Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): murray 17 hp lawn tractor, lady friend, lawn tractor

Question
Hi Michael
  My lady friend asked me to fix the aforementioned mower.
About the best description of the trouble that I was able to
extricate from her is that 'when it gets hot, it doesn't want to go
forward or backward'. I assume that means that it feels like a
belt is slipping. I looked as best as I could at the drive belt, but
it's not clear to me if the whole deck must be removed to get to
the drive belt or not. The machine is probably about 12 years
old. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Michael

Answer
Hi Michael,

You may not have to remove the deck to change the drive belt but it might be easier to get at the underside of the tractor.  You might also need to remove the plate that covers the area around the shifter.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael