BigDog Alpha Service Manual page 26

Spindle
shaft
face
Figure 6-15
ings. Any of these will destroy the belt composition in a very
short time.
Deck belt adjustment
The spindle belt tension remains constant by means of a ten-
sion idler and spring. There is no tension adjustment of this belt.
Figure 6-16 & Figure 6-17
Figure 6-17
REV B
Boss
Blade
Spring mount
Tensioning
Idler spring
Spring mount
Deck belt replacement
Allow the engine and muffler to cool before proceeding
with the following procedure.
Exercise caution when releasing spring tension from the
belt idler.
1. Park the mower on a flat surface and stop the engine.
Make sure deck clutch switch is in the down (OFF)
position. Remove ignition key. Place the steering control
levers in the park brake position. Make sure the blades
are stopped before leaving seat. Disconnect the negative
battery cable.
2. Lower the deck to the lowest setting.
3. Remove the deck covers. Figure 6-18 & Figure 6-19
4. Using a tension spring hook (Hustler part number
604462) disconnect the tension idler spring from the
spring mount to release tension from the deck drive belt.
Figure 6-16, Figure 6-17 & Figure 6-18
NOTE: The spring and spring mount will become loose
and can become misplaced. Set these aside after removal
for easier access upon re-assembly.
5. Remove the deck drive belt from the deck spindle pulleys
and idler pulley.
6. Remove the deck drive belt from the electric clutch
pulley located on the engine shaft.
7. Route the new deck drive belt around the clutch pulley,
spindle pulleys and stationary idler pulley. Make certain
the belt is routed properly. Figure 6-21, Figure 6-22, &
Figure 6-23
6-6
Tensioning
Idler spring
Figure 6-16
WARNING
WARNING
119293