Farmall Cub

I have a Cub Cadet 127 that I purchased a few years ago. I get wonderful service from this tractor with just the usual maintenance issues. Except for the drive belt. The mower is a 48" unit. I was told that the mower deck had been replaced a few years before I bought it with a after market shell. The pulleys all seem to be in good shape. I was wondering if the deck is to big.

Nope, that deck should fit the 127 nicely ... here is a link to the Operator's Manual, check page 39 and following for mower instructions - 73, 106, 107, 126, 127 and 147 Operator. You must log in to download the manual.

Rudi, thanks for pointing me in the right direction with that Owners Manual, what a gift. That"s something I've been wanting ever since I got the tractor.

You are welcome.

Our "cousins" over at the CubCadetCollectors.com site have essentially the same kind of resources/rationale that we have here but for the little ones. I am constantly checking with them as I learn about my 129.

Except for the drive belt.

From your statement, am I correct in assuming that the drive belt doesn't last very long? If so, are you buying belts from a Cub Cadet dealer, or are you buying belts for the "correct size" from a auto parts store. If the latter is correct, you would be money ahead to buy the Cub Cadet belts. Because of the twist and turns the belt goes through from the PTO clutch and the mule drive, auto store of the correct length will not hold up (there are a couple of exceptions such as the Gates "Green" belts and a couple others). The Cub Cadet belts fit the pulleys better (not a true 3/8" belt) provided the 48" deck and sub frame, and mule drive, are the correct one for the tractor. The Cub Cadet belts cost more, but will out last several auto parts house belts.

I find that power wise if we cut the normal height on the lawn were ok. Its when the field gets too high we take 1/2 cuts on it till its lower. Plus keeping the blades razor sharp helps too.
If the drive pullies are rusted we go thru a lot of belts sooner.

Yes Paul, you are correct, my belt from last year that I purchased from a non C.C. establishment shredded. It cost over $40. As soon as I read your post I walked to the barn to copy down the number hand written under the hood of my 127. It is P.T.O. belt 489397R3. Does anybody know if this is correct? My plan for Saturday morning is to be camped out at the nearest Cub Cadet dealer. My wife says that without that belt my 127 is just another yard ornament. I am sorry for the delay in replying , I've been working. Thanks for all the help you guys have been.

According to the IH belt guide I have, that is the correct number for for the PTO to deck belt for a 48" deck on a 127.

I'm not sure about your 128 but I get mower drive belts for my 104 from Carquest. They carry the A series Powermaster belts which have the correct width (1/2"), pitch, and depth for my Cub Cadet. They usually last 3 or 4 years if not longer and the price is very reasonable, far less than $40.