FYI I have successfully replaced the belt twice removing only the seat and cowl under the seat. I did not have to remove the height dial and pedals or deck they go through.
Save yourself big bucks just tack weld the old pully why because the pully is going to go bad again the teeth ware out and the pully just spins it a bad design but a simple fix with 4 little spot welds you’ll never have to replace it again.
That is definitely an option as long as you are confident in your ability to make spot welds that are strong enough, and at the same time, small enough that you can grind them off without compromising the shaft if you ever need to take the assembly apart again.
Actually, I did. This was one of my first videos, and I must have forgot to hit the record button the first time around and didn't realize it until I got the job mostly done. What you're seeing here is me explaining what I did earlier rather than me doing the actual job.
Replaced a ton of drive belts, absolutely no reason at all to pull the operator platform off more the fan pulley... If you're going to make videos make sure you know exactly what you are doing... Simply pull the mower deck off and fish the belt around the pulleys. Put your deck back on. Easy peasy done deal bud..🤔🤔