May 01, 2013

How to replace a tiller drive belt

This DIY repair guide shows how to replace the drive belt in a tiller. The drive belt connects the engine pulley to the transmission pulley to turn the wheels and tines. If the belt is broken or worn, the wheels and tines won't turn. Replace a worn or broken tiller drive belt using the manufacturer-approved tiller part.

Follow the steps in this repair guide to replace the drive belt on common Craftsman, MTD, Husqvarna, Poulan, Troybilt and Snapper rear-tine tillers.

Quick links

Instructions

Tools required

Wrench set

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

Instructions

01.
Disconnect the spark plug wire
Pull the spark plug wire straight up and off the plug.
02.
Remove the drive belt cover
Remove the mounting screws that secure the drive belt cover to the tiller and pull the drive belt cover off.
PHOTO: Remove the drive belt cover mounting screws.
PHOTO: Remove the drive belt cover nut.
PHOTO: Pull the drive belt cover off and set it aside.
03.
Remove the drive belt
Remove the bolts from the belt keeper behind the engine pulley and pull the belt keeper off.
Remove the bolt from the idler pulley and pull the idler pulley off.
Pull the drive belt off of the engine and transmission pulleys.
PHOTO: Remove the bolts from the belt keeper.
PHOTO: Remove the belt keeper.
PHOTO: Remove the idler pulley bolt.
PHOTO: Remove the belt idler pulley.
PHOTO: Remove the drive belt from the tiller.
04.
Install the new drive belt
Position the new drive belt on the engine pulley and transmission pulley.
Reinstall the idler pulley with the belt routed over the idler pulley and through the belt guide.
Reinstall the belt keeper behind the engine pulley. Make sure that the belt is properly routed through the belt keeper.
05.
Reinstall the drive belt cover
Position the drive belt cover on the side of the tiller and secure with the mounting screws.
06.
Reconnect the spark plug wire
Reconnect the spark plug wire to the engine and check for proper tiller operation.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.