359 50C deck drive belt question

sorner · #1 07-02-2018, 09:47 AM

I'm confused, partstree calls for a "Cub Cadet 954-3005 BELT-V 1/2 X 85.5" for the 50C deck that came with my 1912. I blindly ordered the belt and received it. When I removed the deck and pulled the cover off, cleaned everything up, and went to put it on and it is WAY shorter than the one I took off by at least 10"-15". I took the old shredded one to TSC and measured it on their belt measurement tool the best I could and it measures over 101" (which is the last number on the scale). I've searched the board and found many references to this being an 85.5" belt. Is it possible the PO had the belt improperly routed and used a longer belt to compensate? The tensioner was pulled toward the rear mounting bracket and the belt at that point only had about 1" clearance between where it comes off the idler to go to the spindle and where the belt goes across from the outer spindles. In the manual it looks like it should be pulled toward the center spindle. OR is there a change somewhere that I cannot find. The manual on this site for the 50C deck shows the older style deck without the front wheels, mine has the front wheels. The belt routing does look a little different than mine. I already returned the 85.5" so I can't just try it again, and decided to ask before I go get another one.

ol'George · #2 07-02-2018, 10:03 AM

I would suggest you put the correct belt on your 50C deck.
954-3005,----- 88.5" belt, and route it correctly and mow happily ever after

You might post a pix of your deck in the event that you don't have a 50" deck or someone has done modifications to it.

sorner · #3 07-02-2018, 10:09 AM

It's definitely a 50C, the shell has been replaced (it's yellow). The PO told me he had the shell replaced and the deck rebuilt, but I found the center spindle was bad when I mowed with it the first time and I replaced that but now I'm having trouble with the belt. Did you mean 85.5"?

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ol'George · #4 07-02-2018, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sorner

It's definitely a 50C, the shell has been replaced (it's yellow). The PO told me he had the shell replaced and the deck rebuilt, but I found the center spindle was bad when I mowed with it the first time and I replaced that but now I'm having trouble with the belt. Did you mean 85.5"?

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Ya, arthritis makes the fingers not so flexible

We need a pix of the deck not only off the tractor, but the cover off also.
I'm betting it is just a routing issue.
both old/newer 50's use the same belt.
the routing is a little tricky, but not overly so.

sorner · #5 07-02-2018, 10:22 AM

I can figure out the routing, I was just confused by the length of the old one vs what is called for. I'll pick up an 85" or 86", or maybe both at TSC and see which one fits better routed the way the manual says and see what happens, and return the one that doesn't fit. Since it calls for 85.5", it could go either way. Thanks ol'George.

J-Mech · #6 07-02-2018, 10:33 AM

I'm confused.
There is really only one way the belt can be routed and work. If you can figure out the routing yourself, then there was no need to ask the question. It should be obvious it was installed wrong, and therefore the incorrect length.

Better post a pic to make sure you get it right.

ol'George · #7 07-02-2018, 10:34 AM

Don't feel bad, several times I've replaced those deck belts and scratched my old head saying I know I have the right belt, how come it don't fit.
Then Duh, routing is wong er wrong?

FWIW:
order a Goodyear instapower series belt or OEM cub, they are made to run on those backside idlers and 1/4 twists of a mule drive when necessary.
Evilpay are usually the best prices.
Also take the idler off it's pivot and grease it well, as they hang up and ruin a new belt quick.
Also inspect your idler spring for hook attachment breakage.