John Deere 185 Hydro 38 Deck Belt Diagram
John Deere is a reputable brand in the lawn care industry, and its 185 Hydro 38 Deck model is a popular choice for homeowners. However, one common issue users face is the need to replace their deck belt. If you find yourself in this situation, don't worry! This comprehensive guide will show you how to change the belt on your John Deere 185 Hydro 38 Deck.
Why Replace the Deck Belt?
The deck belt is an essential part of your lawn mower's system. It connects the engine to the blades, allowing them to spin and cut the grass. Over time, the belt can become worn or damaged, which can lead to poor cutting performance or even complete failure of the mower. Therefore, it's important to replace your deck belt when necessary.
What You'll Need
Before you start the replacement process, gather the following tools:
- A socket wrench
- A 9/16-inch socket
- A ½-inch socket
- Pliers
You will also need a John Deere 185 Hydro 38 Deck belt, which you can purchase from your local John Deere dealer or online.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to change the deck belt on your John Deere 185 Hydro 38 Deck:
Step 1: Remove the Mower Deck
The first step is to remove the mower deck from your lawn mower. To do this, you'll need to raise the deck to its highest position and turn off the engine. Then, disconnect the deck from the mower by removing the pins that hold it in place. Next, lower the deck and slide it out from under the mower.
Step 2: Locate the Belt
Once you have removed the mower deck, locate the deck belt. It will be wrapped around the pulleys on the bottom of the deck. Take note of the belt's routing so you can install the new one correctly.
Step 3: Remove the Old Belt
Using pliers, loosen the tension spring that holds the deck belt in place. The spring is located under the idler pulley. Then, slide the old belt off the pulleys and remove it from the mower deck.
Step 4: Install the New Belt
Install the new belt onto the pulleys, following the routing diagram you noted earlier. Then, use pliers to reattach the tension spring, tightening it so the belt is secured in place.
Step 5: Reattach the Mower Deck
With the new belt in place, it's time to reattach the mower deck. Slide the deck back underneath the mower and reattach the pins that hold it in place. Then, lower the deck back down to its original position.
Step 6: Test the Mower
Start your lawn mower and engage the deck. If the new belt is installed correctly, the blades should spin smoothly and efficiently. Test the mower on a small patch of grass to ensure it's working properly before you resume mowing your entire lawn.
Conclusion
Replacing the deck belt on your John Deere 185 Hydro 38 Deck can seem daunting, but it's a relatively simple process. By following these six steps, you can replace your deck belt and get your mower back to peak performance in no time.