pto belt

[fordman]

hey I got a problem I have a cub 128 with a 44 inch deck I got a new belt for the deck spindles 754-3004 1/2x78 it fits and works good but the pto belt from engine to deck is giving me problems I don't think its the correct belt that's on it it doesn't have any adjustment on it left and its just barley snug it will slip when first turned on and sometimes when mowing the number on the belt is IH 49048R2 1/2x 81.5 ok here is where I get confused the cub parts site I use lists 3 different belts a IH 59971c1 3/8 x 78 or IH117465c1 3/8 x 80 which one is it please help I need to get this mowing again im thinking the belt is the IH 59971c1 3/8 x 78 since the belt i got on it now has no adjustment left lol

[mortten]

Should be a IH-59971-C1.

[fordman]

ok guys so the IH 59971-c1 is the correct belt its a 3/8x 78 right then how does the IH 49048r2 belt which is 1/2x81.5 fit the pullys ?? wouldn't the 3/8 belt slip if the pully was designed for a 1/2 belt or doesn't it matter cause we are talking about what a 1/8 inch difference? im asking this cause the IH 59971-c1 is a special order belt and cant be returned if its wrong and the other belt that was on it worked it was just a little wrong I cant find the belt no where else except at the dealer tractor supply don't carry 3/8 belts only 1/2 and 5/8 here in pa thanks

[mortten]

Go to the Cub parts lookup and bring up 129. Go to attachments and look up 44" 3 blade deck. The only PTO belt they list is IH-59971-C1. It's #14 under the hitch submenu. This would be if the stock center pulley is still in place. If it has a speed up pulley then all bets are off. Cub Cadet belts are made specifically to take the stress of the belt routing. I always use Cub belts.

[Klapatta]

Yeah I find this chart confusing. Does it help any?

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According to the belt cross reference chart the IH-490489 r2 belt is 3/8" x 80".
But in reality it is much closer to being 7/16" of an inch wide. This one pictured is worn and a new one will be a bit thicker.

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Sorry but that's the best your gonna get outta me

[JMotuzick]

Cub measured belts funny 3/8 is half way up the V. So 7/16 is closer. I have had good results with the 4l or A series belts often called 1/2”.
I would get a 1-2x78” and try it if it fits use it! If not ajust up or down one size as needed.
Ken
Those charts always Seam to be wrong! I never have had good results.

[althomas]

I would assume when you say it's a 44 inch deck your measuring from blade tip to blade tip and not the outside of the housing ? Can you post a pic of the deck if problem not resolved .

[fordman]

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here is the deck its a 44a im told looks orginal lol

[althomas]

Should be a IH-59971-C1.

Agree, looks like this would be the one ! I've used these belts and had good luck with them, seem to be well made ! https://www.ebay.com/i/112840547541?chn=ps

[fordman]

ok guys I just noticed something I was looking on the net and noticed that if I had a 38 inch deck wich I don't it does take a 1/2 belt but the 44 and 50 take the 3/8 right if so how does that work with the pto clutch pulley cause there is only one listed lol and also I see they made a 44 and a 44a and a 44c whats the difference and how do you tell them apart lol

[mortten]

All of those decks are virtually the same. The 44 came first and was used on wide frames like your 129. The 44A was used on the Quietlines. The 44C was for the X82 and up series. It has a 5/8" center pulley as that series has a larger pulley on the PTO. As far as the 1/2" belt on the 38" mower I don't know. Guess the belt works on the PTO just fine. AFAIK there's only one size mechanical PTO pulley.

[BearKiller]

PTO Deck-Drive Belt

I have had good luck with this belt:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/STENS-265-037- ... 2749.l2649

It says it is 1/2 x 81

My 129 has had about five lives so some things may or may not be as original.
There is a J-Hook on the front that tightens to take up the belt slack; mine has a thick stack of washers behind the nut, else without the washers, my belt would never tighten.

I just looked at the belt that althomas linked to and it says 3/8 x 78 (and about $7 cheaper); maybe mine is supposed to have this shorter belt, hence my stack of washers; but, several; references point me to the longer belt.