Craftsman Lawn Tractor Blades Will Not Disengage.

[@lethalalias]

Thank you for making this video. I'm a 57 yr old woman who has to fix things myself. It's videos like this that can help out a person tons. Good job!

[@heavysnow8616]

Keep at it. I have taught numerous women how to work on things and most do excellent. It takes practice and patience. Continued good luck and enjoy it!

[@neknosnaws5990]

My old Craftsman experiences this problem, especially if I don't disengage it before turning the unit off. I had a lot of mowing to do that had to be done right away, so with the help of your video to locate the jamming engagement plate, I used a large standard screwdriver (for slotted screws) and with the motor off, of course, as it wouldn't start anyway while engaged, I slipped the blade of the screwdriver under the plate and twisted the screwdriver, and pulled the disengage handle down, and the mower disengaged immediately, and I was able to get the mowing done and also disengaged the mower before shutting the motor off so it will start next time. At the end of the cutting year I may remove the mowing ass'y and replace or repair the offending parts, if I can get through the rest of this year's mowing. You video was invaluable; thank you!

[@cobalt2aluminatetell972]

Awesome video! I loved how you showed the parts moving and how it should look while engaged. I realized that not only did I have a divot in the spot you showed, but also from the other blade brake. I realized this because I moved the right blade brake out of the way, then shifted the idler arm like you demonstrated, and the left blade brake was still preventing it from engaging. I lightly hand grinded them both down and now it works smoothly again! I know this is a temporary fix, but at least it will work until I can order the part and get it installed. It's Fall and I'm a women who knows Nothing about repairs, who was panicking because my mower is used to mulch or pick up my leaves. You don't know how much I APPRECIATE you posting this video! THANK YOU!!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you the the kind comment! I’m glad it was helpful:) please give this video a thumbs up, subscribe and tell your friends to help my channel grow. It would be greatly appreciated:)

[@craigpresnell6666]

Thank you so much for posting this video! It would have taken me forever to figure out this problem without it. In my case, the indentation causing the problem could not be seen from the top, it was only worn out on the bottom 95% and not all the way through. Your video turned a real headache into a quick 30 minute job. Thank you again!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Craig, I'm glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video a thumbs up, subscribe and tell your friends about my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for watching!

[@Chilllybob]

Great video, I just worked on a friend's LT2000 that was the exact part that was bad I took it home and I welded it . I filled in the worn notches then filed & painted.. I made it look new again and it worked great.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Nice! I am in the process of re-welding many I have from swapping out due to the new ones I have been putting on seem like the metal is softer than before. I think welding may hold up better. I run a shop and I always try and put new on if I can but I haven’t been happy with the new ones. I’m glad this video helped you get your neighbor back up and running and you have welding skills!! Thank you for watching and the kind comment:)

[@Chilllybob]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines I wanted to post pictures but there is nothing to click on to post them

[@courtneyblock6795]

Thanks so much for a great how to video. I am so grateful so that I can save money and fix myself. You are awesome. I am a 58 year old woman and don't have an air wrench but a tip to those who don't if you put your socket wrench on it and cant get it loose, put a long metal pipe over the handle of wrench and give yourself extra leverage.:)

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m happy you were able to repair this yourself! Thank you for watching :)

[@houcklauren]

THANK YOU FOR THIS!! Our blades would not engage. We replaced the cable which was really stretched out and still nothing. We really don't know much about mowers and how they work. No one else actually showed us what the pulley was supposed to do. And the manual is fucking useless. As soon as we saw how the pulley was supposed to move, we had it fixed within 5 minutes. You, sir, are a lifesaver!

[@Tommyr]

I had the same problem. Replaced the cable and still had the issue of the blades not stopping. I figured it might be the return spring so ordered a new one. I'll have to look at this next week when the parts come.

[@michellealms3238]

@@Tommyr where’s return spring located?

[@Tommyr]

@@michellealms3238 on the mower deck near the pulley. See the manual diagram. However I think I may have to replace the bracket the pulley goes on instead, it wears in one spot and that is likely the real cause.

[@michellealms3238]

@@Tommyr after I replaced the belt I found a unknown spring. Seems since then my blades will not unengage. They run steady. I replaced the pto cable since then cause it broke and no change. Any ideas?

[@Tommyr]

@@michellealms3238 Now I am NOT a small engine mechanic so others can be more helpful, I can only tell what I have found by learning by doing. That spring MIGHT be the return spring that brings the pulley back to stop the blades. You should let a small engine mechanic check it out for you locally.

[@keegansheets5502]

well explained brotha, one of a few videos with good video and audio explanations for the new and old backyard mechanics, take care

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you! I’m glad this was helpful and thank you for the kind comment!

[@windigoking]

You forgot to mention the other divot from the other engagement arm. I just used a flap disk on my grinder and smoothed the divots out. Worked beautiful. Thanks man.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

You just just shortened the distance from the blade brake to the blade hub pulley in turn may effect the belt wear and if you keep grinding away, the brakes will stay engaged. Thanks for watching!

[@jimcase1993]

I got crafted riding mower how do put a plow

[@t.j.dickau4968]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Found your video last week, ordered the part on Amazon, did the job today, went great!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

T.J. Dickau I’m glad it all worked out!

[@AnatomyMan]

You make it look easy! I am going to try to do this later today. Wish me luck.. I will keep this video on loop as I do it.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

You’ll do fine! And yes you can just keep watching!! Good luck!

[@alanlevine3984]

Just ordered blade brake assembly for my LT1000. Going to give it a try. If i cant do it, I'll bring the deck over to you. Thanks Brad. Your the best.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Make sure you have the return spring too!

[@alanlevine3984]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines in need of a weld on the deck. Can you do that? Can I stop by so you can look at it? Thanks Brad.

[@pneuamtics1]

Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower kzbin.infoUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend This is what all push mowers should strive for. It was easy to push. It cut the lawn. The blades are sharp, very sharp. The one minus that everyone should be aware of is you need to be very careful taking the cutting unit out of the box. There’s a plastic guard so you don’t cut fingers as you take the main unit out of the box but it’s not taped down. As I took the unit out, I ended cutting a piece of my shirt. The plastic guard moved and my shirt touched one of the blades.

[@brianforan6833]

Thanks, Brad. Your video showed me exactly the problem my LT1000 was having w/ the blades not disengaging. Clear, intuitive video.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful :)

[@brianforan6833]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines I also saw in your video that the mower blade engagement pivot plate had a return spring; my mower didn't have such a spring. So, I fashioned one and now the blades disengage when I drop the engagement lever, even with that divit in the plate. I guess the plate used to pivot away on its own w/out the spring until that divit formed. Eventually, I guess I'll have to replace the plate like you showed in your video.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

They added that spring after they had issues with the plate. Yes, you eventually will need to replace it or sometimes you can grind it smooth. I always replace it for my customers to do the job correctly. I’m glad the spring has you up and running again!

[@brianforan6833]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Hi, Brad. Since you obviously know a lot about these Craftsman riding mowers (mine is an LTX1100 42" deck), could you answer the following question for me? Is the lower bearing on the mower spindle removable? I just replaced one of the spindle mandrels on my mower deck and reused the spindle. The lower bearing had a little friction but I was unable to pry it off. I did grease remove the grease seal and greased it well, though. I know that you can replace the madrel/spindle as a unit w/ new bearings, but I hate to waste good parts. Thanks much. Brian Foran

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

@@brianforan6833 yes the lower bearing will come out.

[@aaroncarlson7514]

Keeping my old mower running with your help! Thank you!

[@Stephen2007_]

Great job buddy!! Thx for showing us. Had my LT2000 for several yrs. Finally changing the belts and that bracket.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video a like and share my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for watching.

[@dennisbsutube]

You saved the day! I don't think I would have found that defect. Great detail in your video. Thank you.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad this helped you out! Thank you for the kind words :)

[@scolopede]

I appreciate you uploading this vid. I have a Craftsman I bought new in the late 90s, mod # 917.259551, engine still runs great. But the blades won't disengage, I could stop the engine and yank on that pulley to disengage the blades, I thought a spring broke but, now I know. I have to order that part but I kind of like working on stuff like this. At first I could put the lever in disengage mode and the blades would take a minute to disengage while running, now they don't.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@frankmonteleone2547]

Super helpful! Thanks for explaining this in a clear and precise way. You ROCK!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Frank, I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video a thumbs up, subscribe and tell your friends to help my channel grow. It would be greatly appreciated.

[@jasontaft4803]

Great video, easy to understand. Great step by step process. Great explanation on the reason to it needs to be fixed, divet on bracket and more important safety. Thank you, great video

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Jason, I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment! Pleased give this video a like and tell your friends about my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated!

[@josedejesus6185]

Thank you very much for this instructional! I was having the same problem with my Ariel’s and could not figure out why!?👏👏👏👏. Keep them coming!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Will do!

[@RaySaikus]

Excellent presentation, detailed and time saving visuals - commend you on showing how we adapt to overcome life's challenges. Wishing you continued success, good health and happiness.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment!

[@Halenrocks5150]

Best video and explanation I’ve seen on this issue!!! Thank you and well done. Just subscribed:)

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful! Thank you for the kind comment and supporting my channel!

[@davehart2804]

Awesome video. Attention to detail really means a lot. Now I know why my tractor deck belt runs all the time. Thanks

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful. Please give this video a thumbs up, subscribe and tell your friends to help my channel grow! It would be greatly appreciated:)

[@mikewinchester3185]

Really liked you putting the amazon link to the part. Awesome video

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@pirate1958]

Great tutorial, thank you. Mine does the same thing.. also if I let my grass get to thick or tall.. the blades barely turn. As soon as I get to cut grass they work like they "should". So I guess replacing this will fix that also?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I would also replace your belt.

[@bobbyclemente21]

Why not raise the deck a bit, but then you'd have to go over it again?!

[@robertstephenson9839]

Thanks not exactly my problem but I followed where the cable went and found my problem . 2 pulleys we’re stuck together . Very clear instructions , thank you

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it help you through your issue and thank you for the kind comment!

[@simonwaite5815]

Thanks for the tutorial, appreciate your effort and knowledge.

[@chipwood2963]

hey , great demo.... I just got the exact mower deck, minus a spring or 2 , pulleys rattle and deck won't disengage, got good view of spring location and hope now this will be the fix ....THANK YOU......

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thanks, thank you for the kind comment, please give this video a thumbs up, subscribe and tell your friends to help my channel grow. Thank you for watching:)

[@Steve-x1r]

Awesome and to the point. I like a few others was able to weld both of the divets fixing the issue. The nice thing about doing the weld is you only have to remove the left most pulley ( as viewed from the video). Thank you.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thanks. I have welded a few and with the parts getting more expensive, I keep all of the bad ones and weld them when I have time. Most people do not have a welder and to take it to pay for it to be welded is not cost effective. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@jeffrandolf5673]

Excellent video. Just took my mower deck off & there is NO RETURN SPRING (the one you removed) I figured there had to be one somewhere? Now I know... need to order that as well. THANKS!

[@andrewbratos6907]

great video good info doing mine, i always put a spot of W-D⁴⁰ on the threads weather nut on or nut off, great job

[@eddielawley4740]

Great video, I used my welder and filled the divet then grinded it nice and smooth.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Nice! I’m glad this video helped you out and thanks for the kind words:)

[@davidbelitz7692]

I don't understand why the divot can't be ground down so it doesn't catch anymore? No welding, no replacement

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

You will loose the air gap between the blade pulleys and blade brakes when the mower deck is on. If you grind too much away, the blade brakes will stay on all the time. Try it. You may be able to do it for a while. I cannot afford to have customers machines go out like that.

[@JustAboutAnything66]

Thank you! The position of the stationary idler pulley is what I was concerned about. Unfortunately, I had it installed correctly and that wasn't my problem, and I'm still on the hunt for the cause of my disengagement problem.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

If the mower deck is moving smoothly, like at the end of this video? Then check your blade engagement cable to make sure it is operating smoothly. I have come across cables that get bound up or kinked or even frozen due to moisture inside the cable.

[@JustAboutAnything66]

​@@JohnsonsSmallEngines ​ Thanks for the suggestion. The cable works (worked) perfectly. I just installed new idler pulleys as they sounded a little crunchy, thought it wouldn't hurt. I noticed that I installed my pulley brake spring bracket rotated one notch, from when I replaced the spindles, the spring had hardly any tension, that doesn't help the situation any. I will be replacing the cable, however, because I was going to use the mower to haul some stuff with the deck off. I usually pull the cable up under the dash when the deck is off, but I forgot. I ran over the cable and broke it.

[@stevewick1]

Appreciate... swapped mine and this video made the job easy

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Glad it helped

[@paul87buick]

Well done video better then most others on the subject

[@edpagan2103]

Dude. You are amazing!!! You solved the issue on my deck

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Ed, I'm glad this was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this a like and tell your friends about my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated.

[@garpark315]

Thank you for a great informative video. Quick and to the point without all the BS talking that does nothing but take up time.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful. I am here to help! Thank you for the kind words. Please like 👍 and subscribe to me grow my channel. Tell a friend or two and if there is anything that I can help you with in the future, I’ll try and get a video out on it.

[@thompsonmichael7678]

Hello. Thanks for the video!! Help though. Replaced the idler arm, spring, PTO cable and the belt but, it still will not disengage! Did I miss something? Thanks very much !!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Check to make sure Everything is moving smoothly without your cable attached or your spring attached. Also check the brake arms have rollers on them. Make sure they are moving properly. It’s hard to explain but I think you’ll get it.

[@thompsonmichael7678]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Thanks very much!! Keep ya posted!!

[@richardcollins5591]

I have the same model, with the same issue. After watching this video, I feel good about my chances to fix it!

[@abigailvomelmo1167]

Hi 😊! Thank you SO much!! I enjoyed your video! You are SO talented, SO smart. Have a great rest of your evening!! 😊

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful :)

[@abigailvomelmo1167]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines 👍👍👍👍

[@bobbyclemente21]

Thanks for this, have been looking for how to put all those parts back together. Took photos but they didn't come out too well. I took mine apart but don't have a groove/divot anything like that, but curious why you didn't grease the crud out of the moving parts that engages the blades?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

You do not grease any of those parts. The blade engagement bracket is engaged on rollers from the blade brakes. No grease is necessary and you do not want grease around grass, it will ultimately get clogged with debris and could also get on the mower deck belt and make it slip.

[@bobbyclemente21]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Thank you, sir!

[@sadisticshananigan1874]

I have just successfully changed my idler arm by myself thanks to your video. Your awesome! I am now changing spindles and blades. Do you know what size the bolts are that connect the spindles to the deck cuz the old bolts broke removing them so I have to get new ones? Thank you so much. Keep the videos coming, I'll need them :)

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Congratulations on the idler pulley! I think the bolts are 5/16 x 1.25 length not sure if they are fine thread or course. You can look all your parts up that you need from Sears parts direct online. Take the model number from under your seat to look up parts.

[@sadisticshananigan1874]

Thank you so much

[@peterd7009]

You helped me immensely with this video !!! Thank you so much !!!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Glad I could help!

[@KJBrewster1]

Great Video, very clear and concise. Thank so very much

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video a like and share the channel with your friends to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for watching.

[@alperez8778]

You just helped me save a ton, thank you for the video.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video a like, subscribe and tell your friends about the channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated!

[@pogtuber5146]

I grinded that metal down and there was no longer enough push on the spindle brake, so my brake would remain engaged even while the blades were spinning. I should replace the part like you did! Also could you post a link to the part you bought?

[@bryancollingwood5338]

I did mine as you showed, but then thought after, for the cost of a nut and bolt is it worth the agro. If I have to do another one I will grind off the nut and order the nut and bolt at the same time as the idler plate. Then since I would not be replacing it for sometime ( if ever ) I would tack weld the bolt head to the new idler plate which would make it easier to tighten the lock nut. Perhaps the manufacturers should have made it that way in the beginning,

[@bienhelado204]

Because of your video, we figured out the previous owner had put a few things on wrong. We kept going through engagement cables that would break at the PTO lever. Thanks.

[@KyleKilroy]

Excellent video. Very helpful. Thank you.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ilovetaylor6]

Thank you for making this video! I have been troubleshooting my mower for weeks now and I think this is the issue. When you try to start it up the mower blades spin even with the deck disengaged.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Let me know what you have found. I’m curious.

[@stevewick1]

appreciate the video and detailed but easy to follow instructions

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video like and share my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated!

[@corey6393]

Came here while searching for answers on my old craftsman. I have the problem with no disengagement, but also no engagement! I took everything apart, cleaned it, and lubed with anti-seize. Things are working more smoothly now, but the mover will not properly/fully engage, and sometimes stays partly engaged. I will look for the divot (gonna weld it up and grind back into shape) but I am wondering if my belt is too long or worn out. It looks OK, but that may not tell the whole story.

[@forqueue]

Thank you for the excellent video! I pulled mine apart and while replacing the blade engagement arm and ran into another problem. The 'blade-brake-rollers' are totally shot. They aren't riveted like in the video but are bolted into position. Do you have a part number for a replacement? It appears to be a 1/4" shoulder with a ~.575" roller with 10-24 threads. Can't seem to find it in any deck detail drawings.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

They are no longer available. You need to replace the entire arm.

[@papalilburn]

Excellent how too video! Thanks!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad this video was helpful and thank you for the kind comment! Please give this video a like and share my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated!

[@richardbarkley9909]

EXCELLENT!! Thanks Brad!! GREAT VIDEO!! Sure appreciate it!!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

👍

[@tomlennon1696]

Awesome job. Great job showing realignment

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Tom, I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment.

[@anglosaxon1622]

Thank you for this detailed video on the disengage mechanism. It confirmed that my idler plate spring is missing!. PS: while servicing this area I noticed that my middle idler pulleys are at different heights and do not form a straight line for the belt with the outer blade pulleys? Is this correct?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I would need to see what your explaining to me to understand what you are talking about.

[@ralphpuleo1987]

Excellent video!👍

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful:)

[@captainboothat7778]

Had a deck that wouldn't disengage and found a rando spring. Stupid manual didn't show where that spring goes. Thankfully this video did

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful:)

[@kenw305]

Great video! It doesn’t look like any lube required around the bracket.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

You are correct

[@philipchandler330]

Excellent tutorial

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video a like and share my channel with your friends to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for washing:)

[@gsolo328]

Excellent video! Thanks for the help!

[@allensnook7760]

Thanks buddy fer showing this wear problem n fix.not sure its my same problem,iam trying to help a lady friend who has exact model.found out she couldnt engage mowing blades due to cables little plastic pressure clip bent the split tab holding it in place i fixed that and removed deck .i ran it only a few seconds then disengaged.i bumped shit lever ,went back to i assume nuetral but now wont shift,can start but wont shift and i smell belts getting hot so i shut down.now i cant even free roll it into shed,one rear wheel turns but other acts locked or trying to roll backwards.my question is there a manaul overide rod to put into nuetral long enough to get it to shop?snooky pa.its possible that plate you shown has locked into place and now wont disengage transmission so blades wont engage.safety nannys!!!!snooky pa.appreciate any help.place i worked had john deeres and even if u couldnt start them there was rod to disengage trannys to nuetral.to push into shops!!❤😊😊😊😊😊

[@donaldbiddiscombe8062]

I appreciate your video my blades keep spinning even after I disengage them. I will buy the part and get it fixed. Thanks

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Also check your blade brakes that are located next to your blade shaft pulleys.

[@fangorn1000]

Excellent video.Thank you for sharing

[@craigstclair4743]

Great video ,thanks that showed me what muppets problem was and how to fix it.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful! Please give this video a like to help the channel grow. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for watching and the kind comment.

[@tomr1961]

Great job. Thanks for the video and explanations.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment.

[@montiytina]

Exelent video man....thanks. I cant found the failure.....

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Glad it helped

[@JamesThomas-dn6hz]

Seems like a couple seconds with the angle grinder will have that working again, no problem.

[@SGAOuTLaWz]

My poulan riding mower has pretty much the same deck setup. The idler arm has alot of up and down play and when the blades are engaged the arm and pulley bounce up and down making a clanking noise. What would cause this? Edit** I just rebuilt the deck with all new pulleys, spindles, blades and a new belt.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

It sounds like the idler arm that pivots is very worn and bushing is very worn. Disassemble the arm and check.

[@SGAOuTLaWz]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines ok, thank you and great video!

[@cashus68]

Great video i am working on 2004 craftsmen dlt 3000 :) Thank you.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful :)

[@fredcarkin4787]

How much does that bracket ??? If you find out please let me know ....

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Not sure the question? If your asking about price it is around $14.00

[@Gelanthibern]

My Poulan Pro PP175G42 has similar problem. After cutting grass, I release the cutting blade, but still spins for a short time, by lifting blade arm a little, I can stop the blades from spinning. I do not see a spring as in you video...HELP if you can

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

It sounds like your issue is this bracket so you will need to remove your mower deck and repair it. Many mower decks did not come with the spring but it is worth getting one after you repair the bracket.

[@lionelsoto2327]

Thanks for the help and knowledge, success

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful. Thank you for watching and the kind comment. Please give this a like and tell your friends about my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated:)

[@openfarquhar]

Well...I wish I found this vid a few hours ago....Replaced both idler pulleys and do you think I could remember how they went back on...? Good vid bloke !

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Mark, I'm glad this was helpful. Please give this a like to help the channel grow. It would be greatly appreciated.

[@irishwristwatch92]

Thank you so much for this video, i have not been able to remember how to put it back together. You saved me

[@Zues64]

Great how-to clip... thanks much

[@josephabboud6229]

What is the part number on that idler arm because im sure that mine has done the exact same thing? Where can I get one of them?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Part# 532155046 Sears Parts Direct or just put the part number into your internet search engine to find many places that sell it.

[@josephabboud6229]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines ok then thanks!

[@woodroofguy]

Exactly what I needed. Great video. Thanks! New subscriber.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thanks for watching, the kind words and subscribing:)

[@Jaspel]

Exactly what I was looking for, thanks!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful, Please give this video a thumbs up, subscribe and tell your friends to help my channel grow. It would be greatly appreciated:)

[@judgementday3945]

When i put my 917 craftsman riding mower belt in motion it works perfectly but when I disengage the blade to stop it will keek going but it eventually slows down and stops. Sometimes i need to disengage the blade and go over a bit of grass afterwards which will make the blade stop quickly... with that said after watching your video that spring thats purpose is to stop the blades... Mine after watching your video thank God is gone... So Id like to replace mine can you tell me what the spring called for that particular function please.... Or a viewer

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

The Spring part number is 532169022

[@bullfrogswamphomestead9563]

Thanks a ton brother, mine has been acting up for awhile. 👍

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful. Give this video a thumbs up if you like it, subscribe and tell your friends to help my channel grow. It would be greatly appreciated:)

[@johneskins3317]

You seem like the right guy to ask my question to, I have an MTD 46 " 3 blade mower that my neighbor borrowed and while it was over there, his dumbass little brother-in-law took it apart and now I'm not too sure I got it back right. I don't have a manual or diagram for the cable, brackets, and springs to hook up to, and the little turd didn't take any pictures either. If you have any pictures or ideas where to find something that would work, please post it and I'll get it. Being as I'm a subscriber I'll definitely see it. One more thing, I can tell you are also one of us die-hard work-a-holics too and we got something in common my friend, I noticed you are missing your left hand and you have the working man's hands. Me too, I lopped both of mine off in an industrial accident but the doctors were able to repair a lot of them. Lost all the wrist bones on my left so no pivot there, and all fives fingers crushed on the right, lost only the middle one and can't straighten the rest all the way. They told me it would be 2 years before I could go back to work if at all, I told him he was nuts if he thought I was going to sit by and do nothing but watch Oprah all day, so I went back to work in 3 months. Not trying to be nosy or brag or what ever, just wanted to let you know I can relate .

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi John, I would take the model number off of the tag under the seat and due some research online. You should be able to get a parts breakdown and a user manual online to help you put your machine back together. I was born with the one hand so I feel lucky in the sense that it's all I have ever known. You and I are alike as we have dealt with the cards we have been giving to the best of our abilities and make it work!

[@JosephQuigley-ry4st]

I fixed my cable qnd the arm and mine still staying engaged could i have to small of a belt?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

At the 9:28 mark in this video. I show you manually engaging and disengaging it very easily after the repair. If you can do that, everything is operating as it should and yes, there is a good chance if it does not disengage you have the incorrect belt size. It sounds like you said you replace the blading engagement cable? And if it’s new, there should not be a problem, but you should make sure that the blade engagement cable is working correctly in and out. Make sure that the cable is moving freely.

[@ejanderay1]

This was a huge help, thank you!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Your welcome! Thank you for watching

[@richardbarkley9909]

Hi Brad!! Looks like I commented a year ago!! Just recently (August, 2022) I replaced mt GROUND DRIVE pulleys because they were VERY NOISEY and also replaced my DECK idler pulleys proactively. THEY were NOT noisey. Put everything back together and was/am getting quite a vibration and a kind of lite metal on metal noise. This is when I watched your video again and ordered the plate as well as new brake arms and springs and after doing all this I'm still getting the vibration and metal on metal noise. I replaced the spindles about 2 years ago and they seem fine. I have had the darn deck out and back in so many times now trying to figure this out that I could probably do this in my sleep...lol! The noise seems to be coming from UNDER the deck......I'm going to elevate the mower tomorrow and have a look before I resort to removing the deck again......any suggestions as to what to check? Thanks Again very much for the great video!!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Richard, Normally metal on metal sound under the deck can be two things, (1) the blades are hitting the deck somewhere, look for shiny marks where the blades would be hitting the deck or (2) Blades are hitting each other when they come across each other. look at the ends of the blades to see if they are shiny. The shake can come from many things but most of the time it is from the mower deck belt. Sometimes they wear thin at different spots but with the naked eye, we cannot see the wear. Try a new belt. If that doesn't work, check your large blade pulleys to make sure they spin straight. You can also have blades not balanced which will give the deck a vibration. 90% of the time it is a bad blade belt.

[@richardbarkley9909]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Thanks Brad!! I'm headed out in a bit to check UNDER the deck to see if I can see whats going on before I pull the deck again. The blades are brand new (2 cuts) before I removed the deck to replace the very noisey ground drive pulleys. I kind of wish I'd not fooled with the deck idlers-lol. The deck pulleys, belt and blades were working ok before I messed with it. lol. I have replaced the spindles 2 years ago (I cut about 1/4 acre here in Florida about every 7 days) and now, this past week I have replaced the deck idler pulleys, the idler pulley plate as you did, all 3 springs, both brakes and a brand new high quality belt. I am very mechanically inclind and work on cars & trucks as well as electric mobility scooters as a hobby but until recently had no real experience with mower decks though everyone seems to say that this "Craftsman" deck is actually pretty simple.....

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

@@richardbarkley9909 I guess the question is; when did the shaking start? Then try and back track to see what had changed at that moment.

[@richardbarkley9909]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Thanks! Thats what my plan is for today. I will report back later.

[@richardbarkley9909]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Good Afternoon Brad, I was able to remove the deck belt completely and spin the blades and they spin freely and DON'T hit anything. So I removed the deck and found the stationary idler pulley (on its bracket) was as you showed shoved all the way against the frame part of the deck-only problem is that on MINE where the bracket is suppose to contact the frame to stop to provide the proper spacing off the frame to the pulley itself has a tiny bit of the metal worn off letting the bracket go past where it should and it then lets the pulley rub on the frame...(I believe this is my noise) CAN I just move the bracket WITH the pulley on it over about 1/16"-1/8" off of the frame and tighten it good? (I'm using an electric impact gun) Thanks Again!! -Rick

[@chasgantz7728]

Working on one now.. My first riding mower deck. I'm finding all kinds of things wrong with the deck. Frozen tensioner, Bad idler bearing, springs missing

[@210GrainsOfJustice]

Thanks for making this video got the same mower, mine also runs rough, throttles up and down constantly until the blades are engaged then it smoothes out a bit. It also pops real loud when I shut it down 😳

[@VegasEdo]

Mine was doing the same thing until I went through the carb and degunked it. Smoothed out that pulsing.

[@210GrainsOfJustice]

Chad Ostler Update: replaced my carb with a new one that took care of the surging, I also replaced the intake push rod it was bent and also replaced the valve guide and 1 valve cap, smooth as butter now 😉

[@mikefischera8516]

Great video man!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful.

[@gabrielciotti2564]

Good video. Very helpful. Thanks

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video I like, subscribe if you haven’t yet and share my channel with your friends to help it grow. It would be greatly!

[@numchucklee4279]

excellent instructions, thanks

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment! Please give this video a like, subscribe if you haven't already and share my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I'm glad it was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this video a like and share my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated!

[@chadlambert3186]

Thanks for sharing now I know what's going on with my mower

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for your comment, I’m glad it was helpful,

[@dirthawk2669]

Great video !! Thank you for the info !!!!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful. Thank you for the kind comment. Please give this a like and tell your friends to help my channel. It would be greatly appreciated.

[@travelinghammer4698]

Thank you. Great video.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful! Thank you for the kind comment.

[@bigcarp1414]

Thank you!!! Explained very well! Lew

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

👍

[@justinliedtke5570]

What length belt does that deck require ?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I do not go by length in inches I go by model number on the tractor go to the Sears website and get the part number from the website and you most likely will be able to Google that part number and find out what the length is

[@MrGibratan]

Really good video thank you help me a lot

[@timmeyerhoff3490]

You don't put any grease on that moving part ? I would think it may make sense. .

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

My opinion, no grease. Grease will collect grass and dirt and it will bind up even more. If the brake rollers are working properly. It will last a long time. Doesn’t come from factory with grease and no grease is recommended at all on the mower deck unless you have greaseable blade bearings. Why not try it to see what happens? I personally have not.

[@ericulry4743]

And here I am missing that spring!

[@Charles-q4o]

Missing that spring can cause 2 problems. Blades not fully disengage & PTO cable backing up & unhooking. Had both. IT was missing when I got. didn't see it in manual works fine now