How do you change the drive belt on a John Deere 325?

Answer 1

Two things to start, their are two possible belts so a serial number is required to purchase the correct one, and the electric PTO clutch must come off, a 16mm or 5/8" socket is called for.

This machine always has the belt under tension, so the tension spring for the idler assembly needs to be unhooked. Even then there is very little slack to work it ino place. The idlers need to have the nuts holding them loosened, just loosened is fine. I always start at the transaxle sheane and work my way forward until the belt is fully installed and double checked. Then I tighten the nuts on the idlers, double check one last time, reconnect the idler tension spring and reinstall the PTO clutch.

I laft out deck removal(which is reqired) and I usually unplug the clutch to set it aside, though others I have worked with do not.