I struggled for an hour trying to get the belt back to the main drive spindle. I used the tensioner arm but it just wouldn't go on no matter how far I pulled it forward. I finally took my son's advise and put it on BEFORE attaching the lift arms. I didn't even have to use the tensioner arm then. So, don't listen to the user manual. Order of reattachment: Belt, front bracket, lift arms.
I separated my shoulder this year and I tried doing exactly this. It seemed to make sense in my mind but I couldn’t pull it off solo. Had to get a second person and used the tensioner arm with a 3/8 socket this year.
With me, there was no way that belt was going on with just two hands. I noticed the two springs, one of them holding the upper pulley in tension, and the other spring the lower one. I used a spring puller tool that came with our trampoline and undid the spring from the upper pulley, creating plenty of room to loop belt around main mower shaft. Then pulled the spring back on the deck with the tool. Took mere seconds and I was thanking God. I'm sure the tool is quite inexpensive, or a person could even make their own.
Nice! I learned later from the comments that there is a precut spot for a 3/8 socket wrench on a metal arm off a pulley. It takes all the tension off too but you do have to hold it open with one hand while placing.
I didn’t even realize that was an option. I always just did what they said when they dropped off the equipment a few years back. The mower deck is off now but I just went out and tried it. Will save some knuckles in the future. Thanks for asking about it, otherwise wouldn’t have known.
I believe it is an 8mm ball hex. Something I found this year that made deck leveling easier is I placed my foot under the deck and lifted just a little. It must take just enough pressure off screw to make it easier to turn. I did it one handed without difficulty.
Almost looks like we could get a straighter shot into that adjustment screw, by just going underneath and reaching it from on top the deck. What am I missing?
I think I see what you’re saying. Just like how I reach through the side and put my finger on top of the screw. If you had the right size tool it could probably work. I think the idea is that you don’t need to find extra tools. I haven’t had any issues doing it this way, but you do have to guide it into the screw by looking at the side. It would be nice to have more leverage because it can be hard to turn at the start.
Got it from Amazon. Here is a link for this version but they make a lighter weight version too. Pro Lift T-5305 Lawn Mower Lift with Hydraulic Jack for Riding Tractors and Zero Turn Lawn Mowers - 500 Lbs Capacity a.co/d/gb4in2R
Maybe it was an addition from the dealer. Or someone’s order that they cancelled. It had the seat and a mulch kit on already. They had another one that was somewhat different with different tires. I only ended up with this particular one because I wanted the snowblower too and the bracket was already installed for the control levers.
Thanks for the reply. I'm looking at a 2019 580 today. Did you leave the mulch kit on this one? I've never owned a mower with side discharge but might try it out if the 580 deal happens. @@fortheloveofstripes3578
I didn’t, I don’t recommend the mulch kit either. It was the worst cut I ever had. It had a “door” that opened for some side discharge but the grass really just piled up in the deck. Very uneven cut and very messy under the deck. I took the mulch kit out and the airflow through the deck improved greatly and the cut was more like I expected. Side discharge is nice and it throws it so far it’s basically like mulching.
@@charlesbeall2589 the mulch kits adds a bunch of plastic around the blades to try and keep the grass there for multiple cuts. It really effects the airflow under there and you don’t get the lift. You just get a nasty mess in the deck. Cut improves so much when it’s removed.
