Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
nitrojc

Changing a Drive belt on an MTD tractor

nitrojc
14 years ago

Hello Folks, I have a 1980 Monkey Wards 38" deck 10hp. 3 speed manual transaxle. I lost the manual apx. 10 years ago, and can't find a model number anywhere. My eldest son has been changing the belts for Years, but he's gone now ... Married with Children, and I'm on my own here.

I really don't have a glue on how to change the drive belt, other than the blade cutter belt is below the drive belt. So, the cutter belt must come off ... before installing the drive belt. ANY and ALL PICS, and TIPS are very welcome here to help get me through this CRISIS.

THANKS-TO-ALL, NITRO.

Comments (5)

  • sergeant
    14 years ago

    Do you have the MTD belt number handy and are your sure it's a MTD some in the early 80's were still made by Gilson. If you have the belt number you can use the MTD detailed parts finder in this link it on the upper right hand side of the page. One there enter your Belt number if it a MTD it will show where the belt is used and will probaly give your a diagram of how its routed.

    Here is a link that might be useful: MTD parts Catalog

  • larso1
    14 years ago

    I have an '87 Monkey Wards MTD (12HP, 38"deck) but it has the variable speed pulley system with front and rear drive belts so probably won't do you much good. Too bad because I have the manual and all the steps involved.

  • nitrojc
    Original Author
    14 years ago

    Hello Sergeant, It's made by MTD. I went to the MTD parts catalog, but it was no help.
    I pull a 36" tine areator behind the tractor, and its loaded with a 100 lbs of weight. The original drive belt would only last a year under heavy torque loads, its a 4l820 belt. So, I now run a 5l820 belt which can last up to 3 or 4 years. The additional width on the belt agrees with the pulleys giving better gripping power.
    All I really need is an Exploded Picture view showing the belts INSTALLED. From there, I can probally figure things out. Please, advise on this additional information. Thanks, Nitro.

  • nitrojc
    Original Author
    14 years ago

    THIS IS A FOLLOW-UP ...... The drive belt "letter" within the number may be misleading ..... Rather than 5l820, I should have listed it as ... 5 Larry 820 . I hope this clears-up any confusion ! Thanks, Nitro.

  • rustyj14
    14 years ago

    The first one i did, and i had never done an MTD type of belt replacement, turned out to be easier than first thought!
    I found, the deck belt can be removed from the engine pulley, and tied out of the way. Then depress the brake/clutch pedal all the way down, and clamp it down! This releases tension on the belt. From there, you must look for any other things that may impede removal and replacement, and from there on, it is self-explanatory, more or less. I had the tractor setting on four jack-stands, so it was much easier to work on.
    Some manufacturers do invent tricky things that do get in the way of belt replacement, but with a careful look-see, it will eventually show the path to replacement. Of course, you can always take it to a repair shop, a statement that makes do-it-yourselfers cringe, but if thats the only way out--do it!