Craftsman ZTL7000 Operator's Manual page 32

b. Make certain the belt is in the spindle pulleys of the deck,
and that the backside of the belt is against both the fixed and
movable idler pulleys. Refer to Figure 34.
c. Sitting behind the riding mower, facing forward, make certain
the belt is not twisted; then reach beneath the riding mower
to grasp the belt and pull it toward the PTO pulley.
WARNING
Use caution to avoid pinching your fingers when rolling the belt off the
PTO pulley.
d. Pull the right side of the belt rearward and place the narrow
V side of the belt into the PTO pulley. See Figure 36.
e. While holding the belt and pulley together, rotate the pulley
to the left (See Figure 35). Continue holding and rotating the
pulley and belt until the belt is fully rolled into the PTO pulley.
REPLACING THE DECK DRIVE BELT
1. Remove the deck from beneath the riding mower, (refer to Deck
Removal on page 30).
2. Remove the hex washer screws securing the belt covers to the deck
and remove the belt from the spindle pulleys. Refer to Figure 39.
Belt Cover
Hex Tap
Screw
3. Install the new belt around the spindle pulleys as shown in Figure
39 and reinstall the belt covers.
4. Route the belt rearward between the two idler pulleys and reinstall
the deck following the instructions in Deck Installation.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Belt Cover
Belt
Spindle
Pulleys
Hex Tap
Screw
Figure 39
Mower Blade Care
Before performing any maintenance, place the PTO switch in the "OFF"
position, engage the parking brake lever, turn the ignition key to the
"OFF" position and remove the key from the switch. Protect your hands
by using heavy gloves when handling the blades. When servicing the
mower deck, be careful not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades.
The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times. Sharpen the cutting
edges of the blades evenly so that the blades remain balanced and the
same angle of sharpness is maintained.
If the cutting edge of a blade has already been sharpened many times,
or if any metal separation is present, it is recommended that new
blades be installed. New blades may be obtained through Sears Parts
& Repair or by calling 1-800-659-5917.
The blades may be removed as follows.
1. Remove the deck from beneath the riding mower, (refer to Deck
Removal on page 30) then gently flip the deck over to expose its
underside.
2. Use a 15⁄16" wrench to hold the hex nut on top of the spindle
assembly when loosening the hex nut securing the blade. A block
of wood may be placed between the deck housing and the cutting
edge of the blade to help in breaking loose the hex nut securing
the blade. See Figure 40.
Hex Flange Nut
3. When reinstalling the blades, be sure they are installed so that the
wind wings are pointing upward toward the top of deck.
4. Tighten the blade nuts to 70-90 ft. lbs.
5. Reinstall the deck (refer to Deck Installation on page 31).
32
WARNING
Wood Block
Spindle Assembly
Figure 40