Taking the belt off a BX MMM

[TheKid]

The first time I took the belt loose prior to storing the mower for the winter I had a heck of a time getting it off. Now it only takes about 30 seconds to do it.

All you need is a long pry bar or sturdy pipe and a 3 to 4 inch 3/8 bolt. slide the bolt in, align the pry bar and give it a yank.

 

[TheKid]

Just slip the belt over the pulley and your done. This was on a the 54" deck for my BX1500, but I think it would work for all the BX models.

 

[ronjhall]

I purchased a tool for installing the spring back on the idler arm on EBAY. It lets me remove the spring and keep the belt in its original position.
Your way works good also.
Your post reminded me that I have not released the spring yet. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Thanks. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Jim_Becker]

I've never loosened the the belt for winter storage, but it's time to replace it, so your little bar trick will come in handy!

 

[srs]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I've never loosened the the belt for winter storage, but it's time to replace it, so your little bar trick will come in handy! )</font>
Jim, how many hours do you have on the mower belt? Is it in that bad of shape that it needs to be replaced? For what its worth I'm still using the original belt on the belly mower of my B1550. The tractor is 16 years old. Of course the mower is only used in the summer and I've always taken the belt off during the winter storage months. Now that I've said the belt is 16 years old it will probably break. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Jim_Becker]

SRS, I have no idea on the "hours" on the MMM as we use the tractor for many things--but it's over four years old at this point. The belt is generally in good condition, except a stick got caught in it mid-season and a few "chunks" got removed. I have a new one on the shelf ready to put on as soon as I have time. Amazingly, the "chunky" belt has worked fine for a few cuttings which made me happy given doing that maintenance would have taken time away from the precious little free time I have due to business travel. The "double belt" design of the thing likely was it's saving grace.

 

[AKFord]

The Kid,

I cannot quite see how you are getting the belt off in your pictures. Are you pressing down on the belt with your prybar? Thanks, I am getting ready to store my MMM for the next 6 or 7 months and want to take the pressure off of the belt.

 

[srs]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The Kid,
Are you pressing down on the belt with your prybar? )</font>

AKFord, what the Kid is doing is placing the pry bar on the SIDE of the pulley touching the belt itself. He then (looking at picture #1) is pulling the pry bar to the left making the spring get tighter but releasing pressure on the far left pulley, (picture #2). This allows the belt to come off the far left pulley with ease. I used to release the spring from the attaching hooks and pray that it didn't bounce loose and take a few of my teeth with it. I tried AKFord's way and it is much much easier. For what it's worth my belt (although starting to show wear and tear) is 16 years old. I've always released pressure on it during the winter storage season. Good luck! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[AKFord]

Thanks SRS, I just went and did it! It worked, the MMM is clean and ready for the winter. I appreciate your help.