To replace a transmission drive belt on a Cub Cadet LT1045 you need to remove the deck, unplug the PTO power (directly under the engine ), use an impact wrench (you need the speed of the impact wrench because the engine will turn) and a 5/8" socket and reverse the bolt out of the PTO.
The PTO may be sized on there so you may want to tap it with a hammer and a block of wood carefully to release it. Bend the Ears around the Drive pulley just enough so you can put the new belt on. I thread the PTO bolt back in and use a socket wrench to turn the new belt on. I bent the front facing ear back but left the other 2 bent out.
You'll need to put the belt on the transmission pulley first then thread the belt up to the engine pulley. Thread your belt back through the pulleys and tensioner (make sure your spring is strong enough to tension the belt or buy a new one).
The PTO is "keyed" on the shaft, so it's easer to take off the stop that is bolted to the frame and put the PTO on and tighten it up with your impact wrench, then you can put that frame stop back on in the same place. Put your deck back on and you're ready to mow again.
Tony Dean
May 2008