2. Remove the belt cover by removing the bolts or screws that hold it in place.
3. Locate the ground drive belt. It is the larger of the two belts on the tractor, and it runs from the engine pulley to the transmission pulley.
4. Remove the old belt by slipping it off the pulleys.
5. Install the new belt by slipping it onto the engine pulley first, and then the transmission pulley.
6. Make sure that the belt is properly seated on both pulleys, and then reattach the belt cover.
7. Reconnect the spark plug wire and start the tractor.
8. Test the ground drive belt by driving the tractor around. The belt should engage smoothly and the tractor should move forward or backward without any jerking or hesitation.
Here is a more detailed diagram of the ground drive belt routing on a Scotts 2046 model lawn tractor:
[Image of ground drive belt routing on Scotts 2046 model lawn tractor]
Additional tips:
* Make sure that the new belt is the same size as the old belt.
* If the new belt is too loose, it may slip off the pulleys and damage the tractor's transmission.
* If the new belt is too tight, it may put undue strain on the engine and cause it to overheat.
* Inspect the belt tensioner and idler pulleys for wear and damage. Replace them if necessary.
* Lubricate the belt tensioner and idler pulleys with a light oil.
