Home Garden

How to Change Belts on an MTD Snowblower

Your MTD snow blower has one belt that you'll never probably think about until the moment it fails, and you're left watching the snow stack up on your driveway. When your unit seems to be running yet it isn't propelling itself forward, you'll need to replace the drive belt. Over time, the snow blower belt can develop dry rot, causing it to fray or snap. Fortunately, changing the belt yourself should take no more than 10 minutes or cost more than $20, saving you an expensive trip to the shop.

Things You'll Need

  • Allen wrench set
  • MTD snow blower replacement belt
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Wait for the engine to cool down and pull the spark plug wire before attempting to replace the MTD belt. Remove the belt cover on the left side of the snow blower by unscrewing five hex screws with an Allen wrench. Set aside the cover and screws.

    • 2

      Grab the belt and pull it off the auger and engine pulleys. Push the idler pulley down to release tension on the belt and remove it from beneath the belt keeper. Discard the old belt.

    • 3

      Press the idler pulley down. Route the replacement belt under the belt keeper and around the top of the auger pulley. Stretch the belt around the engine pulley and back over the bottom of the auger pulley to complete the installation.

    • 4

      Gather up the hex screws. Reattach the belt cover to the snow blower.