How to replace mower deck belt

This video will show you how to replace the deck belt on a riding lawn mower.

All belts on your tractor are subject to wear and should be replaced if any signs of wear are present.

Before starting, make sure you have the correct deck belt. Refer to the replacement parts section of your operator's manual. Always use genuine factory belts, as they are designed with a specific length, shape, and strength for peak performance and durability in your machine. Non-original belts may look similar, but they can't match genuine factory belts' materials or engineering.

Be sure to shut the engine off, remove the ignition key, and disconnect the spark plug wire or wires to prevent accidental starting while you're working.

Lower the deck to the lowest position by moving the deck lift lever. Remove the belt guards by removing the screws that secure them to the deck. Remove the belt keeper rod from around the engine pulley.

On a deck like this one, loosen but don't remove the idler pulley nuts. This will enable the belt to be easily removed from around the idler pulley.

If you have a digital camera handy, or even one on a cell phone, it's not a bad idea to take a picture of how the belt is routed before you remove it.

Remove the deck belt from around all pulleys, including the deck idler pulley. Don't place your fingers on the idler spring or between the belt and any of the pulleys while removing the belt. Your fingers could get pinched and injured.

Route the new belt in the same manner as the old belt. If you took a photo earlier, use it for visual reference, or you can refer to your operator's manual.

Tighten the idler pulley nuts you loosened. Put the belt keeper rod back in place around the engine pulley. Remount the belt guards.

Raise the mower back to the highest position. Reconnect the spark plug wire or wires. Put the key back into the ignition switch and start the unit.

Let the unit warm up a little before attempting to engage the mower deck. Place the throttle control at full throttle and engage the mower deck.

Disengage the mower deck and wait for the belt to come to a complete stop. Engage the mower deck again and listen for any abnormal noise.

Disengage the mower deck, bring the throttle down to idle, and shut the tractor off. Remove the ignition key and remove the spark plug wire. Ground the spark plug wire against the engine to prevent accidental starting before checking the belt.

Lower the deck to the lowest position. Check the belt to make sure it's properly running through all the pulleys and that no damage is present.

Install the spark plug wire back onto the spark plug. Now you're good to go.