SlowMow 1 #1 Posted June 7, 2019 Hello RedSquare! I am a proud new owner of a 1987 310-8. My grandparents had some older ones when I was young, but those are long gone. I have admired garden tractors for years, and look forward to using my own Wheel Horse. Since I bought the machine, I have been browsing this site. It has been a great resource with the manuals and great information in the threads. My 310 was purchased at auction, and just needed a battery charge to start up. I have been working on maintenance in between mowing, and ran into a couple questions. Currently, I am working on upkeep on the 36" RD Deck. I want to replace the mower belt (not the drive belt), but not sure how to reduce/remove the belt tension. Do I remove the lock nut on the Idler Support Bar? This is the one with the spring, and the nut is on the opposite end of the bar. I don't want to break anything, or remove the wrong part. Also, any insight into a place to purchase new bolts for belt guards? They are 12-24 x 1/2". I searched the OEM part number, and that did not work. I am thinking Home Depot, but original equipment would be preferred. I appreciate any answers. It will be fun to clean, and paint the deck for my first season with a Wheel Horse! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,033 #2 Posted June 7, 2019 I find 12-24 is not very common. If you have one or can find one try it in every hole in the shell to make sure the holes in the deck are not worn out. It may not grip well enough to stay there. In that case a larger size may be required. They are still available from Toro 913430 has been replaced by 9134304 https://www.partstree.com/parts/toro/parts/9134304/ Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SlowMow 1 #3 Posted June 7, 2019 Thank you, Garry! That is great advice on testing all of the holes for threads. I appreciate the part number and response. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,024 #4 Posted June 7, 2019 (edited) I find it is easiest to roll the belt on and off the right deck pulley when changing belts. Having sail that, I would remove the old belt this way , then disassemble the tension pulley and bar to clean and paint the deck. This area is usually rusted under the tension bar. Oh, Edited June 7, 2019 by Ed Kennell 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SlowMow 1 #5 Posted June 9, 2019 Thank you, Ed! I did get the belt off and the new one on. I will be looking to paint the deck as well. This week is touch-up paint, then full tear down and paint in the off season. I definitely want to work on preserving the spindles. Cheers! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
