Tractor Repair: Fan Belt Changing, new tractors, drive belts

Question
Hi, I have an International B414 Tractor. I have just purchased the appropriate fan belt as the old one snapped during the last use of the tractor. I am having major difficulty getting the new fan belt on. I can either get it on the bottom wheel or the top wheel - this wheel turns the fan - but it really does not want to go over both.
I measured the new fan belt against the old, and the new one is the correct size.
I am a beginner in terms of any mechanics, I did successfully replace the fuel pump last week, but this was the only tractor experience I have had. I have replaced many fan belts on cars and never had the problem I am now having. Normally they just roll on, even with some grunting and effort. However, this fan belt does not want to do what I am asking of it.
Any help with this will be appreciated.
Thanks, Paddy

Answer
Hello,


  I have seen this situation a few times over the years with other models also.  With the alternator or generator loosened all the way to the end of the adjustment slot, the belt still could not be installed over the pulleys.  Some customers returned the belts thinking they were the wrong one.  I would not recommend prying the belt  with a screwdriver and stretching it over the pulley as I have seen some people do.  You will take a chance of damaging the belt.  The best way is to put the belt over the other pulleys, then remove the alternator or generator from the bracket, and insert the pulley inside the belt while installing it again.  This gives you more slack than with it still mounted to the bracket.  Some new tractors are now being built with non-adjustable air conditioner drive belts.  The compressor is mounted to a solid bracket with no adjustment so a special tool is used to stretch the belt over the pulley, but it is hard to do without damaging the belt.  Then in a short time when the belt gets a little loose, all you can do is install another new one because it can't be tightened.  Progress taking a step backward again.  

                       Good luck,

                           Arnie