Replacing PTO Belt on GT 2186 48" Deck
 

I have a GT 2186 cub cadet with a 48" deck that has 125 hours on it. My dad and I removed the blades from the mower deck to have them sharpened. After adding the sharpened blades and lubricating everything, we connected the mower deck and PTO belt. I started the machine and was mowing my lawn for about 30 minutes when the PTO belt was shredded underneath and my blades stopped spinning. I found the expensive Cub Cadet PTO belt and put it on, but now I have a question. The belt is resting on a yellow bar that is in front of the "Front Lift Rod & Bracket Assembly". I have a series of links showing pics of what I am talking about. Showing you what I am trying to depict. I am wary of starting this machine if this yellow bar is going to shred my new belt. (Before we removed the old belt there was black markings on the yellow bar)

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?i...54953.30103747

I also went through the same thing on my 2186. I shredded two belts before fixing the problem. I had to fab up a piece of stainless that was long enough to fit across the front of the two pullies on the mule drive. And bent each end to the center of those pullies. I then put the long bolt through all of it leaving just enough space between the bar and the pillies so they didn't touch. The belt jumps off the right pulley some when the pto is engaged. This bar keeps the belt from jumping off. I will get some pic's tomorrow so you can see what I'm talking about, if that will help.

Dierik

Here are a couple a pic's of my modification to the mule drive pullies.

Hey guys,

I have had a similar problem. Glad I am not the only one pulling my hair out.

First I had issue with the Deck belt. I broke the original belt when I inherited the mower and then went and bought a new one and broke that one too. finally on attempt 3 the deck belt seems to be working ok after 2-3 mows.

I've broken 2 PTO belts as well (orignal and a second new one). I'll be on my third although I'm not sure if the issue is the same as above. Wehn I go to attach the belt again once I get the part I'll be looking for it.

I have 3 acres to mow on rough terrain. I used it last summer with no issue but this summer I have replaced the PTO clutch and the numerous mower belts.

Glad you guys posted your issues....Thanks. Brad(Johnstown, OH)

Question about yellow U-bar
 

If you notice in my pictures at the beginning of this post, there is a yellow U-bar that is rubbing against my PTO belt. I took these pics to the Cub-Cadet dealer and the mechanic thought that my U-bar is upside down. Can you guys look at your setup and let me know if your is facing the same way?

Thanks again for your help.

Your belt is suppose to run underneath of that bracket. Just went out and looked at the one I am stripping. The arches in the U-Bar are sweeping up and the belt will be below the yellow bracket. Good luck :beerchug:

What Kelly has posted is the correct way. Ive seen lots that shread cause of that bar in place wrong, and Ill adit Ive sent on out that way and it was a come back. This is what happens when you get in a rush and get side tracked!

I finally got my fixed with the help of my dad. One thing to check for that I think did me in.

Make sure all the screws on the U-Bat are tight. My were extremely loose which I think was my issue. We took the mower off and re-tightened all the relevent U-Bar screws.

I've mowed twice with no issues since then.