R&R Deck belt for ZD326, First Step: Remove the Deck

[FTG-05]

It looks like my belt is slipping on my ZD326, so it looks like it needs to be replaced.

Never mind the $85 cost (from Messicks). The first step in replacing it is: Remove the deck!

Anyone done this before? Any hints, tips and tricks? Anyone know the cost if the dealership did it?

Thanks,

 

[whitetiger]

There is no reason for removing the deck to change the drive belt. Remove the drive shaft from the gearbox, take the belt off of one of the blade spindles to remove tension. Take the 4 bolts out of the RH gearbox mounting bracket, remove the old belt, install a new belt, reinstall bracket and driveshaft. Do not put tension on the new belt until you have reinstalled the bracket as it makes installing the bolts difficult.

It also makes the job easier if you remove the access door in the operator platform completely and get it out of the way.

 

[FTG-05]

Well that sounds a whole lot better!

Anyone know of a youtube video accurately showing this? The ones I found were useless.

Thanks,

 

[FTG-05]

There is no reason for removing the deck to change the drive belt. Remove the drive shaft from the gearbox, take the belt off of one of the blade spindles to remove tension. Take the 4 bolts out of the RH gearbox mounting bracket, remove the old belt, install a new belt, reinstall bracket and driveshaft. Do not put tension on the new belt until you have reinstalled the bracket as it makes installing the bolts difficult.

It also makes the job easier if you remove the access door in the operator platform completely and get it out of the way.

A couple of questions:

- When you're talking "RH gearbox", you're referring to the right hand side, looking towards the rear, yes?

- There are four bolts on each side of the gearbox: 2 vertical holding the bracket (stay) to the deck, and 2 threaded into the gearbox itself. The 2 vertical bolts have the bolts coming in from the bottom with the nuts on top. Do these 2 vertical bolts stay in place or do you need access to both top and bottom to remove, replace and tighten?

- How do you remove tension on the belt? Most videos I see (none on the ZD326) show using a 3/8" or 1/2" ratchet to move the idler pulley so the belt can be removed. How is this done on the ZD326?

Thanks!

 

[whitetiger]

A couple of questions:

- When you're talking "RH gearbox", you're referring to the right hand side, looking towards the rear, yes?
RH is always with you sitting in the seat. The right side of the machine is always the same no matter which way you are facing.

- There are four bolts on each side of the gearbox: 2 vertical holding the bracket (stay) to the deck, and 2 threaded into the gearbox itself. The 2 vertical bolts have the bolts coming in from the bottom with the nuts on top. Do these 2 vertical bolts stay in place or do you need access to both top and bottom to remove, replace and tighten?
The vertical bolts have hex recesses that the head sits in so they will not turn.

- How do you remove tension on the belt? Most videos I see (none on the ZD326) show using a 3/8" or 1/2" ratchet to move the idler pulley so the belt can be removed. How is this done on the ZD326?
Use a bar or a strap to move the tension arm and stretching the spring, then remove the belt from LH spindle pulley.

Thanks![/QUOTE]