1. Safety Precautions
- Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent the engine from starting accidentally during the process.
2. Locate the Belt Cover:
- The lawnmower belt cover typically covers and protects the belt and pulley system. Find it on the underside or side of your mower deck.
3. Remove the Belt Cover
- Depending on the design, the cover may be secured by screws, clips, or plastic tabs. Remove the fasteners to access the belt and pulleys.
4. Identify the Old Belt
- Examine the existing belt for signs of wear, cracks, or damage. It may be wrapped around pulleys and idlers. Take not of its routing or snap a photo for reference.
5. Release Tension on the Belt:
- Look for a belt tensioner or idler arm near the pulleys. Use a wrench to loosen the tensioner if available, or push the idler arm to create slack in the belt.
6. Remove the Old Belt
- Once the tension is released, slip the old belt off the pulleys and idlers.
Remove it entirely from the lawnmower.
7. Inspect the Pulleys and Idlers
- While the belt is off, take the opportunity to inspect the pulleys and idlers. Check for damage cracks, or misalignment that could cause the new belt to slip or malfunction.
8. Install the New Belt
- Align the new belt with the pulley grooves and idlers according to the routing you observed earlier. Make sure it seats snugly in each.
9. Re-tension the Belt
- Refer to the tensioner or idler arm, and apply the appropriate tension as specified in your mower's user manual.
10 Replace the Belt Cover
- Reinstall the belt cover, securing it with the screws, clips or plastic tabs you removed earlier.
11. Reconnect the Spark Plug Wire
- Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
12. Test the Lawn Mower
- Check the belt's alignment and tension one more time. Start the lawnmower and let it run for a few minutes to ensure that the new belt is operating smoothly.
Remember to reference the owner's manual for your specific Snapper model 28085 lawn mower for any additional instructions or recommended procedures.
