MTD 21AA404B031 Operator's Manual page 20

Service
7
ieit leplacement
If the drive belt or auger belts need to be replaced, it is best
to replace both belts at the same time. Use only a factory-
authorized belt as an "over- the-counter" belt may not perform
satisfactorily. The procedure requires average mechanical ability
and commonly available tools.
To replace the Drive and Auger belts, follow these steps:
1. Make sure the tiller is on a flat surface, with the engine
turned offand the spark plug wire unplugged and
grounded to prevent unintended firing of the engine.
2. Remove the belt cover as seen in Fig. 8-1, by first removing
the two 1/4-20 self-tapping hex screws. Lift the belt cover
up and away from the tiller and set in a safe location until
reinstallation.
3_
Remove the four 1/4-20 self-tapping hex screws that secure
the pulley shield to the frame as seen in Fig. 8-2, and
remove the pulley shield and set aside in a safe location
until reinstallation.
4. Remove the idler bracket extension spring, as pointed out
in Fig. 8-3. It is recommended to use a pair of needle-nosed
pliers, and grab the spring by the end that hooks over the
frame, simply grab it and pull it away from the frame, then
up wards and carefully relieve the tension of the spring.
5. Remove the idler pulley bracket by removing the 5/16-24
hex head screw, flat washer and lock washer, as in Fig. 8-4.
Note: It will be necessary to remove the belt from around
the idler pulley by working it offthe pulley and from
underneath each belt keeper.
Figure S-I
Figure 8-2
Remove the
idler pulley
keepers.
Remove the
idler pulley
bracket by
removing the
flat and lock
washers
Remove the
idler bracket
extension
spring
Figure 8-4 Figure8-3