Thought I'd try it. It isn't hard at all. I removed my covers to check to see how efficient using my blower is on the accumulated grass around the belt pulleys. I was appalled at how much build up was still packing the area between the pulleys and the cover. No wonder people are loosing belts.
While in there, why not see if I can pull the belt off by hand and it isn't a problem at all. No pinched fingers and no twisting belts, etc.
I'll also show you my version of 577Jersey's cover ventilation system modification.
You might try this on your Hustler to keep your belts happy.
Max