Cub Cadet Z-Force 44” Deck Belt confusion

[GomerPy739]

So, I inherited a much older Cub Cadet Z-Force. Mechanically, it’s in fantastic shape. It just needed some new wheels and a deck belt.
Model: 53AA5B6L712

I was able to find the correct deck belt and the diagram sticker is only partial on the mower and of no use. I know this is a much older Cadet and searching online has only made me more confused.

Can anyone help me figure out the routing for the deck belt?

Looking at the parts manual hasn’t been much help because there is a pulley that doesn’t look as if it matches up. Any help someone can provide would be a life saver.

 

[Auto Doc's]

This has the belt on the deck and also one the comes from the engine PTO to drive the deck? I have a Z-Force 48 that is setup that exact way.

This picture may help.

The deck should also have a routing label on the left front to show exact belt placement. Note: It is easy to get the PTO belt on the wrong side of the pullies (I know this because I did that, and I've been a mower mechanic for many years)

PartsTree - Home of OEM Parts for Outdoor Power Equipment

Parts lookup and repair parts diagrams for outdoor equipment like Toro mowers, Cub Cadet tractors, Husqvarna chainsaws, Echo trimmers, Briggs engines, etc.

www.partstree.com

These are even more fun if you have to replace the drive belt and tensioner pulley. It's not that bad if you have a way to lift the entire rear off the ground and remove the drive wheels to lower the cradle section.

These units were well built, but tricky to work on.

I'll see if I can get you a picture of my deck label belt routing.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Shoot me an email: aghunt83041@outlook.com and I will reply with a couple of pictures attached.

 

[ILENGINE]

This should be the belt routing

 

[GomerPy739]

I genuinely can’t thank you both enough. I know I’m not a total idiot but for whatever reason this put me in a corner and finding so much close but different manuals and information online has a bit too much.

And now it looks like I may have the wrong size belt. I had purchased a 5/8x80” but after finding the right manual it may need a 1/2x82”. So, back to the store I go this morning.

 

[Auto Doc's]

While you are this far, grease every fitting you can find with a couple of pumps from a grease gun.

Let us know how your belt situation works out. That lever on the left side tensions both belts at the same time once they are installed. The PTO belt can be a bit of a challenge at the rear, but get it started and then rotate the PTO pulley, and it will jump into place.

Be mindful what side the PTO drive belt is on the deck idlers, because the belt can be put on the wrong side of the pullies easily. If it happens the belt will not spin the blade fast enough and the blades will stall when cutting.