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

7-6.

5.To place the new belt, begin by routing the belt around the two outer spindle pulleys as shown in Figure 7-7.

Figure 7-7

6.Then route the belt around the two deck idler pulleys as shown in Figure 7-7.

7.Retighten the belt keeper rod loosened earlier.

8.Remount the belt guards removed earlier.

9.Reinstall the deck as follows:

a.With the deck beneath the mower frame, attach the stabilizer rod. See Figure 7-5.

b.Reconnect the deck lift arms. See Figure 7-3.

c.Reattach the deck engage cable. See Figure 7-4.

11.Place the belt into the engine pulley. See Figure 7-8.

Drive Belt

Rotate

Pulley

Figure 7-8

12.Replace the belt guard. See Figure 7-1.

Cutting Blades

WARNING! Shut the engine off and remove ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when grasping the blade

WARNING! Periodically inspect the blade and/or spindle for cracks or damage, especially after you’ve struck a foreign object. Do not operate the machine until damaged components are replaced.

To remove the blades, proceed as follows:

1.Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Cutting Deck Removal earlier in this section) then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.

26Section 7— Service