How to Install the Drive Belt on a 2006 MTD Model 771 13BN771G729

Place rags or towels beneath the front lip of the mower deck. Lower the deck of the tractor completely. Remove the cotter pin from the front deck linkage pin if equipped. Remove the linkage pin with pliers. Allow the front of the mower deck to fall onto the towels.

Remove the mounting screws from the deck belt guards, on both sides of the mower deck. Use a ratchet and socket to remove the screws. Remove both mower deck belt guards.

Push the tensioner assembly as far open as possible by hand. Remove the belt from the two pulleys on the tensioner. Slide the belt up and off of the two blade pulleys, and push the entire belt up and off of the front ends of the deck. Allow the belt to fall free. Pull the belt downward and off of the main engine pulley if necessary.

Install the new belt upward onto the main engine pulley. Keep some tension on the pulley so that it stays firmly on the main engine pulley. Work the belt back to one side of the mower deck, and loop the belt around one of the blade pulleys. Push the excess belt slack across the mower deck so that you can reach it from the other side.

Install the belt onto the second blade pulley. Push the belt inward and over the tension pulley on the side that you are on. Go to the other side of the mower and push the tensioner assembly as far open as possible by hand. Install the belt over the final tensioner pulley. Release the pulley slowly.

Install the two belt guards on either side of the mower deck. Tighten the guard screws snug with a ratchet and socket. Push the mower deck upward with one hand, and guide the holding pin in place with your second hand. Insert the cotter pin (if equipped) through the guide pin.