WHEEL DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT (All Models Except Models 34311, 34313 and 34328)
WARNING
Beforeperforming any main-
tenance procedures,stopthe
engine, wait for all moving
parts to stop, and allow the
engine to cool. Disconnect
thespark plugwire and move
it away from the spark plug.
Remove the ignition key on
electricstart models.
A loss of traction may be caused
by a broken or worn belt. To in-
stall a new belt, follow the instruc-
tions below.
NOTE: The drive belt is self-ten-
sioning and does not require
tension checks or adjustments.
To Remove Belt:
A. Stop engine and wait for all
moving parts to stop. Disconnect
spark plug wire and move it away
from spark plug. Remove igni-
tion key on electric start models.
B. Remove the front deck cover
by removing the two Phillips head
screws which secure the cover.
Then pull the cover upward and
forward.
C. Temporarily install one of the
cover screws into the spring
retaining bracket (H, Figure 5-6).
D. Remove tension on the drive
belt by pressing down (hard) on
the rear of the drive pulley (A,
Figure 5-9). Slip the belt off the
pulley.
CAUTION
When working near the
blade, wear heavy leather
gloves to protect yourself
from the sharp edges on the
l_!_%Niiiblade.
E. Tip the mower rearward so that
you can access the mower blade
area. Prop the mower securely in
place. Put on heavy leather gloves
to protect yourself from the sharp
mower blade.
F. Remove the mower blade and
coupling as a complete assembly
by removing the center shoulder
bolt (do not remove the two blade
mounting bolts). Refer to "Blade
Maintenance - All Models Except
Models 34311, 34313 and 34328"
on page 38 for detailed blade and
coupling removal instructions.
G. On models so equipped,
remove the grass shield (B, Figure
5-10) by removing the three self-
threading screws (use a 3/8"
wrench) that secure the shield.
It. Slip the drive belt off the en-
gine crankshaft pulley (It, Figure
5-9) and remove the belt.
IMPORTANT: If tipping the
mower during a maintenance
procedure, tip the mower rear-
ward rather than forward or to
either side.
34
Figure 5-9: Press down on rear of
pulley (A) to install or remove belt.
Figure 5-10: Remove grass shield
(on models so equipped).
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