Things You'll Need
Phillips screwdriver
3/8-inch drive ratchet wrench
Cub Cadet LT1045 replacement belt
Work gloves
Your Cub Cadet LT1045 comes with two belts that, over time, will need to be replaced as their rubber ages. Because of the complexity involved, Cub Cadet recommends that you seek out a dealer if you have to replace the transmission belt, which helps provide your lawn tractor with forward and backward movement. The lawn tractor's other belt, the deck belt, keeps the mower blades moving and can be changed without a trip to the shop in as little as 20 minutes.
Step 1
Park the lawn tractor in a level position. Pull the spark plug wires and remove the key from the ignition to ensure the mower does not start while you are servicing the deck belt. Wear work gloves to keep your fingers from being pinched while removing the Cub Cadet deck belt from its pulleys.
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Step 2
Position the deck lift lever on the right fender into its bottom notch to lower the deck. Remove the belt guards from the deck by using a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the self-tapping screws that hold the guards in place.
Step 3
Undo the belt keeper rod from around the engine pulley if your mower has a 42- or 46-inch deck. Use a 3/8-inch drive ratchet wrench, set to loosen, to ease tension on the belt. Insert the wrench into the idler bracket's square hole on the left side of the deck and turn counterclockwise to loosen. Remove the belt from the left-hand spindle pulley.
Step 4
Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen, but not undo, the bolt connecting the pivoting idler pulley with the idler bracket if you have a 50-inch deck. Use a 3/8-inch drive ratchet wrench, set to tighten, to ease tension on the belt. Insert the wrench into the idler bracket's square hole on the left side of the deck and turn it clockwise. Remove the belt from the left-hand spindle pulley.
Step 5
Unthread and remove the deck belt from around all of the deck idler pulleys that hold the belt in place and from around the electric PTO clutch. Use the same sequence in reverse order to thread the replacement belt around the deck idler pulleys and electric PTO clutch. Reattach the belt guards and lift the mower deck by moving the deck lift lever to its top notch.
Tip
Use only a factory-approved Cub Cadet belt to ensure it engages and disengages properly.
Warning
In order to avoid having your fingers pinched, do not put your fingers on the idler spring or between the belt and a pulley when removing the belt.
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