When I had to replace the PTO clutch in my 325, I had to hold the engine shaft from turning by using a socket wrench on the flywheel side. I still had to use a puller to get the clutch off, because when it was installed, no anti-seize was put on the shaft first, and the shaft corroded to the clutch. When you reinstall the clutch, be sure to put anti-seize on the shaft so it will come off again in the future if necessary. I have not had to replace the drive belt to the transmission. Let me know how you were able to relieve the tension on the idler. It looks like a real project getting the idler spring on and off. Charles Ranheim.

Oh lordy, here we go yet again. Use the forum search facility at the bottom of the forum opening page and do a search for subject like "Hydrostat oil change, Hydrostat fluid change, Hydrostat transmission slipping. This is a perennial complaint and YES, the oil can be changed (no matter what the book or the dealer say). and YES, old, degraded oil will cause symptoms like this. Many are the hydrostatic transmissions still going strong that would otherwise have gone to the scrap yard but for an oil change, which is not that hard to do (you said you are handy, or know someone who is). :^)

All in all, it is a somewhat straightforward installation. Deck off, drop one end of the steering arms to get the belt on, I believe the engine pulley needs to come down. Watch the position of the guide on the flat idler so it can be reinstalled properly. The nut above that bracket will loosen the pulley so you can slide the assembly and you can adjust the belt tension. The V idlers need only to be loosened. You have to manipulate the deck lift and clutch pedal to sneak the belt around the components up above.

Dana: Should you chose to change the tranny fluid, TuffTorq is now recommending 5W50W synthetic oils in some of their transmissions. Their website is www.tufftorq.com. Go there and look up their phone number and ask them. They are more than willing to give you the right information. Get the Tufftorq number off the tranny before calling. They're great people to work with. On another note: Several people have posted that not only did they need to change the fluid, but the pulley on the transmission needed replacing. Make sure you check this, as well as making sure the belt and all pulleys are completely clean. This will cause slipping and similar problems as to what you have. I remember one poster saying his splines in the transmission pulley were a bit worn. Once he replaced the pulley and his belt (JD), he had no further problem. Something to think about.