How to Replace the Belt on a Lawn Chief

Built by MTD Manufacturing, the Lawn Chief is a model name for an MTD riding lawn tractor equipped with a 42-inch mower deck. This deck has two mower blades that work in sync with each other. The mower blades both secure to pulleys mounted to the top of the mower deck. A long serpentine belt connects both pulleys to the PTO clutch pulley protruding from the main shaft on the bottom of the Lawn Chief's motor. As the belt ages, it will start slipping, which will cause an audible squealing sound. Belt replacement is the only option to correct the issue.

Pliers
Spring puller

Instructions

- 1
  Secure the parking brake on your Lawn Chief, lower the deck into its lowest position and disengage the PTO lever to stop the blades from spinning.
- 2
  Disconnect the spring mounted in the left rear of the mower deck with a spring puller. This releases tension on the mower belt.
- 3
  Locate the PTO pulley under the front of the mower and pull the belt guard pins out of the PTO mounting bracket with pliers.
- 4
  Remove the hairpins from the front of the mower deck and lower the front of the deck to the ground.
- 5
  Remove the belt from the PTO pulley and then from the mower deck. If needed, make a diagram of the belts so you know how to route the new belt.
- 6
  Place the new belt onto the mower deck and then place the front of the belt onto the PTO pulley.
- 7
  Lift the mower deck and secure the deck to the lawn tractor with the hairpins.
- 8
  Reattach the spring to apply tension to the belt.
- 9
  Push the belt guard pins into the PTO pulley bracket.

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