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27Section 7 — Service
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.
CAUTION: Use a torque wrench to tighten the
blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 lbs-ft
and 90 lbs-ft.
Figure 7-8
Changing the Deck Belt
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.
For 38” 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 Figure 7-10.
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 Figure 7-9.
Hex Washer Screws
Belt Cover
Deck Idler Pulley
Spindle Pulley
Belt Guard
Figure 7-9
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 Figure
7-9.
5. To place the new belt, begin by routing the belt around the
two outer spindle pulleys as shown in Figure 7-9.
6. Then route the belt around the two deck idler pulleys as
shown in Figure 7-9.
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 Figure 7-11.
10. Pull the right side of the belt, and place the narrow V side of
the belt into the PTO pulley.
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 PTO pulley.
Changing the Transmission Drive 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.