If the blade on your Flymo lawnmower isn't spinning but you can hear that the motor is running just fine, the problem will most likely be a snapped or worn down drive belt. Fortunately, you can replace the drive belt and get your lawnmower back in action without needing to replace the mower itself. In this article, we show you how to replace a Flymo lawnmower drive belt step by step so you can get back to mowing your lawn again.
What you will need:
Finding your model number
To make sure you buy the correct drive belt for your particular model of lawnmower, you'll first need to know your appliance's model number. If you don't know what this number is or how to find it, don't worry. Our article on finding a lawnmower model number will get you in the know asap!
How to replace a Flymo lawnmower drive belt
Let's dive in! To learn how to replace the drive belt in a Flymo lawnmower, either watch the video below or follow our step-by-step guide beneath.
Safety first!
Remember, always make sure your lawnmower is switched off and unplugged from the mains before carrying out any work.
Step 1: Remove the blade and impeller
To access the snapped drive belt and replace it, you'll need to remove the lawnmower's blade and impeller. Using your Flymo spanner, unscrew the large knob that holds the blade and impeller in place in the centre.
It may be quickest to simply loosen the knob with the Flymo spanner, then finish unscrewing it by hand. Just take extra care with your hands close to the blade.
With the knob unscrewed, you will be able to lift the blade and the impeller off of the lawnmower.
Step 2: Removing the undercarriage
Next, you'll need to remove the undercarriage. Using your Torx head screwdriver, remove the four screws around the centre of the undercarriage...
And then also remove the single screw that can be found a little further down, as pictured below.
Step 3: Remove the front motor cover
Then you will need to unscrew the front motor cover too. Use your Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the two screws that keep the cover connected to the mower, as pictured...
And then also remove the single screw at the front of the mower, just beneath the front of the motor cover.
With these three screws removed, you can lift the motor cover off the lawnmower and place it aside.
Step 4: Lift out the motor and drive assembly
Beneath the cover, you will find the motor and drive assembly, as pictured below. Go ahead and lift this out. It will still be connected to the mower by its wire connection, but you can leave this intact.
Simply turn the motor and drive assembly around, so that it's upside down. You will be able to see the belt wrapped around the wheel and spindle, which will be snapped or worn and need replacing.
Step 5: Replace the drive belt
If the belt is snapped, it may have come away from the assembly already. If it is worn, however, you will need to remove it by hand. If you need to remove the belt, first create a bit of slack by loosening the four screws that can be found around/beneath the belt on the assembly.
With these screws loosened, it should create enough slack for you to work the old belt off the spindle and wheel by hand.
You can then fit the new belt by wrapping it around the wheel and spindle. This may be tight and will likely require a bit of effort. It's also important to make sure you put the belt on the right way around (the inner side with the ridges is the side you want facing inwards and touching the spindles).
With the new belt in place, you will need to create a little more tension again to ensure the belt is firmly in place. With one hand, push against the small motor spindle to create tension (as pictured below), then use your other hand to retighten the four screws around/beneath.
Step 6: Reassemble the lawnmower
With the new drive belt fully secure, you can now go ahead and reassemble your lawnmower by reversing the previous steps. First, turn the motor and drive assembly back around and slot it back into position, ensuring the cable is also pushed back into its track.
Then return the motor cover, securing it in place by returning the three screws (one at the front and two on the back side at either side).
Screw the undercarriage back into place with its five screws (one at the front of the mower and four around the centre of the undercarriage).
Then finally screw the impeller and blade back into place by returning and tightening the large knob.
There you have it! All there is to replacing a Flymo lawnmower drive belt. Your appliance should now be back in action and cutting properly once more!
Now that your mower is working again, it's important to make sure you keep it in good shape. Cleaning your lawnmower properly will ensure that it delivers the best performance and lasts for longer. You can learn more with our handy lawnmower cleaning guide.
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