900 belt/clutch question

[kgrant]

I'm replacing the belt on my Hustler 900 with the Kohler 440 2 stroke. I'm trying to decide if this machine was poorly designed or I have a larger diameter secondary (driven) clutch than stock? The frame is notched out to clear the secondary, and there is no room to slide the belt between the frame and the clutch. You need to unbolt the transmission and pick it up a bit to get the belt off. There isn't enough space to remove the clutch it hits the tub, and it won't slide far enough to get the belt to clear the frame.

The belt barely fits between the primary clutch and the body.

Is this how they all are, or am I not seeing the easy way to do this?

Thanks

If I'm not explaining it well, let me know. I can get some pics up if that will help.

[micmac]

I have a 900 with the Kohler 2 stroke. Before I began it's brake down it was pretty much stock. There is no notch on my frame for clearance on the secondary clutch. The belt slipped right off with no lifting of the transmission. I'm not sure but my belt might be the original or replaced by the same. It is a Dayco 15138A this was used by Recreatives in 77-76 on their 426cc machines. I might be making a leap here but that seems about right for a Hustler of the same vintage and CC. I hope this helps but it sounds like a different setup than mine. With that said I think Hustler would use different stuff as they built their machines. Just because it's different doesn't necessarily mean it's not factory.

Mike

[kgrant]

I found a picture of a frame in the gallery that has the frame notched like mine is. So at least I'm not the only one!

It'll just be a PITA every time the belt needs changing.