I have to replace both drive belts on a Bolens Model 13ag683h163 Lawn Tractor - I have the proper belts direct from Bolen's and their diagrams are good for knowing how to run it, but how to I get to the old belts? Do I start taking things off the top of the mower (Seat, Body, etc... ) or do I go from the bottom up (mower deck, etc... )? Is there a manual available (Like Chilton's has for cars) for these mowers?

See if you can get a parts breakdown on MTD Products Landing Page. The serial number is required to download a manual, so I can't look. I'll look if you find the diagram and post the s/n, or send it to me via pm.

In general, with any belt replacement, you have to expose the pullleys and you may have to remove the blades.
Blade removal is usually done by wedgeing the blade with a block of wood. Anti-Seize compound when re-assembling will make the job MUCH easier next time.

Either the belt will have a tensioner or there is a non-stationary part which is mounted on a slotted base.
Typical of these is engine to pulley systems. The engine is mounded on a slotted base.

I don't need your help anymore I couldn't wait 3 days for an answer, I am just glad God gave me comon sense, if anyone ever has this question answer as follows: remove battery be sure to place battery on wooden surface in order not to dran the battery, in battery case remove the two brackets by rotating them parelallo and squezze them out. Locate big pulley use cresent wrench to remove bolt remove pulley enough to put replacement belt in groves, replace pulley and secure to star formation put belt around pulley on left small pulley. Get pry bar to take tenision off right small pulley put rest of belt on right small pulley groves, retourge big nut on big pulley snuggley do not over tighten, replace battery racks replace battery... problem solved... sincerely Richard wyatt [email protected]

I should have did I don't need your help anymore I couldn't wait 3 days for an answer, I am just glad God gave me comon sense, if anyone ever has this question answer as follows: remove battery be sure to place battery on wooden surface in order not to drain the battery, in the battery case remove the two brackets by rotating them parelall and squezze them out. Locate big pulley use cresent wrench to remove nut, remove pulley enough to put replacement belt in groves, replace pulley and secure to star formation put belt around pulley on left small pulley. Get pry bar to take tenision off tenison bar of right small pulley put rest of belt on right small pulley groves, retouge big nut on big pulley snuggley do not over tighten, replace battery racks replace battery... problem solved.
I hope this help in replacing a drive belt, you do not need to take the blade off to replce this belt it took me less than five minutes to do this and I was successful with no guides or pamplets just common sense

Hi,
Sounds like a bit difficult to me. I never require tools unless I replace the front transmatic belt and then a 3/8" socket.
Peace,
Clarke

Hi,
Manual available online; just use a 1 for the serial number.

It's clear that the designer of this mower started with belts and built a mower around it, not caring how they could be changed. I'm a good mechanic and have a good store of both tools and profanity, and have used both in this project.

Hi,
Actually the mower was designed first before the belt supplier was even contacted to design them which is why so many belts are odd inch lengths. Does not make it any the better to work on though.
Peace,
Clarke