You can find bushings on several parts of a lawn mower deck, including the spindle and idler arms. They provide a low friction surface for the deck’s mobile parts to move on. These cylindrical components are used in a lawn mower deck assembly that serves as a type of bearing. The spindle drive sheave is a pulley-shaped device that drives the spindle and enables the cutting blades to rotate and expertly mow your lawn. The spindle serves as the bridge between the deck and the blades. The spindle nut is a handy little fastener that is responsible for securing the spindle to the deck, which, in turn, connects the cutting blade and rotates it to slice through that pesky grass. If the deck drive belt becomes damaged or worn, the blades could stop spinning and render the mower useless. John Deere 42″ Deck Drive Belt (6)Ī deck drive belt connects a lawn mower’s engine to its cutting blades and transfers power from the engine to the blades. It can also minimize the load on the mower engine by reducing the tension on the belts. So, the flat idler pulley plays a vital part in mower functionality. The mower will not be able to implement maximum cutting force without proper tension across the belts. The flat idler pulley maintains tension in the mower’s deck belts. The 10mm lock nuts keep the mower deck components attached to the frame. These bolts make assembly easier as you don’t have to tap them before screwing them in.Īlso, they establish a stronger connection than regular bolts since they create more precise threading. The self-tapping bolt attaches the belt cover and other components to the deck. It can also prevent moisture from seeping into the belts, which is important to extend the lifespan of the belt, especially in hot and humid climates. It keeps the belt clean and ensures smooth operation over time. The deck belt cover is a protective casing that safeguards the belts from dirt, grass clippings, and other debris. Craftsman 42 Riding Mower Parts Diagram & Functions

John deere 318 mower deck parts diagram