MTD 1438, 1842 warranty Changing the Deck Belt, Changing the Transmission Drive Belt, For 38” Decks

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.

caution: Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 lbs-ft and 90 lbs-ft.

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 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.

Hex Washer Screws

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 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.

26

Section 7— Service