How to remove the mower deck on a zero-turn riding mower

This step-by-step repair guide explains how to remove and reinstall the mower deck on a zero-turn riding mower. Sometimes you need to remove the mower deck to clean or inspect it.

This basic procedure works for common Craftsman, Husqvarna, Troybilt, MTD, Cub Cadet and Toro zero-turn riding mowers.

See all our riding mower repair guides for more DIY repair help and step-by-step instructions.

Instructions

1. Disconnect the spark plugs

Disconnect the spark plug wires.

2. Release the blade belt

Lower the mower deck to the lowest cutting position.

Remove the left pulley cover from the mower deck.

Push the blade belt idler pulley inward and roll the blade belt off the left blade pulley.

Reach under the rear of the mower frame and remove the blade belt from the electric clutch.

3. Remove the mower deck

Disconnect the mower deck mounting pins and release the hanging brackets from the mower deck.

Push the mower deck slightly forward and release it from the front bracket.

Pull the mower deck out from under the mower frame.

4. Reinstall the mower deck

Push the mower deck under the mower frame.

Reinstall the mower deck on the front bracket.

Reinstall the mower deck hanging brackets and secure them with the mounting pins.

5. Reattach the blade belt

Reinstall the blade drive belt onto the electric clutch.

Push the blade belt idler pulley inward and roll the blade belt back onto the left blade pulley.

Reinstall the pulley cover.

Tip: Make sure that the blade belt is routed correctly when reinstalling the mower deck.

6. Reconnect spark plugs

Reconnect the spark plug wires to the spark plugs.