MTD 550 Series - Manual (Page 11)

11
Replacing the Drive Belt
IMPORTANT: To aid in reassembly, note the orientation
of the drive belt on the two idler pulleys and the engine
flywheel pulley prior to performing the following steps.
Refer to Fig. 6–3.
The edger drive belt is subject to wear and should be
replaced if any signs of cracking, shredding or rotting are
present. To replace the belt, proceed as follows:
1. Working in front of the edger, loosen the flange lock
nut on top of frame, allowing the idler pulley assembly
to pivot slightly out from the frame. See Fig. 6–3.
2. With your other hand, carefully reach under the
rear of the unit and remove the belt from around the
engine flywheel pulley. See Fig. 6–3.
3. Remove the spindle sheaves belt guard by removing
the two self-tapping screws which secure it to the
blade plate assembly. See Fig. 6–4.
4. Carefully remove the belt from off of the pulleys,
again making sure to note the orientation of the belt.
Discard the belt. See Fig. 6–4.
5. Working from the front of the edger, place the belt
onto the spindle sheaves, route it back onto the
two idler pulleys, and then place it onto the engine
flywheel pulley.
IMPORTANT: Make certain that the “V” side of the belt
is seated into the top pulley and the flat side of the belt is
seated into the bottom pulley. See Fig. 6–3.