Tensioner pully positioning issue

[Smithy01]

Recently purchased an old Yardman riding mower (model: 133l665F595). Need to replace belt, not sure of name, but runs from front pully, around the tensioner and onto the large rear pully. Getting it off was a struggle, got the replacement and installing it's impossible. In videos of similar mowers the tensioner moves significantly farther to right than mine does, making it an easy task. My tensioner moves a little right then stops, hits the large pully spindle. Have been unable to find a work around.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[hlw49]

Model no does not compute

 

[Smithy01]

Model no does not compute

I had the same issue, not sure why as that's direct off the mower. The mower its self is basically the same as any other yardman though such as the one shown in this video where he's replacing the same belt i'm attempting; https://duckduckgo.com/?q=yardman+m...i=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRQqmQnXNgM

 

[sgkent]

did you hold the two belts side by side to compare lengths., angles, width etc..

 

[Smithy01]

did you hold the two belts side by side to compare lengths., angles, width etc..

I did, but not that indepth (angles), width and length wise it's good and on paper it's the same as oem.

 

[sgkent]

go over the model number and serial number again, and post it. Use a magnifying glass if need be, or take a photo. Your link is also to a general search and not a specific model.

 

[Smithy01]

Found more info for mower: Model: 289707 Type 0154 01 Code: 9212074E
Though those numbers were handwritten on a paper and not on the manual I have. Belt I'm trying to replace is Rear Drive Belt, my issue pulley is the Idler. Old belt says MTD 754 0370. New belt is..uh...cough* MTD 954-0370... So we've established I can't be trusted to order things. However the Pully still seems like it should move further than it does as the old belt was a real struggle to get off. And I was following the owners manual then as well.
Corrected link:

At about 5:30 he manipulates the pulley I'm struggling with, mine moves significantly less.
Edit: New belt online says its an OEM replacement for MTD 754 0370 and 954-0370. However only says 954 on packaging.

 

[sgkent]

supposedly they are the same. Need to talk to someone here who has been thru this. 5/8" wide by 47 1/2 inch. Other sites say 48".

 

[ILENGINE]

754-0370 is the same belt as the 954-0370 except the 954 belt has a paper sales sleeve, whereas the 754 is without the sleeve.

 

[hlw49]

Years ago MTD changed all the 754 number belts to 954 they are the same belts.