(I doubt if anyone does extensive mowing in reverse. I have some 20+ trees to trim around, many of which barely have room to get the mower deck between them. This requires many backward/forward gyrations and having to turn the PTO off and on everytime the blade stops in reverse is really an aggravation and I'm sure creates much wear and tear on the PTO. IMO Cub Cadet took a giant step backward when they replaced the electric PTO clutch with the vacuum operated one with 2 belts on the 3000 series. I chose the Cadet over a Deere because of the shaft tractor drive and the shaft driven mowing deck. This left only one belt to worry about, the one around the 3 blade spindles. Now they have to go and add 2 more belts for the PTO clutch. It's supposed to soften the load on the engine when applying the PTO but I never had a problem with the electric clutch outside of an occasional adjustment.
Bob B. )</font>
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Just a couple of quick notes here and I think you should be aware of regarding the reverse disable, and the vacuum PTO.
For starters the vacuum PTO clutch is the better design (less expensive to repair), and it sounded like they retrofitted your machine to it? With the vacuum design, you can spool up at any speed either a full RPM or lower without damage to any electrical clutch. As for the two belt design, it dosent get any easier to replace than the way Cub has it set up. Remove the panels and you have complete access, simple and straight forward. Two belts are always better than one, and they rest right next to each other with no slippage. Never an adjustment needed, the vaccum rachets itself on the belt. Belts are good for shock absorbtion from sudden impacts and to provide give in the PTO drive train.
The reverse disable is the simpliest well documented process to defeat. Just follow the foot peddles and notice were the contact switch is. A total of 5 minutes in all, and no more complaints...besides I mow consistantly and for lenghts of 50 feet or more in reverse, because it works for me and makes my efforts more efficient. I wouldnt be so doubtful on who uses the reverse mowing feature...
I not sure why you are so critical regarding your 3000 series. Everything you mentioned is simple to fix. I have over 150 hrs on my 3204 and I have some of the best attachments for it (blower). Its the easiest machine I have to maintain, and to setup my attachments. Everything is accessible and within easy reach for maintence..
Good luck with your machine either way....
Oh I forgot, I also back up my machine in reverse for well over a hundred feet or more, and I want my PTO running when I'm blowing snow
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