L185 fan belt change

ventiman

New member

Equipment
Kubota L185 - L1501
Jun 28, 2014
11
0
1
Crooksville,OH
I've had a ole L1501 for some years. I think L185 is almost a clone to it.
Anyway.. After many a yr the fan belt finally broke. And been looking
for a video or some kind of diagram on how to change or put on new belt.
Ive not had much luck. It looks pretty easy. But the belt I bought is
for the L185 part 15221-72530. I did try and put the belt on. But had no luck
getting it on even with the alternator adjusted all the way to so I
could put it on. SO I feel I'm missing some key info on how to do it.
 

Russell King

Well-known member

Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
Jun 17, 2012
4,607
977
113
Austin, Texas
Can't really speak to that exactly since I have not replaced the belt on the L185 but will make a few suggestions:
1) Remove the bolt completely from the alternator adjustment so it will swing in as far as possible. Get the belt on if possible and see if you get the alternator to swing out far enough to put the bolt back in.

2) Take the belt to a auto parts store and ask them to sell you one that is a little longer (.5 inch to 1.0 inch). They can probably match the size of the belt (cross section) and provide a belt that will fit.
 

MadMax31

Member

Equipment
BX23S, 60" MMM
Nov 5, 2014
766
8
18
New York
Mine was a tight dang fit. L175, should be same motor...after a few starts the tension is better, not a guitar string anymore.
 

meanjean

Member

Equipment
Kubota MX4700
Aug 10, 2010
922
2
18
Hazelridge, Manitoba
Where's the hang up here?
Do you feel that the belt is too small or is there another issue all together?
I remember having a bear of a time getting the belt around the fan.
I believe I partly removed the fan shroud to buy some wiggle room.
 

ventiman

New member

Equipment
Kubota L185 - L1501
Jun 28, 2014
11
0
1
Crooksville,OH
Yes seems tad smaller than it should. I will try the bolt tip.
I didn't have a issue getting past the fan. Helps when the fan is plastic :)

Seems odd since this is the belt part# that matches my tractor.
 

Daren Todd

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
Massey Ferguson 1825E, Kubota Z121S, Box blade, Rotary Cutter
May 18, 2014
8,964
4,350
113
Vilonia, Arkansas
Sometimes the factory belt is a little tighter then an aftermarket belt from the auto parts store. I replaced the belt on mine last year. But I just took the belt to the local O'Reilly auto parts and had them match it up to a gates belt.
 

ventiman

New member

Equipment
Kubota L185 - L1501
Jun 28, 2014
11
0
1
Crooksville,OH
I may do that. Its about maybe 1/4 inch short maybe less. But shot enough not to be able to slip over the belt grove on the alternator. So I'll see what the autostore can do.. My area kubota dealer isn't the grandest of service

PS. the original belt is lost in a field somewhere mine stated to whistle bout halfway to the house. I knew right way I need new belt:)
 
Last edited:

North Idaho Wolfman

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L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
28,306
4,858
113
Sandpoint, ID
While the L185 and The L1501 are very similar they are "almost" the same there can be differences in the alternators and pulleys used. ;)
So yes an auto parts store is the best option.