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blanch129 · Jul 23, 2009, 02:09 PM

First time user here. I have an john deere stx 38 black deck mower and my drive belt snapped. Got a replacement belt and even a routing picture. Problem is I don't have a manual on how to re-install the new belt. Want to do it myself as labor costs at local john deere is outrageous. Can someone give me a step by step how to for me?
Thanks in advance

crigby · Jul 23, 2009, 05:11 PM

Hi,
You forgot to state gear or hydro. They are different. Guides, idlers and routing vary; plus the hydro belt is always under tension because neutral is handled by the transaxle.
Peace,
Clarke

blanch129 · Jul 24, 2009, 06:10 AM

Clarke
Thanks, not too mechanically inclined but I'd say it's hydro static - forward/reverse without clutching. I just need to know how to get the belt onto the top pulley. Do I have to take off the whole shaft (which also has the mower belt on a pulley at the bottom?)

crigby · Jul 24, 2009, 07:25 AM

Hi,
You say you have a picture, but I will post one that I know is correct just in case.
First, for part of this, you will probably need a second pair of hands and a piece of strong, small diameter rope. About 8-10' of braided, tri-core is what I use. The rope will be looped double and hooked onto one end of the spring. If need be, you can tie a single overhand knot in the ends; this is the simplest knot known (just the name of it) and both ends tied together at the same time into the same knot. It cannot slip and is easy to untie, relatively.
Best to get the deck off and out of the way. The nut on the park brake rod often has to be removed(10mm) but there are no guides to worry about. Put the belt on the front sheave above the clutch, then in the transaxle sheave. Carefully put the belt into the idlers, hook the loop of rope on the end of the spring at one end and rout the rope toward the front. Hook the other end of the spring in the slot in the idler arm. The other end of the spring hook into a hole in apiece of metal welded to the bottom of the frame and over to the left of the machine. Remember the belt is always to the inside of anything other than sheaves and idlers; the "V" of the belt contacts the four of them. Hold the idler arm loosely to keep the belt located in all places and have someone else pull the rope and spring to extend it so that it can be hooked up. The reason for the knot comes into play here as a large screwdriver or some other suitable item can be used to hold the rope at the knot and extend it without worry of rope burns, etc. It can be a "bear" but once attached; the knot is untied and the rope is pulled slowly form on end until it is removed.
Put park brake together if needed and the deck back on and you are done.
Question?
Peace,
Clarke