Replacing PTO Drive Belt - SLT1550

IADave · Aug 18, 2009

I have an SLT1550 and wanted to attempt to replace the transmission drive belt. Can someone briefly tell me how I go about doing this. I was trying to unscrew the bolt on the PTO but it turns, how do I keep it from rotating?

WNYTractorTinkerer · Aug 18, 2009

Howdy Dave,

Here's an illustration of your drive system (link below).. If it's anything like my 1700 series you loosen the PTO V-bracket (2bolts) and slide it towards the front of the tractor to attain clearance and unplug the PTO & take PTO belt off the engine drive pulley. Next release the tranny drive belt tensioner (left middle pulley w/spring assembly) and then remove the belt from the engine pulley and then remove the belt & replace.

Parts and Diagrams for Cub Cadet SLT1550 Tractor (2007 & before)

OldMachinist · Aug 18, 2009

I uploaded the section of the service manual that covers the hydrostatic transmission belt replacment here.
CubGT1550belt.pdf

I know the file says GT1550 but the belt procedure is the same in both manuals. If you have the CVT transmission let me know and I'll upload that section.

WNYTractorTinkerer · Aug 18, 2009

Darn- Thats a tad more than my machine!! Doable though & I bet Dave's machine don't look quite a clean!!

IADave · Aug 20, 2009

It definitely wasn't as pretty down there as the manual displays but got the belt replaced. I saw others advice to grind off the three belt guards around the pulley after I took off the PTO. Others have not had any problem with the belt slipping off after removing the guards. Now it is much easier to replace the drive belt in the future. If I have too I can always bolt on some angle iron, if needed. GOOD AS NEW. Thanks to all for the advice.

philipb · Aug 22, 2009

On my GT2544, this was a problem. The instructions in the manual and the logic say to slip the belt on the PTO clutch pulley and the PTO pulley in the rear and then tighten the belt with the tensioner that is just above the mower deck. Problem is, there is no way to pull the belt over both of the pulleys, the belt is just too short. The way to do it is to put the belt on the pto pully in the rear, leaving the tensioner relaxed, then roll the belt on the pto clutch pulley, using a clockwise turn of the clutch pulley. This means using your left hand to move the pulley. The reason you can't turn it the other way is because you cannot turn it counter clockwise. This is bad engineering, it is bad for the bearings in the pto clutch to roll or force the belt on this way. The good thing is that you don't have to do this often because the belt lasts a long time, unless you get brush jammed in it and it burns up. Still bad engineering, the belt should be longer and the tensioner should do a better job of aiding in installation. If all fails, take it back to the dealer and they will probably do just what I said for free, since the belt is so damned expensive.

Captain Ned · Aug 23, 2009

philipb said:
On my GT2544, this was a problem. The instructions in the manual and the logic say to slip the belt on the PTO clutch pulley and the PTO pulley in the rear and then tighten the belt with the tensioner that is just above the mower deck. Problem is, there is no way to pull the belt over both of the pulleys, the belt is just too short.

Hmm, I have no problems doing it as the manual suggests. Shove the deck as far forward as it will go, taking all the slack out of the lifting links, and you can easily wind the belt onto the deck spindle.

JTKub · Aug 23, 2009

philipb said:
On my GT2544, this was a problem. The instructions in the manual and the logic say to slip the belt on the PTO clutch pulley and the PTO pulley in the rear and then tighten the belt with the tensioner that is just above the mower deck. Problem is, there is no way to pull the belt over both of the pulleys, the belt is just too short....

??? The OP was referring to the transaxle drive belt which the 2K series don't have, but regardless, the PTO to deck belt on the 2544 should be an absolute snap for you. You want to route it over the PTO pulley, slip the remainder down through and tug it towards the rear, make sure the V side of the belt is in both guide sheaves then simply roll the belt over/into the deck drive pulley. Secure the tensioner and you're done. You should be able to do this in about a minute. It almost sounds like your tensioner isn't releasing all the way.

Joel

e w g · Jun 24, 2012

i have a problem trying to set up the attachment clutch setting on my 220 case hydraulic drive lawn tractor is there a easy way of setting it up thanks e w g