Here is how to remove the drive belt on a Westwood T1200.
1. Remove cutting deck and set aside.
2. Remove two idler/clutch pulleys. This pulleys have a belt guard to prevent the belt coming off when the clutch is engaged. When removing the pulleys, be careful that you don't lose the washers.
3. Remove the front gear linkage. This is secured by a split pin, however to release the linkage you will need to remove the holding bolt to allow enough space to remove the linkage once the split pin is out.
4. Remove the front pulley belt guard by removing split pin and push guard toward front of the mower.
5. By now the only thing preventing the belt being removed is the rear pully. Remove the seat of the tractor by removing split pin on left hand side of seat and retracting pivot bar. Remove the tool box under the seat. You will now see the pulley and belt tensioner for the Westwood grass collector. There are 4 bolts holding base plate which secures the grass collector pulley. Before removing these 4 bolts, mark the position of the tensioner. Also remove the end of the spring which operates the cutting deck lowering lever. Remove the 4 bolts from the base plate. This can be a bit tricky as you need to hold the nuts underneath the mower. Two people will make this a lot easier. Remove the rear grass collector base plate & pulley completely. Please note you do not have to undo the pulley bolt. Once this has been removed, you will now be able to pull the belt over the rear axle pulley beneath the mower.
6. Fitting is the reverse of removing. However a couple of items to look out for. The majority of belt failures and wear is due to the idler / clutch bearings failing. A lot of people put new belts on, but don't check or replace the idler bearings. When refitting the rear base plate and pulley for the grass collector, 99% of the time, there is corrosion on lower plate. You will need to remove the rust, treat the plate and paint. I also suggest that all nuts are replace with new Nylock nuts. Whilst replacing the belt, lubricate all joints and other movable parts with suitable grease and oil where necessary.
Andy Swanson
June 2009