How to Replace a Mower Deck Belt for a Poulan 42-Inch Lawn Mower

The drive belt on a lawn mower operates the clutch, fuel pump, oil pump and other systems on the engine. These belts are crucial for engine operation, and belt failure will cause a loss of all mower operations. Check the condition of the belts every oil change for any signs of cracking or splitting. Fortunately, on most Poulan tractor lawn mowers that operate with a 42-inch deck, the drive belt can be replaced without any tools.

Replacement Poulan 42-inch drive belt
Leather work gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Move the Poulan lawn tractor to a flat area of ground. Pull the parking brake handle out to engage the parking brake. Stand on the right side of the mower.
- 2
  Slide the clutch lever into the neutral, "Disengaged" setting. Move the mower deck adjustment height lever forward to lower the deck to its lowest position. Roll the belt off the engine pulley slowly. Pull out the retainer spring on the clutch lever to remove the clutch rod from the lever.
- 3
  Pull out the anti-sway bar's retainer spring from the chassis bracket and disconnect the anti-sway bar. Pull the retainer springs from the rear deck brackets and disconnect the suspension arms from the brackets. Pull out the retainer springs from the front links on the mower deck.
- 4
  Raise up the mower deck adjustment lever to lift the suspension arms. Pull the mower deck out from under the tractor. Work the belt slowly off both the mandrel pulleys and idler pulley. Pull the belt off the mower.
- 5
  Install the new belt in reverse order as installation. Work the belt slowly into position on the three pulleys. Make sure the new belt is in all of the pulley grooves and inside the belt guides. Install the mower deck in the reverse process of removal.

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