Only Cub Cadets - New from MD

Hello all,

Just joined after purchasing a used GT 2186-48 from a friend of mine. So far I love it. I have run into one issue though, and also have a couple questions.

1) It has broken the last two deck drive belts rather quickly, first time I could smell rubber right before it broke, second time i did not. All of the pulleys move freely, bearings seem fine, no noise, no play, etc...

2) There is a little bar in front of the two lower pulleys that moves, from research I see it is a quick latch assembly..what is it for and what does it do?

3) Only the lower front pulley on the right side has a belt guard. should there be one on the left pulley as well?

I searched the forum for the latch assembly answer, but couldn't find anything, same for the guard.

Other than these 3 things, I am very happy with the tractor and look forward to fixing the belt issue and using it for years to come. I also look forward to using and enjoying the forum seeing what others use their tractors for and how what they do to them.