How to put a belt on a yardman 42-inch lawn mower? A guide with video

After using your lawn mower for a long time, you may have trouble with the belts on it. Then, you need to replace them. Replacing the deck belt and the drive belt is also a part of the regular maintenance that keeps your lawn mower running at its peak. This article will show you how to put a belt on a Yardman 42-inch lawn mower.

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When should you replace your belt?

When you utilize your lawn mower, the belt may be unfixable due to wear and tear. At that time you need to replace a new one to continue using the machine.

Further reading: 

• 8 Simple steps to replace the drive belt on a Murray riding mowers
• 10 Steps to change drive belt on Troy Bilt Bronco riding mowers quickly

How to put a belt on a Yardman 42-inch lawn mower

Following are the ways on how to put a belt on a Yardman 42-inch lawn mower.

Put a deck belt on a Yardman 42-inch lawn mower

Step 1: Prevent unintentional starting

Please turn off the engine before you change the belt. Take out the ignition key and disconnect the spark plug wires to prevent accidents while you are replacing the mower belt.

Step 2: Adjust the deck height

Move the deck lift lever to adjust the deck on your riding lawn mower to the lowest position.

Step 3: Remove the mower deck belt guards

Take out the screws that secure them to the deck to remove the mower deck belt guards.

Step 4: Take off the belt-keep rod

Eliminate the belt-keeper rod from around the engine pulley.

Step 5: Loosen the idler pulley nuts

Loosen – but do not take out – the idler pulley nuts on a riding mower deck.

Step 6: Snap a photograph

Before you remove the mower deck belt, take a picture of how it is routed.

Step 7: Remove the mower deck belt

Eliminate the mower deck belt from around all the pulleys, including the deck idler pulleys. Be careful and do not put your fingers on the idler spring or between the mower deck belt and any of the pulleys because this could cause your fingers to get pinched or injured.

Step 8: Put on the new mower deck belt

Put on the new mower deck belt in the same way as the old one. Use the photo you took earlier for visual reference. If you have not taken a photograph before, you can refer to your operator’s manual.

Step 9: Secure the idler pulley nuts

In this step, you have to tighten the idler pulley nuts you loosened.

Step 10: Replace the belt-keeper rod

Attach the belt keeper rod back in place around the engine pulley.

Step 11: Attach the mower deck belt guards back in place

Attach the mower deck belt guards.

Step 12: Raise the deck

Afterward, raise the deck on your riding lawn mower back to the highest position.

Step 13: Replace the spark plug wires

In this step, reconnect the spark plug wires.

Step 14: Warm up your machine

Attach the key back in the ignition and start the unit. Remember to let it warm up a little before attempting to engage the mower deck.

Step 15: Engage the mower deck

In this step, you need to replace the throttle control at full throttle and attach the mower deck.

Step 16: Check for abnormal sound

Disconnect the mower deck, and remember to wait for the mower deck belt to come to a complete stop. Attach the mower deck again. Wait and listen for any abnormal sound.

Step 17: Shut your machine down

Disconnect the mower deck, bring the throttle down to idle, and shut down the riding lawn mower.

Step 18: Remove the ignition keys and spark plug wires

Take out the key and the spark plug wires. 

Step 19: Lower the deck

You need to adjust the deck to the lowest position.

Step 20: Check the mower deck belt

Inspect the mower deck belt to make sure it is properly running through all the pulleys and no damage happens.

Step 21: Reconnect the spark plug wires

Once you have replaced your mower deck belt and inspected your work, you can reinstall the spark plug wires.

Install a drive belt on a Yardman 42-inch lawn mower

Step 1: Preparation For Changing Drive Belt

First, take the lawnmower into a flat surface or your garage to ensure the convenience of the work.

Step 2: Cool The Mower Engine

Next, press the button to start the parking mode of the mower and bring out the key from the keyhole. Remember to cool the mower engine before starting the replacement. 

Step 3: Adjust The Mower Deck

Attach the lift lever attached to the mower deck and adjust the deck to the lowest position. 

Step 4: Take out The Blade Guard

Use the screwdriver to take out the screws attached to the belt guard. The guard is located near the grass discharge chute. 

Step 5: Take out The Belt Keeper Rod

Eliminate the screws that hold the belt keeper rod. Keep the rod in a safe place for the process of reinstalling. 

Step 6: Loosen The Idler Pulley Nuts

Loosen the small nuts attached to the idler pulley center by using the ratchet. Remember not to remove the screws fully. Then, repeat the same process for another pulley. 

Step 7: Take out The Drive Belt

Try to notice how the belt is fastened around the pulley. Now roll it off to take out the belt from the pulley. Carefully take out the belt from the pulley. 

Step 8: Put on New Drive Belt

Now, follow the same process as the old drive belt to put on the new drive belt. Make sure that the V portion of the drive belt is connected to the pulley and it stays at the parallel position with the grooves of the pulley. 

Step 9: Tighten The Idler Pulley Nuts

Tighten the small nuts attached to the idler pulley center by using the ratchet. Next, put on the belt keeper rod in its position. Connect it with the engine pulley. Then, replace the drive belt guard and use the screwdriver to attach the screws. 

Step 10: Test The Drive Belt

At present, turn the power of the mower on. Engage the mower blade to test the drive belt. Unless the blades move efficiently, stop the lawnmower and check the belt again.

FAQs

1. What are the tools that will be needed to do the replacing task?

The tools that will be required are a screwdriver, a ratchet, hand gloves, and goggles.

2. What are the things to watch out for when doing the replacing task?

These are the things you need to keep in your mind:

Always utilize the belts that the manufacturers recommend. You must match the belt number before buying the belt to prevent difficulties during the replacement process. Do not use other belts that are not proper for your device. Wear suitable safety clothing before replacing the belts.

Final thoughts

The process of changing a deck belt and a drive belt of the Yardman machine riding mower is a little bit different from any kind of repair. You can follow the above-mentioned process to know how to put a belt on a Yardman 42-inch lawn mower. Unless you feel comfortable with the process, please call an expert technician to help you complete the replacement.