1989 MTD Vari-drive belt replacement

I replace the drive belts on my 1989 MTD Vari-Drive tractor with the control on the deck, and this is not the shift on the go version.
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[@dummseldummsel3990]

Thank you very much, you saved my day. I got an idea, what to do and finally succeeded, even with some pain in between, but at the end it went fine.

[@JoshKilen]

glad it helped.

[@JoButterwick]

That was really clear. Thank you. Two questions though.. 1. You pulled the LHS of the bar off a pin to release the tension on the spring. Is there normally a nut or something to prevent it falling off that pin in use? 2 When you’ve taken the tension off the spring it looks like there is enough space to remove the pulley without having to remove the spring. Does the spring really need to be removed?

[@JoshKilen]

for the LHS of the bar I due believe its held on by a cotter pin. as for removing the spring I don't think I could fit my hand in there with the spring in place. main reason why is the belt has to wrapped around the pulley on the rear transmission.

[@JoButterwick]

@@JoshKilen That’s really helpful. Thank you very much.

[@xGSanni]

what a pain, I have the same model, got it for $50 and i like the body. but it suffers a range of issues im chasing down, got to pull the transaxle out and split it as my wheels are seized on, while im there i have an issue with it not selecting neutral or reverse, the linkage for that is fine so i assume internal issue, and it wont select gears, stuck in 1st as 2nd-7th is just freeplay in the linkage though its fully tight, found the mount for the pedal is elongated a fair effort so i assume thats the problem, did you ever have similar issues?

[@JoshKilen]

No I didn't have that problem.

[@lechulechu4154]

Could you please provide the sizes of the belts for this mower?

[@JoshKilen]

www.youtube.com/@lechulechu4154 I am sorry but they are not standard length V belts, the one from the vari-drive to the transaxle has a special profile to work with the setup. the other one from the engine to the vari-drive has to the right length to allow the vari-drive to disengage and act like a clutch. please refer to your model number on your machine for the correct belts, and those can be found in the parts diagrams online by searching your model number in the many online parts stores that provide parts diagrams.

[@JoshKilen]

www.youtube.com/@lechulechu4154 also if you use standard v belts the drive will not work correctly and could damage the vari-drive setup.

[@IRONMAN-kb4su]

i HATE THOSE CHEAP FRONT AXLE PINS FOR STEERING THEY WEAR SO FAST AND WOBBLE THE WHEELS . HOPE THE REAR END CAN HANDLE THE UPGRADE HP . ? BOY THOSE BELTS SEEN BETTER DAYS EH .

[@JoshKilen]

I guess they rear end is going to be fine because they'll only take the power that it needs to move the tractor and whatever I decide oh with it.

[@maxiclean6462]

Whats model mtd?

[@JoshKilen]

a 1989 MTD 139-342-000

[@maxiclean6462]

@@JoshKilen thanks