How to Replace a Yardman Mower Deck Belt

MTD Yard Man lawnmowers have a mower deck where belt adjustments are possible by adjusting a series of springs. Over time, even adjusting the belts will not tighten them enough for the blades to move effectively. When you see cracking, sagging, or the belt feels dry to the touch, you will need to replace the belt. Belts are cheap to replace, far cheaper than fixing a broken mower deck. If you have an owner's manual available for your machine, be sure to check how to properly remove the deck.

Socket wrench
Pliers
Punch tool
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Roll the mower onto a flat surface.
- 2
  Adjust the mower deck to the lowest position.
- 3
  Remove the hex bolts next to the engine pulley (directly underneath the engine) using a socket wrench, and unhook the belt from the pulley.
- 4
  Remove the hairpins from the deck hangar links with pliers. If you have a 46-inch deck, touch a punch tool to the end of the stabilizer rod at the back of the deck and hit the tool with a hammer to remove the rod.
- 5
  Raise the deck engagement and roll the deck out from under the unit.
- 6
  Take a picture of the mower belt with a digital camera to remember the routing. Pull the belt off the deck and route the new belt in position.
- 7
  Reattach the deck and test the unit.

How to Fix a Crumbling Dirt Wall

How to Replace a Mower Deck on a John Deere

Garden Tools & Supplies