Drive belts on riding mowers can take a lot of strain and stress purely because of the amount of work they have to do. Most two-belt systems consist of upper and a lower belt system, the upper belt system delivers power to the PTO (power takeoff assembly) and the lower belt assembly. The lower belt assembly delivers power to the rear axle. Because of constant starting, stopping and slipping of the rear wheels on wet grass, the lower drive belts must be inspected and/or replaced annually. This is a relatively simple task.
Disconnect the front and rear mower deck supports by removing the retaining cotter pins, using pliers, then slide the deck forward to remove it. Remove the PTO drive belt shield with a Phillips screwdriver, then disconnect the PTO belt from the mower deck by hand. Remove the mower deck from beneath the mower.
Lift the seat, then remove the battery. Beneath the battery box, loosen the 7/16-inch nut securing the transaxle pulley to the transaxle, using a 7/16-inch socket. Disconnect the transaxle pulley spring from the anchor bolt on the left side, using needle-nose pliers. Twist, then remove the PTO belt from the transaxle pulley, then remove it from the mower. Remove the screws that secure the belt guide to the variable speed pulley bracket, using a Phillips screwdriver. Carefully slip the belt from the variable speed pulley. Remove the belt guard around the engine pulley, using a 1/4-inch socket.
Remove the bolt, lock washer and flat washer holding down the crankshaft pulley, using a 1/2-inch socket. Remove the crankshaft pulley. Carefully remove the drive belt from the mower, twisting it toward the engine. Once the belt is replaced you can reassemble in the reverse fashion. If you require a diagram you can find one at manuals.mtdproducts.com/mtd/DocGetter?doc=769-01612a.pdf
Disconnect the front and rear mower deck supports by removing the retaining cotter pins, using pliers, then slide the deck forward to remove it. Remove the PTO drive belt shield with a Phillips screwdriver, then disconnect the PTO belt from the mower deck by hand. Remove the mower deck from beneath the mower.
Lift the seat, then remove the battery. Beneath the battery box, loosen the 7/16-inch nut securing the transaxle pulley to the transaxle, using a 7/16-inch socket. Disconnect the transaxle pulley spring from the anchor bolt on the left side, using needle-nose pliers. Twist, then remove the PTO belt from the transaxle pulley, then remove it from the mower. Remove the screws that secure the belt guide to the variable speed pulley bracket, using a Phillips screwdriver. Carefully slip the belt from the variable speed pulley. Remove the belt guard around the engine pulley, using a 1/4-inch socket.
Remove the bolt, lock washer and flat washer holding down the crankshaft pulley, using a 1/2-inch socket. Remove the crankshaft pulley. Carefully remove the drive belt from the mower, twisting it toward the engine. Once the belt is replaced you can reassemble in the reverse fashion. If you require a diagram you can find one at manuals.mtdproducts.com/mtd/DocGetter?doc=769-01612a.pdf
