Mule drive/belt questions

169noob · #1 10-02-2025, 06:07 PM

Is it common for the stock PTO belts to be too short? All the info I find indicates the stock belt for my setup (169 with 50A mowing deck) should be 78 or 79 inches. The belt I have is 86 inches and it is at least two inches too short. This seems to deviate way too far - something else must be wrong. Additionally, I cannot push the tensioner on the mule drive to the release detent - I am about an 1/8th inch short before it hits something and stops. Is this possibly due to wear on the mule drive 'hangers' (see pic).

I have looked at many images, guides/manuals, and posts here (thank you - you guys have been a wealth of information) and I don't see any issues. The deck pulley is 5 inch, the mule drive pulleys are 3 inch, and the PTO pulley is 4 inch - these all seem to match stock values. The engine is mounted normally - no spacers or anything to change geometry.

The only variable - this is not the stock engine based on fins and a previous post. It is a K341 and should be the same dimensions. I am fine with buying a longer belt but am concerned there is a deeper issue. The belt for the tiller is too short by the same amount.

I have included some pics of the mule drive and the PTO pulley - maybe you see something I don't.

spndncash · #2 10-03-2025, 11:22 AM

It sounds like you have the wrong mule drive/hanger assembly
my dumb question is; did you have this mounted and running at one point or are you putting this together now for the first time and have discovered its not working? if it is the second I would lean towards you having a mismatch of parts. I have bought several tractors with accessories that were not actually ever intended for each other but they were all Cub parts.

darkminion_17 · #3 10-03-2025, 07:41 PM

Yes but that does not explain why the tiller belt is short also. The 490489 belt is 3/8x80". You can try that one if you have one lying around. My 86 listed that belt for my 38" deck and was too short and I ended up using the 473462 81". It fit fine so there may be errors in the parts books.

Was this tiller mounted at one time also? What model tiller and part number of the tiller belt that is on it?

169noob · #4 10-03-2025, 11:23 PM

"It sounds like you have the wrong mule drive/hanger assembly"
I considered that possibility, but based on pics etc, it seems correct. This is a wide frame 169 - I don't know how many mule drives were made but it seems there are only a few variants for the wide frame and this one looks correct to me. That is why I included pictures.

"my dumb question is; did you have this mounted and running at one point or are you putting this together now for the first time "
All of this was purchased as a whole package, however it was essentially a basket of parts. I concentrated on the tractor first and am now trying the attachments for the first time. Haven't got to the snowblower yet, I wanted to get a mowing in before season end and I have a project for the tiller, so started there.

169noob · #5 10-03-2025, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

Yes but that does not explain why the tiller belt is short also. The 490489 belt is 3/8x80". You can try that one if you have one lying around. My 86 listed that belt for my 38" deck and was too short and I ended up using the 473462 81". It fit fine so there may be errors in the parts books.

Was this tiller mounted at one time also? What model tiller and part number of the tiller belt that is on it?

The belt I have is 86 inches - 5 more than the one you suggest and 8 inches longer than the 'parts book'. I do have it routed correctly.
First time mounting the tiller as well. I don't see a number on the belt and it came with the device, so I don't have a number for it. I believe the tiller is the 1A.

finsruskw · #6 10-04-2025, 09:16 AM

Do you have the correct mule drive for the tiller?
They are different you know!!

darkminion_17 · #7 10-04-2025, 12:31 PM

The 4 pictures you show, the deck is not even mounted properly to the mule drive. Is this before you checked the belt?
Need pics of the deck, not from under the tractor with the mule drive attached to it.

169noob · #8 10-05-2025, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finsruskw

Do you have the correct mule drive for the tiller?
They are different you know!!

I did NOT know they were different! I thought you just removed the deck portion of the mule drive and used the front section for the tiller...

I don't suppose finding that is easy as most that I see don't have part numbers etc associated.

169noob · #9 10-05-2025, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

The 4 pictures you show, the deck is not even mounted properly to the mule drive. Is this before you checked the belt?
Need pics of the deck, not from under the tractor with the mule drive attached to it.

I had just quickly disconnected the deck so I could slide the mule drive forward enough for detailed pictures.

OK, so to give helpful vies I need to remove the deck, attach the mule drive, and take pictures?

I will do that but I am in another state hunting for 2 weeks now. I do appreciate all the advice!

finsruskw · #10 10-05-2025, 01:29 PM

Your deck MD has the pullies angled to meet the drive sheave which is off center.
The MD for the tiller does not have angled sheaves as the tiller drive sheave is centered on the tractor.
That is the main difference between the two MDs'