If you still have the old belt take a string or tape measure and measure the belt OD and compare it too the new belt and also compare the width.
Your new belt is probably little too long. A hint that it's slightly too long or wrong is the shuttle clutch has to be push down further to get a go.
I use a upholstery cloth tape measure from wal mart at about $4 and now days I ALWAYS measure the length of a new belt BEFORE INSTALLING BECAUSE like you I just throwed them on because they are SUPPOSE TO BE the right size. Not fun labor and cost wise when a new belt is installed and it's then used and the wrong size. I see several belts on ebay with same MTD part number and they are LISTED AS different sizes in length and/or width. The sellers don't even know why when asked about such. Randys small engine parts on ebay is one example of several same part numbers and different sizes and when asked they don't reply nicely.
I've found some new belt to not be as labeled and I always measure the old belt that being removed. Sometimes the old belt was on purpose re-sized due to issues such as yours by a previous guy working on the machine.
Usually they are little bit too long if the pulley are correct size and Ok.
If you install a too short belt on your shuttle clutch tractor you won't have a Neutral. Also the the clutching swivel double pulley spring has to be strong and connected to the proper place for good tension.
Your new belt is probably little too long. A hint that it's slightly too long or wrong is the shuttle clutch has to be push down further to get a go.
I use a upholstery cloth tape measure from wal mart at about $4 and now days I ALWAYS measure the length of a new belt BEFORE INSTALLING BECAUSE like you I just throwed them on because they are SUPPOSE TO BE the right size. Not fun labor and cost wise when a new belt is installed and it's then used and the wrong size. I see several belts on ebay with same MTD part number and they are LISTED AS different sizes in length and/or width. The sellers don't even know why when asked about such. Randys small engine parts on ebay is one example of several same part numbers and different sizes and when asked they don't reply nicely.
I've found some new belt to not be as labeled and I always measure the old belt that being removed. Sometimes the old belt was on purpose re-sized due to issues such as yours by a previous guy working on the machine.
Usually they are little bit too long if the pulley are correct size and Ok.
If you install a too short belt on your shuttle clutch tractor you won't have a Neutral. Also the the clutching swivel double pulley spring has to be strong and connected to the proper place for good tension.
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