Question regarding QL mule drive pulley size...
 

I noticed when looking at the Cub FAQ regarding belts, that there are 2 PTO belt sizes listed for the QL series - depending on "pulley" size.

When I purchased my 1450 I remember the PO (who'd gone out and bought a new PTO belt for me before I'd picked it up) stating that he'd had to take the first belt he'd bought back and exchange it for one an inch different in size. (I don't recall which way - up or down...) He was an older gentleman who bought cubs at auctions, cleaned and resold them. Looking at the FAQ I now realize what the issue was. So, I need to check the pulley on my mule drive and I'm guessing it is the less frequently found of the 2. I'm assuming this based on his experience with cubs and the fact that he was caught off guard with the need for a different sized belt, so I assume that he hadn't run across too many of the size on the mule drive he sold me on the tractor.

So, is there a compelling reason to use one pulley size over the other - such as a change in blade RPM? I've got a "project" 1650 with mule drive as well. I'm guessing I have one pulley of each size and am wondering which mule drive to put back on the 1450 (my mower for this season) if it matters at all.

Thanks,

-Calvin


44",50" W/4.5" PULLEY IH-59971-C1 3/8 X 78"

44", 50" W/5.0" PULLEY IH-117465-C1 3/8 X 79"

Smaller pulley means faster blade speed. I don't have a clue which one it came with, if you want to keep it all original.