right or different, pay attention and it will usually save a major repair later on.