Engine Lawn tractor moves slowly

I have the exact same tractor. I bought it in 2011, and have had the exact same problem 3 times. Replacing the belt fixes, but not for long. Purging doesn't help, either. I last replaced the belt on July 26 this year, it is already slipping as of Sep 6. Also puzzling: the belt when removed looks perfectly fine. What usually starts the problem is putting a load on the tractor - yesterday, I was pulling a dethatcher while mowing. By the time I got to the end of my half acre, it was slipping badly on the slightest inclines. I had to stop and re-start several times, which seemed to work, but still very low power. Extremely disappointing for a 24hp engine!

Chuck, regarding your last comment: the transaxle on my tractor is sealed as far as I can tell (hard to tell because it's directly under the gas tank).

Does anybody make a small lawn tractor with direct or chain drive? If so, I'm going to be in the market soon!
 
I had a similar issue with my Craftsman and replacing the worn 130969 belt made a noticeable difference. If your old belt has stretched, it's definitely worth replacing before chasing bigger problems. I used this replacement - https://www.amazon.com/Mower-Belt-130969-Husqvarna-Craftsman/dp/B08BLRVS28.
If the new belt helps but the tractor is still slow on hills, I'd also check the idler pulleys, belt routing, and the transaxle. A worn belt is only one piece of the puzzle.
 
If you have already replaced the belt and the new belt is nice & tight and the mower is still slow, your transmission is on the way out.

Replacing pulleys, is unlikely to achieve anything other than a lighter wallet

Even if the transmission appears to be a sealed unit, it is likely that the old oil can be drained & replaced. You will need to remove the transmission to do this.

If you manage to remove the old oil - replace with a slightly thicker one eg 20W/50 or 60 synthetic - might just give it another operating season or two.

The refilled transmission will need to be purged (of air) before use - plenty of videos on how to do this. :devilish:
 
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