How do you change the wheel drive belt???

southernkilowatt · Sep 7, 2011

Hi all, first time poster. I may be in the wrong forum, if so please direct me to the right place. I have a Troy Bilt Big Red Horse, 23 HP, 50" cut.
Model # 14AA80TP766
Serial# 1Bo17H30110
Date of MFG 02/07

The long belt, that goes from the motor shaft pulley to the idle pulley located at the rear end broke. I took what remained to Lowes and matched it up to a new belt, according to length and by the book they had in the store. That was the easy part. When I got home, I removed the deck and the seat and battery and battery box. From there I can see where the belt goes, but I see no way to get it around the motor pulley unless I unbolt the motor and raise it up 3 or 4 inches to get the belt past the steering components. Am I wrong? Is there an easier way to do this? I would hate to know that I have to tear this thing all to pieces just to replace a belt?

Please, if there is any advice you can give I would very much appreciate it!

Thanks

Dave (southernkilowatt)

RandyT · Sep 7, 2011

You should be able to remove the engine pulley from the engine then install the belt and then put the pulley back one when doing the reassembly. As a small engine repair shop I have had to remove steering columns, remove steering arms, remove fender assemblies to replace a idler pulley, remove the transmission to install the drive belt on a murray rider. this spring even had to remove the engine on a cub cadet to repair the carb.

southernkilowatt · Sep 8, 2011

Thanks for the reply. If I remove the engine pulley, how do I hold the shaft to keep it from turning as I remove the bolt? This has the electric clutch assembly below the engine pulley to engage the belt drive for the mower deck.

RandyT · Sep 8, 2011

I normally use an impact wrench to remove the bolt. In a pinch I have even put a 1/2 inch breaker bar with the proper socket and hit the breaker bar with a hammer until it can loose.

graves6996 · May 5, 2013

@ southernkilowatt...did you ever get that belt changed? I have the same mower and now I need to replace the drive belt as well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Eric