41
Checking the Belts
Service Interval/Specification
Check all belts after every 50 operating hours or monthly,
whichever occurs first. Look for dirt, wear, cracks, and
signs of overheating.
Replacing the Mower Belt
1. Disengage the PTO, turn the ignition key to off, and
remove the key.
2. Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the
operating position and then chock or block tires.
3. Remove the knobs and the belt cover on the mower.
4. Remove the idler pulley and the worn belt (Fig. 56).
5. Install the new mower belt.
6. Install the idler pulley.
7. Engage the blade control (PTO) lever and check the belt
tension. Refer to Adjusting the Mower Belt Tension,
page 42.
Note: Proper belt tension is 10–15 lb. (44–67 N) with the
belt deflected 1/2 in. (13 mm) halfway between the pulleys
(Fig. 56).
2
m–4731
3
4
1
Figure 56
1.
Idler pulley
2.
1/2 in. (13 mm) deflection
here
3.
Assist arm
4.
Front stop
8. Engage the blade control (PTO) lever.
9. Check the clearance between the bell crank and the
transmission output shaft (Fig. 57).
m–3860
1
4
5
6
2
3
Figure 57
1.
1/16–1/8 in. (2–3 mm)
2.
Bell crank
3.
Transmission output shaft
4.
Hairpin cotter
5.
Clevis pin
6.
Clevis
Note: The clearance should be 1/16–1/8 in. (2–3 mm).
10. Remove the hairpin cotter and the clevis pin from the
bell crank.
11. Rotate the clevis clockwise on the rod to increase the
clearance or counterclockwise to decrease it (Fig. 57).
12. Disengage the blade control (PTO) lever.
Note: If the assist arm does not contact the front stop on
the mower deck (Fig. 58), adjust the clevis to bring the
bell crank closer to the transmission output shaft
(Fig. 57).
m–4731
1
2
3
5
4
Figure 58
1.
Locknut
2.
Turnbuckle
3.
Rear idler pulley
4.
Front position for idler
pulley
5.
Belt guide
13. Check the belt guide under the engine frame for proper
adjustment (Fig. 58).
