Quick and Easy Guide to Changing Reel Drive Belts on an Allett C24 (S6E3)

Maintaining a high-performance cylinder mower like the Allett C24 means taking care of key components that power the cutting system. One crucial part is the reel drive belts. These belts transfer power from the engine to the reel, allowing the mower to cut cleanly and consistently. Over time, belts can wear, crack, or slip—reducing performance or even stopping the reel altogether.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process for changing the reel drive belts on the Allett C24 cylinder mower. Whether you’re a seasoned groundskeeper or a home lawn care enthusiast, this guide will help keep your mower running at peak condition.

What You’ll Need:

Replacement reel drive belts (Allett part number: consult manual or dealer)
- Current Part number for my Allett C24 belts are AM89451, qty of 2 are needed.
Socket set or spanners
Protective gloves
A clean workspace

Find Allett parts here: https://allett.svt-app.com/

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Safety First

Before doing any maintenance:

Turn off the mower.
Disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
Let the mower cool down if it was recently in use.

2. Remove the Belt Guard

On the right-hand side of the mower (as you face the mower from the front), you’ll see a metal belt guard covering the reel and traction drive belts.

Use a socket or spanner to remove the bolts holding the guard in place.
Set the guard and bolts aside.

3. Inspect/Clean the Belt System

You’ll see two front drive belts:

Front belts: Drives the reel (cylinder).
Rear chain: Drives the rear roller (traction).

We’re focusing on the reel drive belts, but it’s a good time to inspect both and also perform any cleaning while the dust cover is off. Super Clean is a great degreaser to help remove any grease slung from the chain or any other debris.

4. Release Belt Tension

The Allett C24 should have enough slack to remove the belt.

Verify the tensioner is not engaged.

5. Remove the Old Belt

With tension relieved:

Carefully slide the old belt off the engine pulley and then off the reel pulley.
Inspect it for wear to confirm the replacement was needed.

6. Fit the New Belt

Loop the first new belt over the reel pulley, then the second belt.
Make sure the belts are seated properly in the grooves.

7. Adjust Tension

Slide the idler pulley back into place to apply appropriate tension to the belt.
Tighten the locking nut on the pulley arm.
Check that the belt deflects about 1/4 inch (6mm) when pressed with moderate force.
Apply belt conditioner to the reel drive belts

Too tight can cause premature wear; too loose can cause slipping.

8. Test Rotation

Slowly rotate the reel by hand to ensure smooth movement.
Confirm the belt tracks properly and doesn’t rub or jump.

9. Refit the Belt Guard

Reattach the belt guard securely with the original bolts.

10. Final Check

Reconnect the spark plug.
Start the mower and engage the reel drive.
Watch for smooth, consistent reel operation.

If you hear squealing or the reel hesitates, re-check the belt tension and alignment.

Final Tips:

Always use genuine Allett replacement belts for best performance.
Clean out any debris or buildup inside the belt area during replacement.
Consider replacing both belts if one is worn—they typically wear at similar rates.

Conclusion

Changing the reel drive belt on the Allett C24 is a straightforward maintenance task that can drastically improve cutting performance. With a little time and the right tools, you can keep your mower running smoothly for many seasons to come.

Have questions or need a specific part number? Contact your local Allett dealer!

Check out my blog for more videos on maintaining a Bermuda lawn.

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