Followed manual instructions exactly. Everything worked fine until I removed the electric PTO clutch. Cannot remove old belt or install new belt on the engine pulley because of three tabs around the pulley that are in the way. Tried to remove engine pulley with a wheel puller but it will not budge. Does the wheel pulley have to be lowered to get the belt off/on? If so, any suggestions on how best to do it. Do the tabs have to be bent out of the way to allow the belt to go off/on? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thnaks.

Hi,
Are those tabs actually on a plate that either two engine bolts hold, or four bollts through each side of the frame hold? Usually on is the case and you move the plate. I think the job can be done by taking deck belt, unplugging clutch and moving plate.
Peace,
Clarke

I have recently Replaced the lower drive belt and had the same problem.

I used a 10 inch cresent wrench and adjusted it to slip on the tabs and pryed them open, slipped the belt on
And then pryed the tabs back. Around 8-10 minuets I hope this is of some use to someone

I agree with Sandy . Those are stamped in the fame .I did Five of those this week and I just bent the Tabs and beent them back when done,
Luck

I wish I had saw this. Just had same problem and I will always just bend the tabs!

I know bending the tabs seems like a great option but those tabs are belt keepers and if you bend them a few more times you will not have them to worry about any more. Start reading around page 19. http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...mManualTabPage