How to Put the Deck Belt on a MTD

The deck belt on an MTD lawn mower transfers power from the mower engine to the cutting blade or blades. The blades spin, cutting the grass, when you have the deck belt "engaged," or in tension with the pulleys that route the belt from the mower to the blade spindles. Over time, all lawn mower belts break. When your MTD mower's does, you'll have to replace it before you can mow another blade of grass. This does not mean that you have to take the mower to a repair shop, however, because you can easily replace a deck belt yourself. The project requires a few basic tools and about 30 minutes.

Phillips screwdriver
Adjustable wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the mower engine off if it is running, and let the engine cool. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug by pulling it off. Move the deck lever forward to move the deck to its lowest position. Remove the belt guards from the mower deck using a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the belt keeper rod from around the engine pulley.
- 2
  Loosen, but do not remove, the idler pulley nuts using an adjustable wrench. If the belt is still on the mower, note the proper routing. Remove the belt from around the pulleys. Be careful not to get your fingers between the belt and pulleys, or it will pinch you. Route the new belt around the pulleys.
- 3
  Tighten the nuts on the idler pulley using an adjustable wrench. Place the belt keeper rod around the engine pulley. Install the belt guards on the mower deck and tighten the screws using a Phillips screwdriver. Raise the mower deck to its highest position by pulling the lever back.
- 4
  Connect the spark plug wires to the spark plugs by pushing them onto the posts. Start the lawn mower and allow it to warm up. Engage the mower deck to test the operation of the new belt.

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