My deck belt broke on my two year old Troy-Built Pony lawn tractor (built by MTD). Model N779-Pony. I bought a replacement belt but am having difficulty getting it on. Specifically, I can't figure out how to get the belt squeezed in against the two deck idler pulleys due to the metal bars next to each idler pulley. These bars, in normal operation with the belt in place, prevent the belt from coming out frome each idler pulley when it is in operation. The instructions mention putting a 3/8" drive ratchet wrency in the idler bracker on left side and pull handle to towward front but that doesn't seem to work.

Any guidance would be appreciated