Question: I need to change the transmission belt on my self-propelled push mower. What are the steps?
- Manny G. (Sarasota, FL)
Answer: Changing the drive belt on your self propelled mower is pretty straight forward. First, you need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You’ll need a wrench, work gloves, mower blade clamp, drain pan and fresh fuel. Check your owner’s manual for the correct belt to your specific lawn mower. Belts that are not specifically designed for your mower will not fit properly and may wear down prematurely.
Next, remove the spark plug wire. This is a safety precaution to prevent the mower from accidentally starting. Make sure the fuel tank is empty or near-empty. You can use an Oil Vacuum/Fluid Evacuator to vacuum out the fuel into a drain pan or container. Make sure the fuel cap and oil dipstick is screwed on tight.
Now you can remove the screws that secure the drive cover to the mower deck. Once you’ve taken off the drive cover, loosen the screw that holds the belt tension spring to the transmission. As the screw is loosened, tension on the belt is released allowing you to remove the belt off of the front transmission pulley.
At this point you’ll need to turn your mower on its side to take off the mower blade. Be sure to use a work glove to protect your hand when removing the mower blade. You can use a lawn mower blade clamp over the blade to secure it. Unscrew the bolt to remove the blade and then the engine baffle. Once the pulley unit is exposed, you can remove the entire drive belt. Insert the new drive belt and place one end on the rear pulley and re-attach the engine baffle. Then, place the mower blade back (making sure it’s facing the correct way with bottom of the blade facing the ground) and tighten the bolt. Remove the clamp and return the mower to its upright position so you can place the other end of the belt to the front pulley. Remember to tighten the screw to the tension spring.
Put the front drive cover back on, tighten the screw that secures the cover to the deck and reconnect the spark plug wire. Add new fuel to your mower and you’re done!
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