how to replace drive belt on cub cadet lawn tractor

Cub Cadet lawn tractors are some of the most popular vehicles for lawn care and maintenance. They are well-built and highly reliable, but like any machine, occasionally, they need maintenance. One of the most important aspects of maintaining a Cub Cadet lawn tractor is replacing the drive belt. Over time, the drive belt will stretch and wear, reducing the performance of the tractor and at its worst may cause damage. If you want to replace the drive belt on your Cub Cadet lawn tractor but do not know how to, then this article is for you. This article will guide you through the process of replacing a drive belt on a Cub Cadet lawn tractor.

Step 1: Preparation

Before beginning the process of replacing the drive belt, you need to gather a few tools and materials. The tools you will need include a socket wrench set, pliers, a flat-head screwdriver, and a tape measure. Additionally, you will need the correct drive belt for your Cub Cadet model, which you can purchase from an authorised dealer. Once you have these items ready, you can begin the process of replacing the drive belt.

Step 2: Removing the Deck

The first thing you need to do when replacing the drive belt on a Cub Cadet lawn tractor is to remove the deck. Use the manual that came with the tractor to locate the deck-lowering lever. Once you have located the lever, use it to lower the deck to its lowest point. Then, use the socket wrench set to remove the bolts that connect the deck to the lawn tractor. After removing the deck, you will have access to the drive belt.

Step 3: Removing the Old Drive Belt

The next step is to remove the old drive belt. Begin by locating the tension pulley. You will need to use the pliers to open the pulley and release the tension on the drive belt. After releasing the tension, remove the old drive belt from the pulleys. Use the tape measure to note the position of the old drive belt, as this will help you when installing the new one.

Step 4: Installing the New Drive Belt

After removing the old drive belt, you can now install the new one. Begin by wrapping the new drive belt around the pulleys according to the notes you made with the old belt. Then, use the pliers to release the tension pulley and guide the belt onto it. After you have the belt on the pulleys, release the tension pulley, and the belt should be tight around the pulleys.

Step 5: Reinstalling the Deck

The final step is to reinstall the deck. Line up the bolts and screw them in until they are secure. Then, use the deck-lowering lever to raise the deck back to its original position. Once the deck is back in place, you can test the tractor to ensure the new drive belt is working correctly.

Conclusion

Replacing the drive belt on a Cub Cadet lawn tractor is a straightforward process that you can do yourself with the right tools and materials. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can replace your drive belt in no time. It is essential to replace your drive belt regularly to ensure the performance and longevity of your Cub Cadet lawn tractor, so make sure you do not neglect this vital maintenance task.