Deck pulleys are hot
 

I just replaced my center deck pulley and went to try it out. 2 things I noticed are 1) after a few minutes of use, the deck pulleys are pretty warm, almost hot and 2) there is sound that is new. It almost sounds like the spindles but I know they're in good shape. On the sound, I'm wondering if the deck belt is making the noise because i see it moving a fair amount, almost as if the tensioner isn't tight enough.

Thoughts on either of these?

Bill

1st check to see if the idler is tight that would explain the loose belt also check the idler for a rough bearing

Have you greased the spindles well? I would also suspect a loose belt if the belt is hot.

Check your mule drive pulleys also.

While the bearings may be good, they may be binding a bit, creating the heat. Had this happen on a JD deck - one of the bearings wasn't completely perpendicular to the spindle shaft and it made noise and got warm. Your tensioner might be too tight as well, if the wrong spring is used. Usually a belt makes noise before heat if it's slipping.