Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman DLT 2000 Mower Deck 48, grease zerks, deck installation

Question
Been having trouble last 2 years with the deck eating Primary deck belt. Original belt lasted 6 years. Now been replacing belt 2X a season. Purchasing Gates Premium Belts PN L590 at Advance Auto. Fabric keeps fraying until the belt breaks. Grease zerks on mandrels each spring. Idler pulleys seem OK. Is there a deck installation manual avail that shows a DETAILED pic of deck installation? The owners manual pics are confusing. I do the maint on a lift and check everything carefully. I still have the original Sears belt and it doesn't have the fabric on it.

Answer
Had the same problem on my old Lawn Chief 832 about 20 years ago...kept eating belts.

I would start by replacing the belt with an OEM ordered through Sears.  See what happens.

In the meantime, check all the fasteners/bolt, even the engine mounting and crankshaft bolts to make sure they are tight.

Check the pulleys very carefully.  It's possible the pulleys could be wore causing the problem but this is pretty rare and just replacing the pulleys can get expensive.

Is the belt wearing faster on the back, flat side or the front, V side?

Eric