How to Adjust the Chain on a John Deere Snow Blower

Position the John Deere snow blower on a level surface and ensure the engine is turned off.

Remove the bottom plate under the John Deere's motor using a Phillips screwdriver. This will allow you to access the drive belt.

Locate the spring-loaded idler beneath the drive belt on the bottom of the snow blower. The idler is shaped like a wheel and has a metal plate at its front. Loosen the top bolt on the idler's plate with a socket wrench.

Insert a ratchet into the square hole on the idler plate, then wind the ratchet clockwise until you can feel resistance. Stop winding at this point. The belt will be properly tightened and adjusted. Further tightening may break the belt.

Tighten the idler plate's top bolt with your socket wrench.

Set the bottom plate back into place on the bottom of the snow blower's motor. Reinsert its screws with your Phillips screwdriver.