(
Figure 7-7
NOTE:When
replacing
the blade, be sure to install the blade with
the side of the blade marked
"Bottom"
(or with a part number
stamped
in it) facing the ground
when the mower is in the
operating
position.
i_
CAUTION:
Use a torque
wrench
to tighten
the
blade spindle
hex flange
nut to between
70 Ibs-ft
and 90 Ibs-ft.
the DeckBelt
WARNING!
Be sure to shut the engine
off, remove
ignition
key, disconnect
the spark plug wire(s) and
ground against
the engine
to prevent
unintended
starting
before removing
the belt.
WARNING!
All belts on your tractor
are subject to
wear and should
be replaced
if any signs of wear are
present.
IMPORTANT:
The V-belt found on your tractor is specially
designed to engage and disengage safely. A substitute (non-
OEM)V-belt can be dangerous by not disengaging completely.
For a proper working machine, use factory approved belts.
For38" Decks
To change or replace the deck belt on your tractor, proceed as follows:
1.
Lower the deck by moving
the deck lift lever into the
bottom
notch on the right fender.
2.
Remove the belt guards by removing
the self-tapping
screws that fasten them
to the deck.
3.
Remove the belt keeper rod from around the engine pulley.
WARNING! Avoid the possibility
of a pinching
injury. Do not place your fingers
on the idler
spring or between
the belt and a pulley while
--
removing
the belt.
4.
Remove the deck belt from around all pulleys, including
the deck idler pulley.
5.
Route the new belt as shown in Fig. 7-9.
6.
Remount
the belt guards removed
earlier.
For 42"& 46"Decks
To change or replace the deck belt on your tractor,
proceed
as
follows:
1.
Remove the deck as instructed
earlier in this section.
2.
Remove the belt covers by removing
the hex screws that
fasten them to the deck. See Fig. 7-8.
[
Spindle Pulley
Belt Cover
,Belt Guard
Deck Idler
Pulley
Figure 7-8
3.
It may also be necessary to loosen the hex nut on the left
idler pulley to get the belt off the pulley and around the
belt guard.
4.
Carefully remove the deck belt from around the two
spindle pulleys and the two deck idler pulleys. See Fig. 7-8.
5.
To place the new belt, begin by routing the belt around the
two outer spindle pulleys as shown in Fig. 7-8.
6.
Then route the belt around the two deck idler pulleys as
shown in Fig. 7-8.
7.
Retighten the belt keeper rod loosened earlier.
8.
Remount the belt guards removed earlier.
9.
Re-install the deck, making sure the belt remains routed
around the pulleys as instructed. See Fig. 7-10.
10.
Pull the right side of the belt, and place the narrowV side of
the belt into the PTOpulley.
11.
While holding the belt and pulley together, rotate the
pulley to the left. Continue holding and rotating the pulley
and belt until the belt is fully rolled into the PTOpulley.
Changing the TransmissionDrive Belt
NOTE: Several components
must be removed
and special tools
(i.e. air/impact
wrench)
in order to change the tractor's
drive belt.
See an authorized
MTD Service Dealer to have your drive belt
replaced
or phone
Customer
Support
as instructed
on page 2 for
information
on ordering
a Service Manual.
SECTION 7--
SERVICE