Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Changing belt Troy-Bilt Pony Model N689, variable speed pulley, oem models

Question
I need to change the upper belt on this mower.  I look for a spring adjustment in order to move idler pulley but don't see one.  Is there an easy way to do this as I'm no genius?

Answer
Hello Sim:

To Prevent Damage to the Drive Belt, there is No Easy Way to Replace this Belt or the Lower Drive Belt. I Always Suggest Both Belts be Replaced at the Same Time. I have Used Small Pry Bars and Screwdrivers and Tried Other Methods to Remove these Belts. More Often than Not you Will Damage the Belt.  **Make Sure the Engine Spark Plug is Removed from the Engine Before Begining this Work.**  For this Mower and Other OEM Models (ie: Seats, MTD, Ect) with this Stlye of Motion Drive and I have Found it Easier to Remove the Seat and the Rear Plate that Covers the Trans Axle Pulley. Remove the Lower Drive Belt from the Engine Pulley so you can Push the Vairiable Speed "Center" Sheave Down to to the Botton of the Pulley Away from the Upper Drive Belt.  Use a 2" Putty Blade and Slip it Between the Transaxle Pulley and the Drive Belt. Turn the Transaxle so the Belt is Lifted Over the Pulley Rim. Replace the the Lower Drive Belt and then Put a Cotton Rag Folded to 4 Layers (A Strip of Wide Leather Belts Works Really Well) and About 3" Wide on the Pulley Rim. Then Put the New Drive Belt so it Binds on the Pulley at the Rag (or Leather Strip)(this Keeps the Rim from Cutting the Belt) and then Turn the Transaxle Pulley to Roll the Belt Back Onto the Pulley. Go to this Site Addy, http://www.jackssmallengines.net/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab and Enter the Model Numbers. Now Double Click on your Model in the Results Area. Go to this Site Addy, http://www.jackssmallengines.net/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab and Enter the OEM (Troy Bilt)and the Model Numbers (13AN689G776). Now Double Click on your Model in the Results Area. To View The Variable Speed Pulley and Associated Hardware, Select the Drive File. I have Watched these Belts Replaced with a Screwdriver; with the Cutter Deck Removed, Laying on the Ground and Flipping the Belt from the Pulley and Most Times the Belt Might Last 1 Season. I Do Not Suggest this Method. I Want the Belts to Last for 4 or More Years and Get my Moneys Worth Out of them.  Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John