Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere 285 mower deck drive belt?, industrial belts, rough sound

Question
Hi, I have a John Deere 285 lawn mower with 48" deck, and am about to change the deck drive belt for the 3rd time this summer.  The deck does appear to be in good shape, except for this.  I run the mower on about 3.5 acres of grass, fairly infrequently (so the grass is usually a bit tall).  I ran the mower on the belt that came on it (bought it used about 1.5 years ago) for a full season, and after that one broke can't get any "reasonable" life from the new belts.  Is there something I should look at adjusting to improve belt life?  Thanks, John!

Answer
 Hello Derek:

 Are you Purchasing the Lawn and Garden Belts? Some Places have them Listed as Industrial Belts. They Cost More than Regular Belts. They are Designed To Be Stretched and Loosened Time and Time Again. If you are Using Industrial/Lawn and Garden Belts, then Check the Idlers and Pulleys for Rough Sound in the Bearings and for Binding. You can go to this Addy http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Number 285 and Select you Mower. You can View a Breakdown of the Mower here. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happen, Please. I enjoy knowing the Outcome. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John