Welcome to the site, Crown&Water!
First off, it sounds like there is something going on with the belt tensioning on the deck of your current machine. Obviously, having the belt slip off is definitely not something that is supposed to happen and not something you should find with any manufacture unless there is a problem.
As quoted on Cub Cadet's website:
"Cub Cadet direct shaft drive means there are no belts to slip or break.Giving you maximum power and reliability, even when using attachments. Cast-iron transmissions and front axle give you maximum toughness and long life."
So instead of a belt running to the transmission, it is a shaft much like a car. It is a nice setup that elminates any chance of slipage unlike a belt and is more of a commmercial, heavy duty setup. And of course like you mentioned, it also means simply one less belt to deal with.
The mowing deck however will still have a belt, or belts running the blades though.
Regarding an engine, you can't really go wrong with either brand. Part of it is really all about how you take of the engine imo on how it will hold up. Keep in mind though, the higher end the machine or model that is from the manufacture, the more durable the design of the engine and drivetrain will usually be. Make sure to purchase a machine that is comperable to the type and area of mowing that you are intending it for. In other words, don't expect a smaller machine that is designed to mow 2 acres a day to hold up long for 5 acres of mowing year after year.
The mowing decks should already come pre-adjusted from the manufacture. Once they are adjusted, they should be fine and not need it for a long time to come unless you are mowing on really rough terrain that requires it more often. If you remove and reinstall the deck, it may or may not require it then as well.
Most all the new machines come with electric PTO's, I don't think you will find too many with the manual. Either way, I think it is matter of opinion on which you prefer.
First off, it sounds like there is something going on with the belt tensioning on the deck of your current machine. Obviously, having the belt slip off is definitely not something that is supposed to happen and not something you should find with any manufacture unless there is a problem.
As quoted on Cub Cadet's website:
"Cub Cadet direct shaft drive means there are no belts to slip or break.Giving you maximum power and reliability, even when using attachments. Cast-iron transmissions and front axle give you maximum toughness and long life."
So instead of a belt running to the transmission, it is a shaft much like a car. It is a nice setup that elminates any chance of slipage unlike a belt and is more of a commmercial, heavy duty setup. And of course like you mentioned, it also means simply one less belt to deal with.
The mowing deck however will still have a belt, or belts running the blades though.Regarding an engine, you can't really go wrong with either brand. Part of it is really all about how you take of the engine imo on how it will hold up. Keep in mind though, the higher end the machine or model that is from the manufacture, the more durable the design of the engine and drivetrain will usually be. Make sure to purchase a machine that is comperable to the type and area of mowing that you are intending it for. In other words, don't expect a smaller machine that is designed to mow 2 acres a day to hold up long for 5 acres of mowing year after year.
The mowing decks should already come pre-adjusted from the manufacture. Once they are adjusted, they should be fine and not need it for a long time to come unless you are mowing on really rough terrain that requires it more often. If you remove and reinstall the deck, it may or may not require it then as well.
Most all the new machines come with electric PTO's, I don't think you will find too many with the manual. Either way, I think it is matter of opinion on which you prefer.
