The belt is slack. When you tilt the mower (like on a hill) the deck 'falls' down the incline and tightens the belt. 1 or 2 inches is all the movement it needs.
If a manual (belt-tightener) type blade clutch, you need to adjust the engagement lever.
If blade clutch is electric, the belt tension will be adjustable - method depends on model and date of manufacture.
phil_saunders@bigfoot.com
Phil Saunders
June 2008