I have a huskee 42" mower and just replaced the drive belt because the old one started smoking. Is the variable speed pulley that is located under the battery box supposed to spin freely or not. Mine doesn't move when trying to spin it by hand.

Hi,
Unless a belt is restricting its movement, then it should spin freely. They have been known to seize, especially the older ones that had needle bearings.
Peace,
Clarke

Thanks for the info. I took it apart yesterday and found out the top bearing blew apart. $5.90 later the bearings will be here tomorrow.could have been worse