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How to Fix the Idler Spring on a Zero-Turn Mower

Zero-turn riding mowers operate with a zero turning radius, cutting so close to trees and other obstacles that little follow-up trimming is required. Most can pivot a full 180 degrees without leaving behind any uncut grass. All zero-turn mowers are rear-wheel drive. The wheels are independently powered by a hydrostatic transmission, and steering is controlled by a pair of joysticks that regulate the speed of each wheel. Models such as the Toro Commercial Z Master series use a single drive belt to operate the twin blades in the cutting deck. The belt is tensioned by a spring-loaded idler arm. Belt slippage caused by insufficient tension may result from a weak idler spring.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2-inch ratchet drive
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Instructions

    • 1

      Disengage the Power Take Off lever, move the control joysticks to the neutral locked position and engage the parking brake.

    • 2

      Turn off the engine and remove the key. Allow all moving parts to stop before continuing.

    • 3

      Lower the cutting deck to the 3-inch height.

    • 4

      Remove the belt cover on top of the cutting deck by raising the latch and sliding the cover forward.

    • 5

      Locate the 1/2-inch square ratchet hole in the spring-loaded idler arm. Insert a 1/2-inch ratchet drive into the hole and rotate the idler arm clockwise to slacken the drive belt.

    • 6

      Slip the drive belt off the main cutter blade pulleys. Unscrew the nut securing the belt guide to the idler arm pulley and remove the belt.

    • 7

      Unhook one end of the idler spring from the grooved bolt between the blade pulleys and the other end from the attachment point on the back of the idler arm.

    • 8

      Install a new idler spring by hooking one end over the grooved bolt, then hooking the other end to the attachment point on the back of the idler arm.

    • 9

      Reinstall the belt on the main cutter blade pulleys. Rotate the idler arm clockwise with the ratchet drive and slip the belt over the idler pulley.

    • 10

      Allow the spring to pull the idler arm back to its home position so the idler arm tensions the drive belt. Reinstall the belt guide on the idler pulley.

    • 11

      Slide the belt cover back into place. Press the latch down to lock it.

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