Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): riding mower, belt tension, pulley

Question
i have an older model R72 JOHN DEERE riding mower, to engage the blade under the 30 inch deck, a lever must be pushed on the steering column to have a spring loaded pulley increase the belt tension thus causing the blade to spin i cant seem to increase the tension  and cant adjust the position of the tension pulley  appreciate any help

Answer
Have you replaced the belt?  The tension pulley should be adjustable.  If you loosen the retaining nut can you slide the tension pulley to loosen or tighten the belt?

With the belt removed from the blade pulley, can you spin the pulley by hand?  You have have to release the pulley brake in order to spin the pulley.

Let me know.
Eric