How to Replace the Belt on a 48-Inch Cub Cadet Mowing Deck

Locate the control panel on the right side of the mower by the right armrest and rotate the knob labeled "PTO" to the "Off" position. This stops the blades from rotating. Remove the key from the ignition to stop the motor.

Raise the "Deck Lift" lever to the upright position to create a straight line between the deck belt and the pulley system. This is the same process when raising the deck for storage.

Press the idler pulley located on the top center of the mower deck away from the drive belt to create slack on the belt. You can easily identify the pulley because it is the only one mounted to a spring-loaded bracket.

Pull the belt off the pulleys on the mower deck then let go of the idler pulley. Remove the belt from the PTO pulley located on the engine.

Place the belt onto the PTO pulley then route the belt around all of the pulleys on the deck, except for the idler pulley. Use the diagram on the mower deck for the proper belt routing.

Push inward on the idler pulley then place the belt over the pulley. Let go of the idler pulley to restore tension to the belt.