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I have Montgomery Wards rider, Signature 2000 Elite. Mower model # TM030000A. Made by MTD. MTD cross over # 131A670G088. The deck is Deck G model 600 & 700 series for front engine lawn tractors, side discharge.
The mower was given to me about 15 years ago. Has a Briggs twin engine. The mower has served me well for years but needed the engine rebuilt. I rebuilt the engine over the summer and now am working on the deck.
My problem is with the extension spring that hooks on a spring retainer bracket attached to left rear axle of tractor. Extension spring is 7.58" long. Spring is part # 732-0556 and rear of spring attaches to bracket # 17128. These are shown on parts list along with diagram schematic. This spring is a PTA to remove and I made a tool for pulling back on the spring to remove from axel bracket. Problem is, I have removed the deck several times over the years BUT still not sure I have the front of the spring attached to the stabilizer bracket in the correct place. Any help will be sincerely appreciated.
This is a well built mower, all steel except the grill. Only other problem I have had is having to pull back extremely hard on the deck lift lever in order to get it to start. Safety switch has been replaced. FISH was helpful in suggesting bending the triangle tab on the lift lever might help in this. Will try that once I re-install the deck.
Hope you MTD mechanics have suggestions.
Thanks and great days ahead to all of you
Red Cox

MTD Operator's Manuals & Illustrated Parts Diagrams

https://www.partstree.com/parts/mtd...-montgomery-ward-signature-lawn-tractor-1991/

https://www.partstree.com/parts/mtd...omery-ward-signature-lawn-tractor-1991/drive/ see item 34, spring attaches from item 33 transaxle support bracket to item 67 variable speed torque bracket assembly.

mechanic mark said:

MTD Operator's Manuals & Illustrated Parts Diagrams

https://www.partstree.com/parts/mtd...-montgomery-ward-signature-lawn-tractor-1991/

https://www.partstree.com/parts/mtd...omery-ward-signature-lawn-tractor-1991/drive/ see item 34, spring attaches from item 33 transaxle support bracket to item 67 variable speed torque bracket assembly.

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Thanks mechanic Mark; I studied the diagram on the link you posted, however, the spring I am interested in is the long extension spring (7.58") that the rear of spring hooks to the bracket on the far end of the left axil housing. This spring then attaches somewhere on the stabilizer bracket assembly on the rear of the mower deck.
I do thank you for the information you supplied. I see a lot of you helpful support on the forum and sincerely appreciate it.
Have a great day and Merry Christmas.
Red Cox

It hooks through the bottom hole of the left arm that holds the rear deck stabilizer plate and shaft.

Bob E said:

It hooks through the bottom hole of the left arm that holds the rear deck stabilizer plate and shaft.

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Thanks Bob; The diagram helps. I had contacted MTD and they said the spring hooked on the rod (shaft) of that stabilizing arm. did not seem right to me. thanks for your heol and have a fantastic day.
Red Cox

That is where it hooks for the 38" deck, but the G deck in my parts manual is listed as a 42". F deck is a 38" and H is a 46"

Bob E said:

That is where it hooks for the 38" deck, but the G deck in my parts manual is listed as a 42". F deck is a 38" and H is a 46"

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Thanks Bob; Mine is a G deck and it is 42". Thanks again.
Red Cox

Did you try the weedeater string trick to unhook the spring? Google it. Watch the video. Makes unhooking springs a snap.

The.kid said:

Did you try the weedeater string trick to unhook the spring? Google it. Watch the video. Makes unhooking springs a snap.

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Hello Kid,
Sorry, I am not aware of the video or exactly how or where to find it. Appreciate any helo on this if you can advise. thanks and have a great day.
Red Cox

wilburn cox said:

Hello Kid,
Sorry, I am not aware of the video or exactly how or where to find it. Appreciate any helo on this if you can advise. thanks and have a great day.
Red Cox

Click to expand...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JzO0s_MLVXA

This is one of the videos. Many more. It's an easy effective method.

I have a 2004 Yard Machine 38" deck riding mower model 13AB652F729, serial number 1E194B80035000 and did the same thing, I can't figure out where the spring attatches to my deck to maintain tension for my deck blades to engine belt. I can't believe something so simple can be so hard. Any help would be appreciated. Owner book shows a blow up but not to where the belt connects to the deck, that's all I need, can't seem to figure it out.

The belt should just go around the outside of the deck pulleys. Forming a triangle shape with the engine pulley.

The "string / cord trick" works great, learned about it years ago when I was replacing drum type brakes on my ol Barracuda, as I didn't have the proper brake spring tool at the time, ..:thumbsup:

Bob E said:

The belt should just go around the outside of the deck pulleys. Forming a triangle shape with the engine pulley.

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I know how the belt goes, what I need to know is where the deck tension spring hooks onto the deck to maintain deck tension to the belt.

I just have an extra big spring to use as a big spring intall tool.