How to remove the mower deck on a zero-turn riding mower
This step-by-step repair guide explains how to remove and reinstall the mower deck on a zero-turn riding mower. Sometimes you need to remove the mower deck to clean or inspect it.
This basic procedure works for common Craftsman, Husqvarna, Troybilt, MTD, Cub Cadet and Toro zero-turn riding mowers.
See all our riding mower repair guides for more DIY repair help and step-by-step instructions.
This video explains how to remove the deck from a zero-turn riding lawn mower.
Instructions
- 01.
Disconnect the spark plugs
Disconnect the spark plug wires.
PHOTO: Disconnect the spark plugs.
- 02.
Release the blade belt
Lower the mower deck to the lowest cutting position.
Remove the left pulley cover from the mower deck.
Push the blade belt idler pulley inward and roll the blade belt off the left blade pulley.
Reach under the rear of the mower frame and remove the blade belt from the electric clutch.
PHOTO: Lower the mower deck.
PHOTO: Remove the pulley cover.
PHOTO: Roll the blade belt off of the pulley.
PHOTO: Release the blade belt from the electric clutch.
- 03.
Remove the mower deck
Disconnect the mower deck mounting pins and release the hanging brackets from the mower deck.
Push the mower deck slightly forward and release it from the front bracket.
Pull the mower deck out from under the mower frame.
PHOTO: Remove the deck mounting pin.
PHOTO: Remove the washer.
PHOTO: Release the hanging bracket from the mower deck.
PHOTO: Release the front bracket.
PHOTO: Pull the mower deck out.
- 04.
Reinstall the mower deck
Push the mower deck under the mower frame.
Reinstall the mower deck on the front bracket.
Reinstall the mower deck hanging brackets and secure them with the mounting pins.
PHOTO: Push the mower deck in.
PHOTO: Reconnect the front bracket.
PHOTO: Reinstall the deck hanging brackets.
- 05.
Reattach the blade belt
Reinstall the blade drive belt onto the electric clutch.
Push the blade belt idler pulley inward and roll the blade belt back onto the left blade pulley.
Reinstall the pulley cover.
Tip: Make sure that the blade belt is routed correctly when reinstalling the mower deck.
PHOTO: Reinstall the belt on the electric clutch.
PHOTO: Roll the belt on the pulley.
PHOTO: Reinstall the pulley cover.
- 06.
Reconnect spark plugs
Reconnect the spark plug wires to the spark plugs.
PHOTO: Reconnect the spark plugs.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your riding mowers & tractors
Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs.
Main causes: worn or broken blade belt, broken belt idler pulley, blade clutch cable failure, bad PTO switch, damaged ma…
Main causes: faulty battery, bad alternator…
Main causes: punctured tire or inner tube, leaky valve stem, damaged wheel rim…
Main causes: dead battery, stale fuel, bad starter solenoid, ignition system problem, bad ignition interlock switch, clo…
Main causes: damaged tie rods, bent or worn wheel spindle, worn front axle, damaged sector gear assembly…
Main causes: shift lever needs adjustment, neutral control needs adjustment…
Main causes: clogged carburetor, damaged flywheel key, dirty spark plug, stale fuel, improper valve lash, engine needs a…
Main causes: worn or broken ground drive belt, bad seat switch, transaxle freewheel control engaged, transaxle failure, …
Main causes: unlevel mower deck, dull or damaged cutting blades, worn mandrel pulleys, bent mower deck, engine needs tun…
Most common repair guides to help fix your riding mowers & tractors
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your riding mower or lawn tractor.
How to replace a mandrel assembly on a riding lawn mower
Replace the mandrel assembly if the blade shaft vibrates or doesn't spin.…
How to replace the flywheel key on a riding lawn mower
If the engine won't restart after hitting a stump or rock, the problem could be a sheared flywheel key. Follow these ste…
How to replace a riding lawn mower ignition coil
If you're not getting spark from a good spark plug, the problem could be the ignition coil. Follow these step-by-step in…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your riding mowers & tractors
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor.
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…
Check the starter solenoid, starter motor, wiring, battery and engine.…