Information on the John Deere Mower Belt Sequence

Safety First

• Before removing an old belt and replacing it with a new one, you'll need to ensure the machine is properly prepared to safely execute the replacement. First, park the mower safely on a level surface -- no slope is acceptable. Ensure the deck is lowered, then lock the parking brake. Make sure all moving parts are stopped before you exit the seat and start working on the mower. Step away from the mower for a short time to ensure the muffler and engine are completely cooled, then disconnect the spark plugs.

Removing the Mower

• To replace the mower belt, you'll need to remove the deck for easier access. Adjust the cutting height to the lowest possible position and place the engagement lever in the "Stop" position. Place wooden blocks of the same size under each side of the deck, lower the deck onto the blocks and lock the lift pedal. You'll then need to remove various pins and raise arms. With some Deere mowers, the deck can remain on, but it's best to remove the deck before replacing the mower belt.

Parts Integrated in Belt Design

• When replacing the mower belt, you'll come across various parts that the belt fits around when it's in the proper position. Take a picture or draw a diagram of the belt on scrap paper to assist in placing the new belt in the correct position. The first piece to remove is the belt shield, which has three cap screws or lock nuts. On the 42C deck, you'll also have to remove the wear plate located beneath the belt shield. To remove the old belt, loosen the rear idler, tensioning sheave and the fixed idler (on a 42C deck only). After the parts are loosened, remove the belt.

Belt Sequence

• The belt goes over the rear idler and over the pulleys to either side of it, then goes under the tensioning sheave and rear idler. For example, if you start by placing the belt over the rear idler, you'll have a belt sequence over the pulleys that goes as follows: over, over, under, over, under and over.