Cub Cadet LTX1040 Egine/Deck Belts

[Jpmche]

Hello there, I having issues with my 2010 cub Cadet LTX 1040 (Model No. 13RX90AS056, Serial No. 1C260H20091) deck slowing down when I lower the deck to lower positions. It changes when I lower to almost a stop when it reaches the lowest position. I have adjusted the deck and it is level and the belt is routed properly, the PTO Switch (Interlock) is brand new. I overhauled the bearings and blades and noticed that one of the idler pulleys got some play... I was wondering if that could be the problem. Also, I replaced the drive belt with a belt from Tractor Supply (Huskee® Kevlar V-Belt, 5/8 in. x 90 in. - Tractor Supply Co.) and now if I operate the tractor fast white smoke come from the engine pulley and smell like burned plastic. Maybe the belt is not the correct size or something. Any Suggestions about both issues will be appreciated.

Thanks,

JP

 

[rcbe]

In looking at the parts list for your tractor, the OEM specified belt is an A section x 96.5 " length kevlar belt... obviously longer & different than the TSC belt you are now running. Suggest you review your deck hookup points for correctness; that deck is leveled per the manual and no, there should be no "slop" in idler pulleys. Additionally, any idler pully mounted on a spring loaded pivot arm should move freely with no binding or drag.
To get info on your machine, go to this web page PDF Manual Web Archive , enter your machine's model and serial #'s - and d/l free copies of the owners manual and parts list. good luck

 

[Navasot]

No worries this is an easy fix. What you need to do is look on top of the deck and find the tension pulley.. its going to be on a pivot bar with a spring putting tension on it. What has happened is over the time of mowing the dirt, grind, and moisture has built up underneath the pivot and now has seized it up... just clean the deck off and spray some good self drying lubricant were the pivot bar meets the deck and work it back and forth until its moving freely again. Easiest to do with the deck out from under the mower or at least the belt tension off the pulley but not necessary.

As far as whats happening when you have the deck higher is about at the level of were it needs to be to run. People usually pull the deck to the highest point and that's were its sitting while not in use and usually locks in that position so its going to have enough tension to run fine in those higher settings. Now when you drop the deck that pulley has to keep pressure on the belts and since its not moving the belts get loose the further down you go and lets the blades slip or not run at all. Like I said no big issue just needs a bit of tlc. Goodluck

 

[Jpmche]

No worries this is an easy fix. What you need to do is look on top of the deck and find the tension pulley.. its going to be on a pivot bar with a spring putting tension on it. What has happened is over the time of mowing the dirt, grind, and moisture has built up underneath the pivot and now has seized it up... just clean the deck off and spray some good self drying lubricant were the pivot bar meets the deck and work it back and forth until its moving freely again. Easiest to do with the deck out from under the mower or at least the belt tension off the pulley but not necessary.

As far as whats happening when you have the deck higher is about at the level of were it needs to be to run. People usually pull the deck to the highest point and that's were its sitting while not in use and usually locks in that position so its going to have enough tension to run fine in those higher settings. Now when you drop the deck that pulley has to keep pressure on the belts and since its not moving the belts get loose the further down you go and lets the blades slip or not run at all. Like I said no big issue just needs a bit of tlc. Goodluck

I took apart the whole deck and clean and lube everything already but still got the same problem. The pivot bar and all the other parts move freely.

 

[Jpmche]

In looking at the parts list for your tractor, the OEM specified belt is an A section x 96.5 " length kevlar belt... obviously longer & different than the TSC belt you are now running. Suggest you review your deck hookup points for correctness; that deck is leveled per the manual and no, there should be no "slop" in idler pulleys. Additionally, any idler pully mounted on a spring loaded pivot arm should move freely with no binding or drag.
To get info on your machine, go to this web page PDF Manual Web Archive , enter your machine's model and serial #'s - and d/l free copies of the owners manual and parts list. good luck

I was talking about the engine drive belt. Item 44 of page 12 of the manual referenced above.
The Deck belt is an OEM, A Section x 96.5".

 

[rcbe]

I was talking about the engine drive belt. Item 44 of page 12 of the manual referenced above.
The Deck belt is an OEM, A Section x 96.5".

I see. You were talking about your traction drive belt in the 2nd part of your original message. I missed that. But, the "loose deck idler pulley" still needs fixing if not already done.
The CC parts list does not state a traction drive belt length, but mentions "poly" which to me is different than Kevlar. Personally, I would stick with OEM traction belts even if they are more expensive as the original design was qualified with such. Cross-sections can also vary.