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Hey guys, My mower belt come off the other day. It was all I could do to get the belt
back on the drive pulley even with a helper pulling back on the tension pulley. Just in
case it happens again I would like to know what tools would make it easy to remove and
replace the tension spring without getting a finger pinched.
Any ideas without buying a specialty tool?
Thanks

rope or a trampoline spring tool.

I have a dozen spring tools which are just trampoline tools in different lengths so my arms or feet are in the right position to allow an easy pull.
Some tensioning arms have a 1/2" square hole and that is for a breaker bar with a short extension to get the height right, usually I can get them with a plain ratchet.
Some older owners & women use a ratchet tie down over the tensioning arm.
I have seen owners who made a loop out of strong string then slip a long bar through them and pilot the bar against the frame somewhere.
Sometimes even a long spannar on the nut that holds the pulley if pulled slowly can give you the extra leverage, but be careful cause the nut can let go suddenly.
I have a customer who put a lock nut on the top of the pulley bolt because he used this method for years , then the nut let go and he lost a finger tip.
He still does it the same way just puts the spannar on then snugs up the lock nut on top.
The one that really blew me away was an 80+ farmer who welded a couple of turnbuckles together to make his special tool and welded a bolt onto the arm to slip the ring end over.

Datadave said:

Hey guys, My mower belt come off the other day.

Click to expand...

The following info just may be of some importance to you?

Click on the link and click on the second video link.

http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/showthread.php/40752-Hustler-Raptor-Flip-Up-amp-SD-mowers-in-general

Thanks guys, Looks like a trampoline spring tool is what I need
I also looked up spring hook tool and found this on E-bay
A Heavy Duty spring hook tool I think will work for $5.00


no more lost fingers like Berts friend

T handle is better. That one will slip right out of your hand.

Yes a T handle is the only way to go.
I use old spark plug tube spannars cause they all have a hole in the middle to run the wire through.

Thanks for the advice
I will look for one with a good gripping T-handle :thumbsup:

i've used pliers before, and just squeeze and pull.
you could also use a drum brake tool.

turboawd said:

i've used pliers before, and just squeeze and pull.
you could also use a drum brake tool.

Click to expand...

Thanks Turbo, Pliers are what I have always used but now days -
I want to go the easy / safe way. Getting tired of smashing my old arthritic hands & fingers.
I found a spring hook tool with a T handle that should work well. Ordering it this weekend.
It is made for heavy duty springs like motorcycle kickstands and such so it should be
tough enough I hope.

Datadave said:

Thanks Turbo, Pliers are what I have always used but now days -
I want to go the easy / safe way. Getting tired of smashing my old arthritic hands & fingers.
I found a spring hook tool with a T handle that should work well. Ordering it this weekend.
It is made for heavy duty springs like motorcycle kickstands and such so it should be
tough enough I hope.

Click to expand...

I ended making a lot of them.
The trick is the handle has to be in a position that you can get to it easily then apply a pulling force.
So a inch too long ot short will make a big difference.

The Hustler tool is part # 604462 - Tension spring hook

It is partially shown on Page 28 of this PDF: https://www.hustlerturf.com/file/118650.pdf


I just use a loop of rope, I can hook the spring on it and when down at the deck I can use my leg to pull the spring while fingers guide it into place AND hold the spring anchor at the same time, that little thing likes to fly off, then I can fish the rope out.