Spring problem!

I've got a bit of a problem. I managed to replace the items after my MTD had the tensioner pulley and rear belt wreck themselves but I seem to be on my way to a hernia trying to hook up the front belt tension spring. I've slipped the belt off the motor end to give me a bit of slack but still can't pull the spring enough to hook it on to the arm (see photo).  Any thoughts?

Can you shift the belts manually to move the idler arm closer to the spring mount?

For the really tough springs, I use a metal hanger or wire in a big loop.  Hook one end and prybar the other side guiding it to the hole.  Once in, clip the wire.

They are really difficult to stretch that's no lie! A screwdriver can also help but I usually use a quality set of vise grips clamped super tight in a way I can pull them in the direction I need to stretch the spring to get the job done.