Simplicity 300 Series Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service, 38” Mower Drive Belt Replacement

Troubleshooting, Adjustment, & Service

38” Mower Drive Belt Replacement

NOTE: Be sure to use only genuine Simplicity replacement parts. Check the back of this manual or the decal under the hood for common replacement part numbers.

Note: It is not necessary to remove the mower to install a new belt. However, for easier access mower can be removed. See Mower Removal in the Operation section.

1.Park the tractor on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, turn off the engine and lock the parking brake. Remove the key.

2.If mower is not removed, lower the mower lift and place the mower in the lowest cutting position.

3.Push the idler arm (A, Figure 49) away from you to relieve belt tension. Drop the belt from the PTO (electric clutch) pulley.

IMPORTANT: Note the position of all belt guides relative to the belt and pulleys before loosening.

4.Loosen the two belt stop brackets (C) and idler pulley belt guide (D).

5.Remove the old belt and replace with a new belt. Make sure V-side of belt runs in arbor pulley grooves and the flat backside runs against the idler pulley.

6.Position the belt stop brackets (C) in their original positions. There must be 1/8” clearance between the belt stop and the pulleys.

7.Position the idler pulley belt guide (D) in its original position up against arm (A) so that there is a 1/8" gap between the pulley and belt guide.

8.Install mower on tractor if it was removed. See Operation section.

9.Run the mower under no-load condition for about 5 minutes.

	1/8” Gap
1/8” Gap
Left Side of Mower	1/8” Gap

Figure 49. Mower Belt Routing - 38" Mower Deck

A.	Idler Pulley Arm	C. Belt Stop Bracket
B.	PTO Pulley	D. Idler Pulley Belt Guide

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