Belt Auction

removing lawn mower belt?

I have an MTD riding mower. 38" 12.5hp Model #289707. I am trying to remove drive belt to no avail. Tried engaging, disengaging the blade, had someone holding the clutch in while I tried to loosen it, pulling on flywheel, but couldn't seem to move it. Help will arrive in about 4 hours, but I hate giving up on something once I start. I'm trying to remove the belt that actually runs the blade. A bolt came loose on the guard and chewed up the belt. Tried to run it like that, but it was worn down to where it is causing sparks when engaged.

Public Comments

1. I had to do this once, had the same mower too. It was not easy sorry to say. You can download a manual here. http://www.mtdproducts.com/corporate/index.jsp
2. The only MTD mower I owned, had long 1/2" bolts that screwed into the deck. A few of them had to be removed before the belt would come off. Find the bolts that are near the pulleys. These bolts also keep the belt(s) on while the mower is running.
3. The mower deck has nothing to do with the drive belt. Are you changing the mower deck belt or the tractor drive belt? You have to disengage the clutch to loosen the drive belt.