How to maintain a lawnmower belt drive, keep your lawnmower working all year!
Posted by Hyundai Power Products on 5th May 2025
Step 1:
Inspect the Drive Engagement Cable
Handle Functionality: Ensure the handle is operating correctly and isn't loose or damaged.
Cable Condition: Follow the cable from the rear handle down to the gearbox, inspecting for any bends, kinks, or serious damage. If the cable has been trapped or bent during storage, it could be the root cause of the problem.
Cable Free Play: There should be a small amount of slack in the cable, but not so much that the handle feels loose or takes too long to engage the drive.
Adjusting the Cable: If needed, adjust the cable by loosening the locknut and turning the adjuster to remove excess slack. Once adjusted correctly, tighten the locknut to secure the position.
Step 2:
Check the Belt Tension and Condition
If the drive engagement cable is fine, the next component to inspect is the drive belt. Here’s how to do it:
Prepare the Mower: Before tilting the mower on its side, drain all fuel and engine oil to prevent leaks.
Remove the Blade: Wear suitable gloves for safety. Use a 17mm socket or spanner to remove the centre bolt and take off the blade.
Access the Drive Belt: Remove the plastic guard covering the belt by unscrewing two bolts and a Phillips head screw.
Inspect the Belt: Check for signs of wear, cuts, or if the belt has jumped off the pulleys. If it’s too loose, it may not engage properly.
Adjust Belt Tension: Loosen the locknut on the adjustment bolt and turn the bolt to tighten the belt until it has about 5-7mm of play.
Secure the Adjustment: Once properly tensioned, tighten the locknut to keep the belt in place.
Step 3:
How to Replace the Belt
If the belt is beyond repair, follow these steps to replace it:
Remove the Belt: Loosen the adjustment screw completely, then slip the belt off the rear and front pulleys.
Install the New Belt: Thread the new belt around the rear pulley first, ensuring it sits correctly in the groove. Then, loop it around the front pulley.
Adjust Tension: Follow the same belt tensioning steps mentioned earlier.
Reassemble the Mower: Reattach the plastic guard, secure the blade back in place, and test the mower.
Still No Drive? Check the Gearbox
If you've checked and adjusted both the cable and the belt but still have no drive, the issue may lie within the gearbox itself. In this case, further mechanical intervention might be required.
For professional assistance, contact our after-sales support at 01646 687880 (Option 3).
To recap, here are the key steps:
Check the drive engagement cable for damage and proper tension.
Inspect and adjust the drive belt to ensure it's in good condition and properly tensioned.
If necessary, replace the belt following the outlined steps.
If the issue persists, the gearbox may require servicing.
By following these steps, you should be able to restore your self-propelled mower's drive and get back to maintaining your lawn with ease.
Shop spare parts at Hyundai Power Products and for further support visit our knowledge base or call our parts department at 01646 687880.
Happy mowing!