If you've noticed that the blade on your Flymo UltraGlide lawnmower is no longer turning and therefore not cutting grass properly, there's a good chance it's because the blade belt has broken. To fix this, you will need to replace the blade belt to get your blade spinning and your lawnmower working to its full capacity again.
Read on to learn how to carry out this replacement with our step by step guide.
Safety first!
Make sure your lawnmower is fully disconnected from the mains before carrying out any repairs.
Replacing the blade belt on a Flymo UltraGlide lawnmower step by step
So let's get started. Simply watch the video or follow the step by step guide below to learn how to replace the blade belt on a Flymo UltraGlide lawnmower. You can find a replacement blade belt on our online shop.
Step 1: Remove the grass box
The first thing you need to do is remove the grass box. To do this, lift up the top flap and lift the grass box out. Then, put the lawnmower on its side.
Step 2: Remove the blade
The next step is to remove the blade. To do this you will need a thick towel, cloth or a pair of heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands. Using the towel or gloves for protection, hold onto the blade while you undo it. To undo the blade, you will need a 13-millimetre socket set. Unscrew the bolt and lift away.
Step 3: Remove the blade impellor
Remove the blade impeller by using the exact same socket set. Again, unscrew the bolt and lift away.
Step 4: Remove the rear chassis and handle
Next, remove the rear of the lawnmower and the handle by removing the two screws that hold them in place on either side.
Step 5: Remove the motor cover
The motor cover is held in place by a couple of clips at the front and two screws at the back. Release the clips and undo the screws to remove. You may need a magnet to help you remove the two screws from their holes.
Before you can remove the motor cover, you will need to place the lawnmower on its side again to remove the wheels. Slot a flat-headed screwdriver beneath the wheel shafts and work upwards to push the wheels out.
Behind each wheel is a clip that also holds the motor cover in place. Press a small flat-headed screwdriver under the clip, then lift up to release it. Pull the motor cover away at the same time as releasing the clips to disconnect it from the lawnmower.
Placing the lawnmower back the right way up, you can now lift the cover away. Make sure you're careful not to catch, pull or damage the height adjuster as you do this.
Step 6: Remove the height adjuster
Using a Torx head screwdriver, unscrew the two screws holding the height adjuster in place. You will find one of these screws just beneath the height adjuster, with another in the same place on the other side of the lawnmower.
Step 7: Remove the motor
Unscrew the two screws beneath the lawnmower to remove the motor. The motor will drop away once these screws are released, so make sure you're holding the motor as you do this to prevent it from falling and getting damaged.
Step 8: Remove the impeller belt and blade
Looking at the motor, you will be able to see the impeller belt and the blade belt. The impeller belt will be positioned above the blade belt, and will therefore need to be removed to access the blade belt. Hold the motor housing firmly, then gradually remove the impeller belt by turning it around the spindle before gently lifting it away.
You can now remove the blade belt in the same manner as the impeller belt. Take extra care with your fingers whilst doing this, as the belt can be quite tight and tricky to handle.
Step 9: Fit the new blade belt
To fit the new blade belt, place it around the smaller central shaft first. Then proceed to work it around the wheel. Again, this will be very tight, but you can make the process easier by either soaking the belt in hot water beforehand to loosen it up or by having an extra pair of hands to help.
Step 10: Refit the impeller belt
You can now refit the impeller belt. Start by placing it around the central shaft above the blade belt, then work it around the opposing wheel.
Step 11: Refit the motor
Next, reposition the motor back to its usual position in the housing.
Step 12: Refit the height adjuster
Before screwing in the height adjuster, first refit the height adjuster's spring and make sure it's in place.
You can then return the screws that hold the height adjuster in place on either side.
Then refit the two screws that hold the motor in place underneath.
Step 13: Refit the motor cover
Refit the motor cover back over the lawnmower, making sure the height adjuster doesn't get caught or damaged as you do so. Also make sure there are no wires in the way before you clip it into position.
Next, refit the screws at the back of the motor cover.
Then refit the wheels by simply pushing them back into place.
Step 14: Refit the blade
When refitting the blade, there will be a marking on the blade itself telling you which way up it should be placed.
You can then screw the blade back into place, using your socket set to make sure the nut is nice and tight so that there's no chance of it coming off.
Step 15: Refit the impeller
Refit the impeller by screwing it back into place. Again, use your socket set to make sure the nut is extra tight and secure.
Step 16: Refit the chassis and handle
Next, place the handle back into place over the lawnmower.
Refit the screws to secure the handle in place.
Step 17: Refit the grass box
Finally, finish by slotting the grass box back into place.
And that's how to replace the blade belt on a Flymo UltraGlide lawnmower! Hopefully your appliance is now up and running at its full capacity once more.
Unfortunately, lawnmowers can run into a variety of issues, and a broken blade belt is just one of them. If your lawnmower is having any other problems and you're not sure what the issue is, don't worry. Simply head over to our article on common lawnmower faults and how to fix them. We'll help you get your appliance up and running again in no time!
You can also find any other lawnmower spare parts and accessories you might need right here on our website.
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