MTD Ranch King rear drive belt tensioner spring

Question edited for clarity.

check out these videos.

https://www.google.com/search?q=mtd+ranch+king+tractor+replace+transaxle+j+hook

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MTD uses several different configurations. Electric PTO's are tensioned all the time by an idler pulley on a spring loaded bracket. Manual PTO's with an engagement lever have a movable bracket attached to the lever via a cable that will tension the belt when the lever is engaged. Another configuration is the deck engages when the deck is lowered with the deck height lever and disengaged when the deck is raised. In this case the belt is tensioned by a large spring from the rear deck support bracket to a mount on the transaxle and tension is released by a rod that pull the deck forward when it is raised.

It's easier to find the correct information with a model number.
I have found a owners manual listed under MTD 130-390A
owners manual for a 2002 ranch king riding lawn mower.
Hopefully this is the same as yours.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS385US385&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=ranch%20king%20riding%20mower%20manual

Pages go right and left or click on download.

try SearsPartsDirect

sounds lke you do go to SearsPartsDirect.com punch in your model make and you can look up te belt

Looks like Ranch King Pro is made by MTD. The part is probably the same, but to be safe, take your old cable off and take it to a lawn equipment service shop to match it up. Shouldn't cost more than $10 - $20.

Ranch King is a brand name of the manufacturer MTD.

Product manuals with part blow-up diagrams are available from MTD's web site,
http://www.mtdproducts.com/
Models are identified from the model number printed on a label under the mower seat.
The PTO and deck drive belts are shown on one diagram and the transmission drive belt is shown on another. The Form number on my printed Operator's Manual is 770-10526A (22HP, 46in cut) for Hydrostatic 817/818 models.

Parts can be ordered directly from MTD or other distributors on the web.

It is my experience that original brand name MTD belts work best.

The 22HP, 46" mower deck Ranch King Pro has 3 belts:

The drive belt which runs from the engine pulley back to the hydro drive unit to provide over-the-ground propulsion is part #754-0349.

A mower has either an electric PTO or a manual PTO, not both.

The electric PTO belt the provides power to the blade deck (runs around the electric clutch on the engine shaft (activated by electric switch, not the mechanical hand lever that engages the mower deck) is p/n 754-0476 for the 46" deck.

The manual PTO belt the provides power to the blade deck (runs off the pulley on the engine shaft (activated the mechanical hand lever to the left of the steering wheel that engages the mower deck) is p/n 754-0228 for the 46" deck.

The deck belt that goes around the 3 blade spindle assemblies on the mower deck, to drive the grass cutting blades is p/n 754-0349

In my experience, the PTO belt lasts about half a season, the other belts break about every other season when mowing 4 acres weekly.

Try this site it is called manuals online, should be able download a manual for it for free, also for future reference would be nice.

I think you just need a new drive belt. This is easy to fit. Remove the seat and back cover to axcess it. The grinding noise could be the pully rubbing against the belt tentioner because the belt worn or to big. Hope this works for you.

Did you Call Rural King? They should have someone there that can tell you. They also will fix it if you want them to for a fee. They have very good customer service.