Rotary Cutter Tricks to fit drive belt onto Bush Hog TM4

[jabc1950]

I have an old Bush Hog Rotary Cutter, model TM4. The drive belt broke and I got a replacement (part #66552) from Bush Hog. However, I can't seem to make it fit onto the various wheels that drive the blades. The belt seems too small, by 1.5" to 2". One of the wheels is attached to a spring to allow some play, but that doesn't seem enough.
Anyone have any ideas / tricks who I can get the belt on?
Thanks.

 

[dusty3030]

Have you given it a good stern cussing?

Are you doing it by yourself? If so, try someone to help you by letting them pull the idler pulley completely out of tension against the belt while you work on the belt. Might be the extra push you need so you aren't stretching the belt and fighting the spring at the same time.

 

[jabc1950]

Thanks. Didn't expect such a quick reply.

 

[JoeL4330]

Trick? Start the belt around the largest pulley wheel and rotate that wheel (in the proper direction) and I bet the belt will pop on