Over time, the drive belt on your Husqvarna lawn mower can wear out, slip, or even break, leading to problems with self-propulsion or cutting efficiency. Changing the drive belt may seem intimidating, but with the right tools and a little know-how, it’s a job you can tackle yourself. Let me guide you through the process step by step.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Socket set or wrench set
- Screwdriver (for removing covers or guards)
- Work gloves
- A replacement drive belt (make sure it’s the correct one for your mower model, check the owner’s manual for the part number)
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Drive Belt on a Husqvarna Lawn Mower
1. Prepare the Lawn Mower
Before starting, ensure your safety by preparing the lawn mower properly.
- Disconnect the spark plug: This prevents accidental starting while you work on the mower.
- Drain the fuel or tilt the mower with the gas tank cap facing up to avoid fuel spillage. Alternatively, run the mower until it’s out of fuel.
- Tilt the mower on its side with the air filter and carburetor facing up to prevent oil from leaking.
2. Remove the Cutting Deck (For Riding Mowers)
If you’re working on a Husqvarna riding mower, you’ll need to remove the cutting deck to access the drive belt. For walk-behind mowers, skip to Step 4.
- Lower the cutting deck: Place the mower on a flat surface and lower the deck to its lowest position.
- Disconnect the deck links: Use a socket wrench to loosen the bolts or pins holding the deck to the mower chassis. There should be a few connecting points (usually at the front and rear of the mower).
- Detach the blade belt: Remove the belt from the pulley system that powers the mower blades.
- Slide the cutting deck out from under the mower, giving you access to the drive system.
3. Locate the Drive Belt
The drive belt on most Husqvarna mowers is located between the engine crankshaft and the transmission pulley.
For self-propelled walk-behind mowers:
- The belt typically runs from the engine pulley near the blade to the transmission under the deck.
For riding mowers:
- The drive belt will be connected between the engine’s lower pulley and a transmission pulley near the rear axle.
4. Remove the Old Drive Belt
You’ll need to release tension from the belt before removing it.
- Locate the tensioner pulley: This is the pulley that keeps the belt tight. Usually, it will have a spring-loaded arm.
- Release the tension: Using a wrench or socket, pull or push the tensioner pulley to loosen the belt. In some models, this can be done by hand, but others may require a tool.
- Remove the belt: Once the tension is off, slide the old belt off the pulleys, starting with the engine pulley and working toward the transmission pulley.
5. Install the New Drive Belt
Now it’s time to install the new belt.
- Thread the new belt around the pulleys in the same pattern as the old one. Refer to your mower’s manual for the correct belt routing if you’re unsure.
- Make sure the belt is seated properly in the pulley grooves to avoid slipping.
- Re-tension the belt by releasing the tensioner pulley so that the belt is snug but not overly tight.
6. Reassemble the Lawn Mower
If you removed the cutting deck (for riding mowers), now is the time to reattach it.
- Reconnect the deck links: Reattach the deck by inserting the pins or bolts you removed earlier.
- Reattach the blade belt: Place the blade belt back over the blade pulleys.
- Slide the deck back into place and reconnect the deck to the mower chassis.
For walk-behind mowers, skip this step and move to the next.
7. Test the Mower
- Reconnect the spark plug and set the mower back on all four wheels.
- If the fuel was drained, refuel the mower.
- Start the engine and test the drive system by engaging the self-propel feature (for walk-behind mowers) or by driving (for riding mowers). The mower should move smoothly, with no slipping or hesitation.
Tips for Success
- Refer to the owner’s manual for the correct belt part number and routing diagram. This will ensure you have the right belt and can install it correctly.
- If the belt slips or doesn’t fit tightly, check the tensioner pulley to make sure it’s functioning properly.
- Inspect the pulleys for wear and tear while you have the mower disassembled. If they’re damaged, replacing them at the same time as the belt will prevent future issues.
Conclusion
Changing the drive belt on your Husqvarna lawn mower may seem like a challenging task, but with this guide, you should be able to do it with confidence. By following these steps, you can restore your mower’s propulsion system and get it back to efficiently cutting grass. Proper maintenance, like replacing a worn-out drive belt, will keep your lawn mower running smoothly for years to come.