mower unit smoking!

[sandman2234]

Before you install that new "golden" belt, write down all the numbers on it somewhere you can locate easily. Another suggestion would be to waltz it down to the local parts house and show it to them, get the replacement part number and belt lenght/size. It is easier to find one now when it isn't stretched and mutilated.
That done, start turning each pulley slowly and lightly by hand, feeling the hesitations if any in the turning. Might not be much but it should show up if you have a bad bearing.
David from jax