How to Install a 48-inch Deck Belt on a John Deere Lawnmower

Position the John Deere lawnmower equipped with the 48-inch mower deck onto flat ground. Set the parking brake, disengage the mower deck's PTO lever, and then turn the mower's engine off. This readies the mower for servicing.

Raise the mower deck to its highest position via the height adjustment lever protruding from the rear fender, and then place a wooden block under the right and left side of the mower deck. Lower the mower deck onto the wooden blocks to remove tension from the linkage bars.

Remove the hairpins from the linkage pins, and then pull the linkage ins out of the linkage rods. Lower the linkage rods out of the way. Push the mower deck forward slightly.

Look under the engine and locate the PTO pulley and the PTO pulley guard. Remove one bolt from the pulley guard with a wrench, and then rotate the guard out of the way. Pull the belt off the PTO pulley, and then remove the mower deck out from under the lawnmower.

Remove the bolts that secure the pulley covers onto the mower deck with a wrench, and then place the covers off to the side.

Remove the old belt from the mower deck, and then place the new belt onto the mower deck. If you feel you may get confused with the belt routing, make a diagram before you take the belt off.

Place the pulley covers onto the mower deck and secure them with the bolts. Slide the deck back under the lawnmower.

Place the drive belt around the PTO pulley, slide the pulley guard in place, and secure it with the bolt.

Lift the linkage bars, insert the linkage pins, and then secure the pins with the hairpins.

Lift the mower deck, and remove the wooden blocks.