You might check to make sure your Deere Dealer gave you the right belt. I worked for Deere at a dealership and there are two different part numbers used in the parts cd. They might have to go back and look under a similar jd mower to get it. I have a Sabre 17 42 and had the same problem with a belt too long. After a trip back to the dealership they figured out I got the wrong belt. This is just a suggestion. Plus you have to make sure that when you route that belt around the pulleys that they line up strait with the engine and keep the idlers on the right side. You will probably have to loosen up the belt guards to get the belt around the pulleys ok. And while you have got the belt off check to make sure you don't have a deck bearing out. This can shorten the life of the belt.
dwwilliams, March 2007
