I replaced mower deck belts on two MTD riding mowers, 38" & 42" decks. Both belts I used the correct part nos. according to the owners manual. Both belts seem to be too short. The decks stay partly engaged, making the motor hard to start. Once started, the decks have to be engaged, if not engaged they smoke and burn. All belts I have found are made in Mexico. Could there be a size difference?

Model numbers of lawn equip, and model of belt bought.

Hi,
If the lift and engagement is all on one lever, then it may be that the shaft that operates the engagement has been bent because the deck has caught on the front on something during use. The ferrule on the threaded rod can be adjusted to pull the deck forward more to disengage it. If it does not disengage fully, it has the belt pulling against the brake pads that stop the spindles.
Peace,
Clarke