How to Replace the Drive Belt on a Cub Cadet Walk-Behind Mower

These instructions will explain how to replace a drive belt on a Cub Cadet walk-behind mower. It's important to replace the drive belt if it is worn-out, cracked or torn. Waiting until the belt breaks to replace it can inconveniently delay your mowing. Depending on your model, the instructions listed below may vary slightly. Always be sure to check your operator's manual for detailed instructions.

Instructions

Step 1 - Prepare the mower for maintenance

Remove the spark plug and ignition wire.
Drain the fuel tank using a siphon, or place plastic beneath the cap to prevent leakage. Until maintenance is complete, keep the fuel in a portable fuel container (PFC) that conforms to government guidelines.
Tip the mower on its side with the air filter up.
Remove the self-tapping screws from the side of the deck.

Step 2 - Remove the lawn mower blade and access the drive belt

Wearing gloves for protection, secure the blade using the Universal Blade Removal Tool.
Carefully remove the blade retaining bolt and then remove the blade.
Remove the self-tapping screws that secure the engine baffle and mower drive belt cover to the deck. Next, remove the baffle and belt cover.

Step 3 - Remove and replace the mower drive belt

Remove the drive belt from the blade adapter and drive pulley, then remove the blade adapter from the crankshaft.
Working from the rear of the mower, carefully remove the mower drive belt from the transmission pulley.
Push down on the deck baffle to access the engine pulley. Slide the drive belt off this pulley and out from under the deck.
Replace with a new lawn mower drive belt. Work it between the deck and the baffle. First, route it around the transmission pulley and then around the engine pulley.
Tighten the self-tapping screws that secure the deck baffle to the deck.

Step 4 - Reassemble the lawn mower for us

Replace the engine baffle and secure it with the self-tapping screws.
Wearing gloves, secure the blade using the Universal Blade Removal Tool. Replace the blade retaining bolt and blade adapter.
Tip the mower back onto its wheels.
Reattach the spark plug ignition wire, and refill the fuel tank.

Check your mower belt regularly for any signs of damage and remember to follow your operator's manual when performing any mower maintenance. It's also a good idea to keep a Cub Cadet replacement lawn mower drive belt on hand in case of an unexpected break. Non-OEM parts can wear out more quickly due to an imprecise fit, which could lead to more frequent repairs and less-than-optimal performance.

Cub Cadet Genuine Parts

Always use genuine OEM replacement parts when servicing your equipment. Use our parts finder to locate and order any replacement parts you may need for maintenance. Refer to your owner's manual for additional maintenance information.