1. Identify Location: Confirm that the model you have is a Murray lawn tractor and identify where the motion drive belt needs tightening.
2. Park Safely: Park the tractor on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine. Allow it to cool down if it's hot.
3. Release the tension: Look for the spring-loaded idler pulley near the belt. Some models may have a tension adjustment bolt instead.
4. Loosen the Bolt: If there's an adjustment bolt, loosen it to provide slack in the belt.
5. Press or Release the Idler Pulley: For tractors with an idler pulley, use a pry bar to press against it, creating space for the belt.
6. Adjust the Belt: Slide the belt into the proper position, ensuring that it's seated correctly on the pulleys.
7. Tighten the Bolt: If you used an adjustment bolt, tighten it now to secure the idler in place.
8. Double-check: Confirm that the belt is aligned and runs smoothly on all the pulleys.
9. Test the Belt: Start the tractor and check if the motion drive is performing as expected.
Remember, different Murray tractor models may vary slightly in design, so consult your specific model's user manual for exact instructions on adjusting the motion drive belt.