Mtd yard bug replacing entire motor...any help would be appreciated... Thanks

SOURCE: i have a yard bug with the 618-0351a transaxle

I just took my transaxle apart, (not a hard job once you have it removed from the mower) mine had only reverse, no forward . I found 2 small bolts had come out of the spring retainer for one of the bevel gears. One of the bolts had lodged between the shift collar & the gear resulting in the lock up you mention. Replacing the bolts, only this time using Locktite threadlocker on the threads has the little mower now happily going both directions . It would be a good idea to check the bolts in both bevel gears while you are in there. I found them loose on the other gear as well . wrenchbender1

SOURCE: The newly purchased deck belt turning the blades is extremely loose

If idler is in tact and spring attached, it is likely that the belt isn't routed properly. If you try to route the rear-most portion of the belt around the idler, it will be loose. You must route the front-most portion of the belt around the center blade pully and then around the idler. Just Google "MTD 46 inch deck diagram" and you will go to a Parts Tree site with the proper diagram showing routing.

SOURCE: Broken shift cable for Yard Bug

I had the same problem with the shifter cable braking.They were very expensive to replace.My cable tube(the outer part with the adjustable nuts) was still good.The cable itself was broken.I went to the nieghborhood hardware store and bought a length of cable of the correct size.I then used an electrical eyelet at each end (the eyelet has place to slide wire into it then it get crimped to hold the wire,also it has a hole in it so a screw or bolt can go through to hold it in place.I connected an eyelet to one end of cable,2nd I fed the cable through the tube,3rd, I put a screw through the hole were the cable connect to the shift linkage(@ trans),4th placed the eyelet on the screw 5th then placed the nut on the screw .At end of cable where shift nob is I placed an eyelet where the cable originally went,Pulled the new cable through taking out ALL the slack,Marked cable then crimped it,placed nut on screw.It works like new.MAKE SURE THE LINKAGE and SHIFT NOB ARE IN NUTURAL POSITION

SOURCE: mtd yard bug model - 198707 riding lawn mower blade belt size?

I dont know the belt size but if you go to mtd belts in Jackssmallengines.com you should find it. Stephen.

SOURCE: I HAVE A 660 SERIES MTD YARD MACHINE 17.5HP 42

I have a yardmachine snow blower and I like to know how do you take the tire off to put a new one on?