A vacuum cleaner comprises a motor-driven rotatable agitator coupled with a shaft of the motor through a belt. A belt disengaging device for a vacuum cleaner comprises a pin that is movable through an arc of less than 180° between an engaged position and a disengaged position, at which the pin lifts the belt off the motor shaft. An actuator for the belt disengaging device includes a first exterior portion for user access and is moveable between a first and second position. A linkage pivotally connected to the actuator and the mechanically coupled to the pin moves the pin between the engaged and disengaged positions as the actuator moves between the first and second positions.