25
Belt Replacement
WARNING:
Shut the engine off, remove
ignition key, set the parking brake, disconnect
the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the
engine to prevent unintended starting before
replacing belts.
For performing service on your tractor and in order to
properly mount some (separately available)
attachments, it may be necessary to remove the
tractor’s cutting deck. To due so, proceed as follows:
Deck Belt (38- and 42-inch Decks)
WARNING:
Shut the engine off, remove
ignition key, set the parking brake, disconnect
the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the
engine to prevent unintended starting before
removing the cutting deck.
WARNING:
Always wear safety glasses or
safety goggles to protect your eyes while
removing the cutting deck.
•
Remove the cutting deck from the tractor (Refer to
Cutting Deck Removal
on page 22, for detailed
instructions).
•
Remove the belt guards (located over each spindle
pulley) by removing the self-tapping screws which
secure them in place. See Figure 30.
•
Remove and replace the belt, reassemble following
the instructions in reverse order.
Deck Belts (46" Deck)
•
Remove the cutting deck from the tractor (Refer to
Cutting Deck Removal
on page 22, for detailed
instructions)
NOTE:
On 46-inch decks, you must also remove both
the deck stabilizer bracket and the stabilizer rod . To do
so, remove the hairpin clip which secures the stabilizer
rod to the stabilizer bracket. See Figure 31.
•
After the deck is removed (and the stabilizer
bracket and rod), the upper deck belt can be simply
lifted off of the double-pulley located in the rear,
center of the cutting deck.
To remove the lower deck belt:
•
Follow all steps above for removing the upper deck
belt.
•
Remove the belt guards (located over each outer
spindle pulley) by removing the self-tapping screws
which secure them in place. Refer Figure 30
•
Using a spring puller (MTD Part No. 732-0571)or
other suitable tool, disconnect the extension spring
from the rear of the cutting deck belt. This will
relieve tension on the lower deck belt.
•
Remove the lower deck belt from around the idler
pulleys, and the three spindle pulleys.
Figure 30
Figure 31
•
Reassemble new belts, following instructions in
reverse order.
Drive Belts (Upper and Lower)
NOTE:
The engine pulley must be removed from the
engine’s crankshaft in order to change the tractor’s
drive belts. Doing so requires an air/impact wrench.
It is recommended that both belts be changed at the
same time.
•
Place the deck engagement/lift lever in the
engaged (all the way forward) position.
•
Unthread the shift knob and remove the two flange
screws which secure the shift cover panel in place.
Refer to Figure 14. Remove the shift cover panel.
NOTE:
There is a small yellow wire connected to a
spring switch on the underside of the shift cover panel.
Be careful not to damage it when removing the panel.
Self-Tapping
Screws
Belt Guards
42-inch deck Shown
Stabilizer Rod
Stabilizer Bracket
Hairpin Clip