Bad Boy Zt Elite 60'' Deck Belt Replacement

If you own a Bad Boy Zt Elite with a 60'' deck, you know how important it is to keep up with regular maintenance. One issue that can arise over time is the need for a deck belt replacement. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about replacing the deck belt on your Bad Boy Zt Elite 60''.

What is the Deck Belt and Why Does it Need Replacing?

The deck belt is an essential component of your Bad Boy Zt Elite 60'' that connects the engine to the deck, allowing the blades to rotate and cut the grass. Over time, the deck belt can wear down, stretch out, or even break, which can lead to poor cutting performance, and in some cases, can cause the blades to stop turning altogether. That's why it's important to replace the deck belt when you notice signs of wear and tear.

Gathering Your Tools and Supplies

Before you start the deck belt replacement process, it's important to gather all the necessary tools and supplies. Here's what you'll need:

Socket set
Ratchet wrench
Allen wrench set
Replacement deck belt
Clean, dry cloth

Removing the Old Deck Belt

Once you have your tools and supplies, you're ready to begin the deck belt replacement process. Here are the steps to follow:

Start by lowering the deck to its lowest position to give you better access to the deck belt.
Locate the deck belt on the underside of the mower deck.
Use your ratchet wrench to remove the bolts holding the belt cover in place, then remove the cover to reveal the deck belt.
Take note of how the deck belt is threaded around the pulleys before removing it to make replacing it easier later on.
Use your socket set and ratchet wrench to loosen the bolts holding the belt tensioner in place, then pivot the tensioner away from the belt to release the tension and allow you to remove the belt from the pulleys.
Once the belt is removed, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the pulleys and surrounding area to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.

Installing the New Deck Belt

Now that you have removed the old deck belt, it's time to install the new one. Here's how:

Related Belt

Align the new deck belt around the pulleys, making sure to thread it around the pulleys in the same way as the old belt was threaded.
Pivot the belt tensioner away from the belt again, and loop the belt around the tensioner pulley.
Re-tighten the bolts holding the belt tensioner in place. Make sure the tension on the belt is correct by pushing down on the belt, which should have a little bit of give.
Replace the belt cover and re-tighten the bolts to hold it in place.

Testing the New Deck Belt

Now that you have installed the new deck belt, it's time to test it out. Here's what to do:

Raise the deck back up to its original cutting height.
Start the engine and engage the blades.
Observe the blades spinning to ensure that they are turning smoothly without any unusual noise or vibration.
If you notice any issues, you may need to re-adjust the belt tension, or it may indicate a different problem that needs to be addressed.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined above, you should now have a new deck belt installed on your Bad Boy Zt Elite 60'', ensuring that your mower is ready to tackle even the toughest grass cutting jobs. Remember to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.