How To Replace Drive Belt On Mtd Yard Machine Riding Mower

How To Replace Drive Belt On Mtd Yard Machine Riding Mower (Step-By-Step Guide)

4 minutes

Do you want to replace the drive belt on your Mtd yard machine riding mower? You have to do it frequently as replacing the drive belt of the mower is a part of the regular maintenance. 

There are different models of MTD mower found in the market. Note that, when you buy the drive belt, match the number of the belt with the old belt of your lawnmower. If the number doesn’t match, you have to face difficulties to replace the mower drive belt.

Now, do you have any idea how to replace the drive belt on Mtd yard machine riding mower? If you have even no idea, nothing to be worried about. 

In this article, we will give you all the possible solutions in this regard.

So, without delay, let’s start. 

The process to replace drive belt on Mtd Yard Machine

Before start replacing the drive belt, you need to focus on the tools that you will be required to do the task. Let’s have a look at what you need.

After collecting all the required tools, now follow the steps outlined below to complete the task.

Steps to follow: 

How To Replace Drive Belt On Mtd Yard Machine Riding Mower

Step #1: Preparation For Changing Drive Belt

At first, take the lawnmower into a flat surface or your garage for the convenience of the work.

Step #2: Cool The Mower Engine

Enable the parking mode of the mower and bring out the key from the keyhole. Cool the mower engine before starting the replacement. 

Step #3: Lower The Mower Deck

Press the lift lever attached to the mower deck and lower the deck at its lowest position. 

Step #4: Remove The Blade Guard

Use the screwdriver to remove the screws attached to the belt guard. You will find the guard near the grass discharge chute. 

Step #5: Remove The Belt Keeper Rod

Locate the engine pulley and remove the screws that hold the belt keeper rod attached to the engine pulley. Keep the rod into a safe place for reinstallment. 

Step #6: Loosen The Idler Pulley Nuts

Use a ratchet to loosen the small nuts attached to the idler pulley center. Mind it, don’t remove the screws fully. Repeat the same process for another pulley. 

You will find the idler pulleys near the middle of the deck and the idler pulleys are smaller in size than the regular pulleys used in the mower. 

If you have a 42-inch mower deck, this step is only for you. If you have different sizes of the deck then skip the 6th step. 

Step #7: Remove The Drive Belt

Notice how the belt is fastened around the pulley. Now remove the belt from the pulley by rolling it off. Carefully remove the belt from the pulley. 

Step #8: Install New Drive Belt

Now, install the new drive belt by following the same process as you remove the old drive belt. Make sure the V portion of the drive belt is attached to the pulley and stay at the parallel position with the grooves of the pulley. 

Step #9: Tighten The Idler Pulley Nuts

Use the ratchet to tighten the small nuts attached to the idler pulley center. Replace the belt keeper rod in its previous position. Attach it with the engine pulley. Replace the drive belt guard and use the screwdriver to attach the screws. 

Step #10: Test The Drive Belt

Now, turn the power of the mower on. Test the drive belt by engaging the mower blades. If the belt is installed correctly, the blades will move efficiently. If you face any difficulty, stop the lawnmower and check the belt again.

How To Replace Drive Belt On Mtd Yard Machine Riding Mower

Cautions

  • Always use the manufacturers’ recommended drive belts. Match the belt number before buying the belt. Don’t use other drive belts that are not suitable for your device. Using different drive belts can be dangerous for you. 
  • Wear proper safety clothing before replacing the drive belt.

Final verdict

Changing a drive belt of the Mtd yard machine riding mower is a little bit different from any kind of repair. The process we mentioned-above is mainly for 700 series Mtd riding lawnmower. 

The replacement process will vary according to the model of the mower. But you can follow the above-mentioned process to replace the riding lawnmower drive belt

And if you feel uncomfortable with the process, just call an expert technician to complete the replacement. 

Hopefully, this article was helpful to you to understand how to replace the drive belt on Mtd yard machine riding mowers. 

Todd L Miles
Lawn Mowers Enthusiast
I started "Landscape and Lawns Care" to provide clients with lawn care with better service, better products and, most importantly, better ethics. My promise to every customer is to give the greenest grass possible while controlling weeds, insects, and diseases! The most important thing is that I strive to always do the right thing for you, your lawn and your wallet!