How to Loosen a Belt on a Yard Machines Riding Lawnmower

Belts that are too tight may wear down the mower.

MTD Yard Machines lawn tractors have a series of belts running from the engine to the mower deck. The belts rotate when the blades are engaged by a switch on the unit. Belts must have the correct tension for the blades to run smoothly. Belts that are too loose will not move the blades, while belts that are too tight may cause the unit to shake. Loosening the belt requires adjusting the disengagement rod of the mower deck.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Roll the tractor onto a flat surface.

2. Lift up the engine cover. Remove the spark plug from the unit by unscrewing it. Removal of the spark plug prevents the mower from turning on while you work on it.

3. Lift the mower deck to the highest position.

4. Remove the hairpin clip from the stabilizer shaft assembly, where the disengagement rod meets with the stabilizer assembly.

5. Turn the rod counterclockwise to unthread it from the assembly to decrease belt tension. Insert the pin when the belt is at the tension required by your owner's manual.

References

• MTD: Yard Machines by MTD Operator's Manual
• MTD: Yard Machines by MTD Owner's Manual
• MTD Products: How to Change the Deck Belt on a Riding Lawn Mower