Replacing Belt on Mott Flail Mower

[MarkO1956]

I recently purchased a used 6' Mott Flail Mower. Based on the information I have found on here, it is a Model 72. I am in the process of trying to restore/renovate the mower. The belt is starting to crack and needs changing, but for the life of me, i can't see a simple way to remove the belt. I was hoping that just by releasing the tension of the idler pulley on the belt, it would allow me to easily remove the belt, but that's not the case. How do I get the old belt off? What am I missing?

Thanks in advance...Mark

 

[Tractorguy24]

You could cut it and hope the new one is a bit more flexible and will come on easier

 

[oosik]

Well - you may not be missing anything. Loosen the idler pulley and use a large screw driver to start sliding the belt off the top pulley as you turn the pulleys. It could be that the belt on your mower is NOT the exact OEM replacement belt. The exact replacement may be a bit bigger and allow for easier installation.

It could also be that somebody comes along and enlightens us all.

 

[dieselscout80]

If it's that tight buy a spare and use it until it fails.

 

[MarkO1956]

Thanks to all of those that replied! I think I am going to procrastinate! I'm not going to touch it until it fails.