How do I replace mowing belt on old John Deere

[alexstrnad]

Hi. I can't figure out how to replace the upper belt on my 1989 John Deere 265 riding mower. This belt doesn't sit directly on top of the mowing deck, but rather from 2 spindles, one of which hangs down under the engine and the other sits on top of the mowing deck. I loosened a couple things and got the belt on, but now I can't get those undone parts hooked back up, because I can't overcome the tension of the belt being on. What is the danger rating of me driving the mower slowly against a piece of 4X4 wood positioned against a cinder block wall, then when it pushes the deck back far enough I'll hop off and re-connect the rods while the brake is on?
Thanks in advance,

 

[mo2872]

Don't know the answer to that, but bet you could find it at www.mytractorforum.com

Great resource for mowers, CUTS, UT's, etc!

 

[gonefirefighting]

there should be a socket like spot you can put a 1/2 drive breaker bar into on one of the pulley wheels. mine was a little newer but I could push on the breaker bar with my foot in order to put the bolts in the holes.

 

[Jarhead0408]

I've got two Model 265's. Are you talking about the rods at the front of the deck that hook up under the engine/near the axles or the flat pieces that help raise and lower the deck that sit on top of the deck? Also, I'll try to PM directly since it might be faster.

 

[jayoldschool]

weekendfreedommachines.com will be able to help.