To Remove / Replace Drive Belt

REAR DEFLECTOR (IF EQUIPPED)

The rear deﬂector, attached between the rear wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown out of the rear of the mower into the operator mowing position. If the deﬂector becomes damaged, it should be replaced.

DEBRIS SHIELD WITH BELT RETAINERS:

Belt retainers

Drive belt

Operator	MOWING
presence	POSITION
control bar
	LIFT
	UP
LIFT	Upper
UP	handle

ALL HANDLES

•	Raise upper handle section into place on
	lower handle, remove protective padding
	and tighten both handle knobs.
•	Remove handle padding holding opera-
	tor presence control bar to upper handle.
•	Your lawn mower handle can be ad-
	justed for your mowing comfort. Refer to
	“ADJUST HANDLE” in the Service and
	Adjustments section of this manual.

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE MODELS:

•Remove drive cover. Remove belt from gearcase pulley by pushing down on pulley and rolling belt off it.

•Turn lawn mower on its side. See engine manual for proper direction of turning over the engine.

•Remove blade.

•Remove debris shield.

•Remove belt from engine pulley on crankshaft.

•Place new drive belt in the belt retainers of the debris shield (if equipped).

•Install new belt by reversing above steps. NOTE: Always use factory approved belt to assure ﬁt and long life.

GEAR CASE WITH METAL HOUSING:

Debris shield

“AUTO WALK” OR “VARI-SPEED” ONLY

•Remove drive cover and belt keeper.

•Remove belt from gearcase pulley by pushing down on pulley and rolling belt off it.

•Turn lawn mower on its side. See engine manual for proper direction of turning over the engine.

•Remove blade and debris shield.

•Remove belt from engine pulley on crankshaft.

•Install new belt by reversing above steps.

NOTE: Always use factory approved belt to assure ﬁt and long life.

Handle

knob

Lower handle

3 POSITION “EZ” HANDLES

•Raise lower handle section to operating position and align hole in handle with one of three height positioning holes.

•Insert handle bolt through handle and bracket and secure with knob.

•Repeat for opposite side of handle.

Knob

Bolt

Handle adjustment bracket

NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear wheels on your lawn mower may not be adjusted to the same position as the front wheels. Before operating mower adjust all wheels to the same cutting height.

INSTALL REAR WHEELS (HIGH WHEEL MOWERS ONLY)

Some high wheel models require washers which will be provided in a parts bag. If provid- ed, install washers on the axle ﬁrst as shown.

•Install one (1) rear wheel on the axle of rear wheel adjuster.

•Install 3/8-16 locknut and tighten securely.

•Repeat procedure for other rear wheel.

Wheel	Axle
assembly

Drive
cover Belt	Drive
	cover Belt
PUSH DOWN	Belt keeper
	Belt keeper
GEAR CASE WITH PLASTIC HOUSING:	PUSH DOWN
	“TORUS” HOUSING ONLY:

Drive cover

Drive
cover Belt
	Belt	PUSH
PUSH DOWN	keeper	PUSH
		DOWN
	Belt

3 POSITION “QUICK” HANDLES

•Raise lower handle section to operating position and squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into one of the three height adjustment holes.

Handle pin

SQUEEZE

Handle adjustment bracket

Wave

Washers

Flanged

locknut

ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER (REAR DISCHARGE MOWERS ONLY)

IMPORTANT: If your model lawn mower is mulcher ready, the mulcher plate or plug must be removed before using mower as a bagger. To convert mower to bagging or discharging, see the Operation section in this manual.

Look at the different grass catcher illustra- tions that follow. Determine which type of grass catcher you have and follow the appropriate instructions.