Hello! I've got a 2001 ZTR with about 870 hrs. Hydro drive belt broke. It has been on there for several years. Got the new belt but struggling with how to install. Manual says take old one off, put new one on. Ok - sure could use a few more steps.
Problem is in how to get around everything. Sorta looking like a pretty hefty spring to mower drive belt idler has to be taken off, but not sure.
Hydro drive pulley on engine crankshaft is the top pulley above the electric clutch and it's assorted pulleys and idlers and belt running to the deck. Belt came off a couple times last week and I just seemed to put it back on, BUT obviously I didn't have something aligned properly.
Ok folks - went back to the barn after a supper break. Decided that mower deck belt idler spring had to be released to allow fittment of the hydro belt.
Yep - it worked. Hydro belt on - have to check mower belt in the morning to make sure that it is in proper position on all pulleys. Used the hook on one end of a brake spring plier.
Underside of mower is a real mess. Think I'll use the air gun on it in the morning. Could almost pressure wash it. Im seeping some hyd fluid on a fitting somewhere.
Take care - hoping to finish mowing before Issac rain hits Saturday - Monday. Could be 3-6 inches. Labor Day weekend US National Drags in Indy will be very wet.
Got the mower drive belt spring back in place this morning. A tad nervous on initial start, but all went ok. I went on to mow all the yard - a two acre plot.
Breeze blowing pretty strong - from the South. Rain to start later today.
I have the ZT HD 60 model and have the same question, how do you get around the clutch, etc, to put the belt on? Looks like you need to drop the clutch to get access. How do you do that? Thanks, Greg
