How to Put on a Lawnmower Belt

Most riding lawnmowers use a belt to control the speed of the mower blades mounted under the mower deck. The belt, referred to as a serpentine belt because it wraps around multiple pulleys, converts power form the engine to run the blades. Although made of a durable synthetic material called Kevlar, the belt will eventually stretch and start to slip when engaged. When this happens, it causes the belt to heat up. This will eventually cause the belt to break. You can tell when this is happening because the belt will squeal. When the belt on your lawnmower begins to squeal, replace it with a new one.

Wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Disengage the mower blades by turning the mower blade engagement-lever to the "off" position. Often the lever is labeled, "PTO," short for "power take off."
- 2
  Lower the mower deck to its lowest position with the deck adjustment lever. In most cases, the adjustment lever mounts to the mower deck, or it extends up through one of the rear fenders.
- 3
  Locate the PTO pulley that mounts to the main shaft of the mower's engine. It protrudes from the bottom of the engine. You can locate by looking under the front of the mower.
- 4
  Remove the belt guards from the PTO pulley with a wrench and then pull the belt off the PTO pulley.
- 5
  Remove the belt guards from the mower deck. In most cases, you will see a belt guard over each spindle pulley or each pulley that controls a mower blade. Use your wrench to remove the belt guards.
- 6
  Pull the belt off the pulleys on the deck, then place the new belt onto the pulleys. In most cases, the deck has a sticker on it that shows proper belt routing. If you do not have a sticker, refer to the owner's manual or draw a diagram on your own.
- 7
  Place the new belt onto the deck's pulleys, then place the other end of the belt onto the PTO pulley.
- 8
  Mount the belt guards onto the deck and PTO pulley with your wrench.

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