Troy-bilt TB30R Deck removal tips?

I wanted to remove the deck from my  Troy-Bilt TB30R to clean and change the blade.

In the manual there are steps listed, but it doesn't mention removing the belt guide/guard bar.  It seems to me that it would necessary to do so to get enough slack to remove the belt form the PTO.  Has any one done this successfully?

The manual reads:

1. Place the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF) position and engage the parking brake.
2. Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the bottom notch on the right fender.
3. Remove the bow-tie cotter pin (a) and flat washer (b) from the deck lift assembly, and retain for reinstallation later. 
4. Remove the belt from around the tractor’s PTO pulley. 
5. Remove the remaining bow-tie cotter pins (a) securing the deck to the riding mower.
Note: When reassembling, the bow-tie clips (a) should be re-installed from the top down.
6. Unplug the wire pigtail from the deck switch.
7. Move the deck lift lever into the top notch on the right fender to raise the deck lift arms up and out of the way.
8. Carefully remove the PTO cable from the rear of the cutting deck. Remove the spring from the deck idler bracket. 

I have spoken to Troy-Bilt  support twice and they have been able to offer a solution.

Thanks in advance for any advice from someone who has remove the deck on this model.