How to Install a Deck Belt on a 1998 Yard Machine

Manufactured by MTD Manufacturing, the 1998 Yard Machine mowers utilized a mower deck mounted to a riding tractor and a drive belt to make the deck and tractor function together. The belt, a serpentine, used power from the pulley mounted on the engine to run the spindle pulleys connected to the mower blades. When the belt works properly, the mower cuts efficiency. When the belt stretches and starts to slip on the spindle pulleys, the mower does not run efficiently. Therefore, when the belt ages, you must replace it with a new belt.

Pliers
Socket set

Instructions

- 1
  Disengage the mower deck with the PTO lever located on the left rear fender. Lower the mower deck by moving the height adjustment lever to its lowest position on the right rear fender.
- 2
  Locate the belt guard pins on either side of the PTO pulley and pull them out with pliers. You can locate the PTO pulley by looking under the front of the riding tractor.
- 3
  Rotate the pulley manually with your hand while you pull the belt off the pulley.
- 4
  Remove the bolts that hold each pulley guard mounted to the mower deck in place with a socket and ratchet.
- 5
  Remove the belt form the spindle pulleys on the mower deck. If you feel like you won't remember how to route the new belt on the spindle pulleys, draw a picture first.
- 6
  Place the new belt onto the spindle pulleys on the Yard Machine mower and then pull the belt to the front of the tractor.
- 7
  Reinstall each of the pulley guards with the socket and ratchet.
- 8
  Rotate the pulley manually as you lip the belt onto the pulley.

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