How to Install a Deck Belt on a Lawn Mower

Move the lawnmower to a level surface and park it. Press in the foot pedal to engage the brake and switch on the parking brake. Turn the key to the "Off" setting and take it out of the ignition. Push the clutch lever down so the clutch is in the "Disengaged" position.

Grasp the rubber boot of the end of the spark plug and position the wire so the boot won't hit the plug during the belt installation. Push the mowing deck's attachment lift lever so the deck is in its lowest setting.

Work the old drive belt off the engine pulley. Pull the retainer spring out of the clutch rod and clutch lever to disconnect the clutch rod from the lever. Pull the retainer spring out of the chassis bracket to disconnect the anti-sway bar on the deck.

Pull the retainer springs out of the rear suspension arms and disconnect the arms from the rear brackets. Remove the retainer spring from the front links and disconnect the links from the deck. Pull up on the attachment lift lever to move the suspension arms up and pull the deck from underneath the mower.

Work the drive belt off the mandrel pulleys and idler pulleys. Take the belt off the deck. Fit the new belt around the idler pulleys and the two mandrel pulleys. Work the belt into the pulley grooves and belt guides.

Reinstall the mower deck in the reverse order of its removal. Hook the drive belt around the engine pulley. Raise the lift lever to start mowing.