How to Install a Drive Belt on Riding Mowers

If you have a riding lawnmower, you will eventually have to perform some routine maintenance to keep it working properly. One of the most common problems is a loose or broken drive belt. Instead of paying expensive labor fees at the lawnmower repair shop, you can save money by doing the job yourself in a matter of minutes. Follow these simple steps to learn how to replace the drive belt on a riding lawnmower.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Riding lawnmower owner's manual
• Replacement drive belt
• Wrench

1. Locate the part number of your riding lawnmower's drive belt. This is usually listed in the owner's manual. You can also look online to find part numbers for most major lawnmower manufacturers. Purchase the exact replacement at a home improvement store or online retailer.

2. Check your owner's manual to find the location of the drive belt and tensioner. Loosen the bolt that locks the tensioner in place. Slide the pulleys toward each other until the belt loses tension and can be pulled off.

3. Loop the replacement drive belt onto the pulleys. Slide them away from each other until there is sufficient tension in the belt. Check the owner's manual for the exact amount of room that should be left in the belt. For most types of riding lawnmowers, this will be around a finger's width of slack. Lock the tensioner into place once you have the pulleys positioned correctly.

4. Test the riding lawnmower over a clear surface before you resume cutting grass. Listen for any squealing sounds or unusual vibrations. These can be signs that there is too much or too little tension in the drive belt.