JD 335 Traction Drive Belt Spring

[rlhatejd]

How have you guys been able to get the tension spring off the JD 335 lawn tractor? It's about 18" lg., 1 1/2" dia. with about 5/16" wire dia. This is a very strong spring & there's no room under the tractor to use a tool to pry either end of the spring off its anchor point. The spring must be unfastened at one end, or you can NOT remove a bad traction belt for replacement. HELP ~ anyone? Many thanks.

 

[BBO]

This is a very strong spring & there's no room under the tractor to use a tool to pry either end of the spring off its anchor point.

Some of those springs are a booger to work with. I sometimes use a brake tool or something with a strong hook on the end.
You have to get some leverage somehow being careful to not lose a finger.

You can cut the belt in some places, but getting the spring back on may still be problem.