I own an Ariens A173K22 (Product # 961465) within the latest serial # batch. I ordered the proper part # for the belt. The dealer confirmed this and I cross-referenced with the Ariens website. However, they've confirmed that they changed/updated the part.
Unfortunately, the belt is *way* too tight! To the point where I can't even install it! I've followed the instruction manual's procedure to the letter and it's simply impossible to install. It is shorter than my previous belt which was frayed so I cut it and measured it. It measured 31.5" on the nose. The new belt measures a little less than 15.5" if flattened and stretched to its max point, so definitely less than 31".
Nobody in my area seems to carry belts so it looks like my only recourse is to bring it to have it repaired. I'm at a loss. I've even watched YouTube videos and I'm doing the same exact thing, the difference being that the belt easily slips into its home on both ends in the videos but mine cannot be forced even with a Herculean effort onto the 2nd spindle ridge. This is a basic easy 5-min job which has been incredibly frustrating for no good reason.
Is there anything else I can do?
Unfortunately, the belt is *way* too tight! To the point where I can't even install it! I've followed the instruction manual's procedure to the letter and it's simply impossible to install. It is shorter than my previous belt which was frayed so I cut it and measured it. It measured 31.5" on the nose. The new belt measures a little less than 15.5" if flattened and stretched to its max point, so definitely less than 31".
Nobody in my area seems to carry belts so it looks like my only recourse is to bring it to have it repaired. I'm at a loss. I've even watched YouTube videos and I'm doing the same exact thing, the difference being that the belt easily slips into its home on both ends in the videos but mine cannot be forced even with a Herculean effort onto the 2nd spindle ridge. This is a basic easy 5-min job which has been incredibly frustrating for no good reason.
Is there anything else I can do?