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.

Instructions

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire

Pull the spark plug wire straight up and off the plug.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Reinstall the drive belt cover

Position the drive belt cover on the side of the tiller and secure with the mounting screws.

6. Reconnect the spark plug wire

Reconnect the spark plug wire to the engine and check for proper tiller operation.