Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower Deck V-Belt Replacement

This video provides step-by-step instructions for replacing the deck v-belt (or deck drive belt) on Craftsman lawn mowers. The most common reason for replacing the belt is when it is worn, as part of regular (at least yearly) preventive maintenance. If the belt is broken, the mower blades will not rotate.
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Additional lawn mower repair, troubleshooting tips, help with finding your model number, and part replacement videos: www.repairclinic.com/RepairHel...
All of the information in this belt replacement video is applicable to the following brands: Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan
Tools used: none
Model displayed: Craftsman riding lawn mower 917.288517
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[@mistercleaton5951]

Out of all the complicated videos on KZbin on how to put a belt on this is the most reliable video on KZbin I think you guys so much for posting this video y’all save me nearly $50

[@quiver9654]

Thank you so much. someone put my belt on wrong and it wouldn't engage the blades new belt. So I found your video and tore it all apart and stated over. I'm a 65yrs young woman on oxygen. And I did all that in a hour. would of been so simple if I could of done it the right way first. Great video keep them coming. never know what next I will need to fix. LOL

[@hanginlaundry360]

Good for you! I'm an empty -nestette about your age. Thanks for the encouragement 🙏❤️😊

[@randyb7304]

What a fantastic video. Not only was is clear and concise but the included part number was a bonus. I ordered a belt i was told would fit and it was too short. I ordered the part number you provided and it was a perfect match. Thank you for taking the time to make and share this video with us. I haven't seen a video this good since watching the Evarb Official Trailer on KZbin. Randy

[@repairclinic]

Awesome thanks Randy!

[@micromonkeygmail]

To save everyone a lot of trouble--you don't need to take anything apart--take off any rings on your fingers/watches, etc--and you can do this with the deck in place--a little pushing and shoving--but it works and saves a ton of time.

[@Carolyn39574]

Do a video please.

[@markhavey6397]

@@Carolyn39574 remove the cotter pin on wither side of the deck, and the belts will slide through the armature easily.

[@MikeM275]

It takes no more than 10 minutes to replace this belt. Do NOT have to take off the deck. This guy should be banned from making DIY videos! At least of lawn mower stuff.

[@adrinahurzeler4477]

Y uh uhhhhi

[@larryduran3870]

Yes, I just put mine on without removing the deck

[@peacetrain1967]

You saved me big time! Thank you. I'm a beginner DIYer.

[@bailliematthew]

Professional quality instruction.

[@joelramos3309]

Thank you so much! This was a short but correct video to show how to replace the belt of my riding mower.

[@louisfoy6746]

One of the easiest best videos I've ever watched to learn how to do something

[@ancatarca8047]

My 42 inch Husqvarna is the same, this was very helpful only I didn't detach the deck first, although it's nice to see how it's done in case I ever really need to remove it

[@rodsapyta7059]

Thank for this video. I learned from it and saved over $100.00 doing it my self Thanks a gain.

[@repairclinic]

+Rod Sapyta We are glad it helped.

[@rodsapyta7059]

I have to say at first I did not get the new belt lined up the right way but I came back inside and saw what I was doing wrong and I have a nice new cut lawn. Thanks for taking the time to do this video.RS

[@Suetwo]

Thank you. Made it so easy for me to do and did it right!

[@golf11underpar]

terrific! Thanks so much for posting this...thought it would be way more complicated than this. Kuddos on a great video.

[@repairclinic]

+Bill Stratman Thanks.

[@cortezneal]

Love yall, ty for all you guys do!!

[@repairclinic]

You're welcome! We are always happy to help. If you would like to give us a review on Google, we would much appreciate it: g.page/r/CcVUrahZNozMEBM/review We hope that you have a great day!

[@iestrada448]

Thank you for information

[@brianmagrath7233]

Anyone know if there's a similar video on the Australian Cox Zero turn mower belt replacement? This video is good and easy to follow....

[@conybrown5371]

Thank you very much for making a great video

[@repairclinic]

You're welcome! We are always happy to help. If you would like to give us a review on Google, we would much appreciate it: g.page/r/CcVUrahZNozMEBM/review We hope that you have a great day!

[@kelvinbel8910]

Mine just fell off but you helped me. Thank you

[@richardlovern5679]

The z fto c

[@helpplease555]

NO need to remove the deck. Took me 30 seconds to replace the belt.. I’m a 62 yr old female with a bad back and did it…. No issues. Easy peasy…

[@fidenciocortes6174]

Amazing video

[@lucilleschneider1729]

terrific. I have a 2006 craftsman lawn tractor it has a 23 HP engine with a 42 inch mowerit is a Ys 4500 series . Having trouble finding a deck belt.

[@db201]

John B .The video was fine, but for me, allot more work than needed. Dropping the deck is fine if you want too waste time, but I just changed the drive belt on the Craftsman T110 without doing that. All that's required is you remove the pulley guards for the deck, and remove one bolt on the guard around the drive pulley so it's loose to get the belt around that pulley. Both ways work, but for me, the more you take loose, the more you have too hook back up.

[@Carolyn39574]

Thanks you saved me money from a rip off repair.

[@rockylosco5596]

I’m doing this now and I need to know how to tighten it too so it don’t happen again!my first belt broke cause it was too loose etc and it was old as well

[@andrewarnold8263]

I have a YT4000 with the same belt set up which works well until I disengage the blades then the belt comes off the pulleys any help greatly appreciated

[@TheRAMBO9191]

Doing this with a rusty grassy filled old deck. So fun. 😑

[@hanginlaundry360]

You and I are in my prayers😩😆🙏❤️

[@natedavis8632]

what would i need for a ys4500 craftsman riding lawn mower

[@TheJimmymunce]

Cutting my lawn last night and it felt as though the belt had broken however after an inspection today I can’t find a break. It moves freely and doesn’t appear to have any damage to the belt that I can find. Any guesses would be appreciated. Just seems to be loose but intact.

[@Matt34677]

Went and did this without taking the deck off of my Craftsman t150 but it was a pain. It was nearly impossible to slide the belt off the outside pulleys due to the "guide/metal rod" that helps to keep the belt from slipping off. After finally wrestling the belt off I learned the new belt (that was recommended) was slightly thicker so as you can imagine I had quite the time getting the new belt on. Several hurt fingers and blisters later voila!

[@johnfreel9806]

I also did the job without removing the deck. What a time saver. I also had trouble with the "guide/metal rod". I closed my vice grips completely around the rod below the pulley and was able to pull on the rod to allow the belt to squeeze into position. No hurt fingers and no blisters.

[@Lucixir]

I'm struggling with those fucking belt retainers as well, mine are thick and not bending or giving very much, nothing like this video shows where the belt easily slips out of them. My belt is also a bit thicker and in no way shape or form getting by these stupid retainers that have no reason being that close/tight to the pulleys. The one I'm struggling with is the retention pulley as well, so it's really annoying trying not to release tension at same time while trying to do this. I've tried channel locks but my strong grip isn't bending that thick piece of metal. Guess I'll have to try a long thick screw driver and see if I can use force to bend it over while using momentum. I figured Craftsman would be easier than this. This has been ridiculous to say the least.

[@Matt34677]

@@Lucixir I can't remember how I did it but it was basically using whatever leverage i could find and just muscling the belt in place. It was a pain for sure.

[@markarel]

I have the LT100 model, hopefully this instructional video is similar to what I'm about to face. Thanks (Crossing my fingers)

[@repairclinic]

markarel This video should at least give you some expectation of what you'll run into.

[@markarel]

The belt replacement was a success, thank you for your tutorial. Now I have to clean this carburetor.

[@repairclinic]

markarel Thank you for sharing.

[@jaydavis7122]

what size belt is that ? for that mower

[@kennyb4871]

Well, This is about 100X more complicated, and work, than it needs to be. Absolutely zero reason to remove the Deck. IF you watch this video, just vision the deck still being under the mower, and fully attached, and viola.

[@GCrow-lj3ig]

EXCELLENT video! Thank you! Now I don't have to call Sears & get a repairman!

[@repairclinic]

Sweet thanks!

[@jacksonskyles5323]

You do not have to remove the deck guys! The belt is easy to replace without doing all that.

[@onecrazywheel]

Guess what I tried to do it as well without removing the deck too. I miss placed the belt on the pulley without going around the pulley guide the right way and burned a belt up first try after I installed it. It shredded it up. It is worth taking the deck off indeed. Plus I sharpened and cleaned the deck the same time. Win Win Win. 👍

[@billydarley6925]

for some odd reason the tension pulley wont move very far on ours and we keep destroying cables if the lever is moved more than half way. only thing i can figure is possibly debris locking it up. really fed up with craftsman products and my dad mistreating it by neglecting to properly clean it after he uses it. if it isnt a debris issue than i have no idea. tired of fighting it.

[@dirtybauer7022]

where can i get a correct belt for a craftsman t1200? its shorter than 106cm but its a 42inch deck. not understanding.

[@joshsmith3680]

I got a 46 inch belt for a 46 inch deck andni6s too loose

[@georgereberry]

Lol you have the most cleanest one I've ever seen lol plus you show me on all the ones I've done.its not that easy to release belt

[@Hypno318]

I have a t140 I put new belt on but it's too loose how do I tighten belt

[@harryjones2420]

Wow, all you have to do to reinstall the belt tightner is hold it to the frame. Magic

[@dougross118]

Mom

[@YukiNagato18]

What size belt does it take? Having trouble finding it on the Internet can’t find it whatsoever

[@ezequielmaldonado5547]

I'm trying to find a belt diagram for my Craftsman riding lawn mower T 1800 can you help

[@josed537]

hola saludos porque la correa del corta grama tractor murray se rompe motivos por los cuales se daña

[@Opie778]

Taking the whole deck off is a waste can be done without doing that. Need to know what is the belt I need for the deck 2019 craftsman 42inch deck.

[@jaco7675]

I’ve replaced my deck belt a couple times - I’ve NEVER taken my deck off to do it.

[@josephprainito4604]

That's because You're the Man

[@jaco7675]

Joseph Prainito Haha. I wish. When I fix stuff, I regularly violate the “Hypocratic Oath of Reair”: (“Above all, do no harm to the Patient”)

[@TampaMaximumMike]

ditto

[@micromonkeygmail]

Yes--its a waste of time--I just got a new belt--and figured I'd try it--worked like a champ--no deck removal needed.

[@JoeGator23]

Same. Just set deck to the lowest height setting... for a bit more slack.

[@johncuervo3019]

I can't find one for a 54 inch deck

[@brentsr8259]

What belt yo you buy for a replacement ?

[@randyclark9115]

What is the size of the 46 inch craftman mower deck belt

[@raadisa8401]

how do you repair clutch actuator laver

[@FlySafe1000]

I have a T2600, it is IMPOSSIBLE to take the belt off unless you loosen the belt guards (which is very painful to loosen). This includes the front pully as well. YOU HAVE to loosen 2 on the deck plate and take off one in the front from the engine. The other painful issue finding the correct size belt! NOT listed in the manual! Agree, with comment below, DON't need to remove the deck, just lower it to the lowest cut setting. This is and will be my last Craftsman. My mower was built in 2017.

[@MegaBg1982]

Looks like after 2 hours i will get mad, argue with my wife and ruin my weekend

[@emsey6097]

Dude. Anyone who has worked or fixed a mower can relate to that.... LOL

[@KJKanon]

This is me, right now. Not sure if the weekend is ruined yet, but I'm so frustrated and my wife keeps offering up solutions to problems I don't have. 😑. "Want to borrow a push mower?" Yeah, because my issue is cutting the grass and not this god-forsaken belt that won't fit!!

[@nicesime7139]

Currently watching the video in the same situation

[@hawkdriver4428]

I can confirm this is exactly what happens

[@plowman1266]

Hilarious been there

[@katiedotson704]

I have a Craftsman GT 8400 w/ less than 40 hours on it. For reasons unknown, the deck belt came off when I engaged the blades. I can't get the belt to go around the drive pulley. I have tried to create more slack by moving the tensioner pulley with a crow bar but still am unable to get the belt around the drive pulley. The configuration looks fine per the drawing that is on the mower. Do you have any suggestions?

[@jenasaraus]

This same thing just happened to me! The belt is so tight I cannot get it back on! how did you end up fixing yours?

[@russl4294]

AMEN ❤

[@repairclinic]

You're welcome! We are always happy to help. If you would like to give us a review on Google, we would much appreciate it: g.page/r/CcVUrahZNozMEBM/review We hope that you have a great day!

[@ahmedaljumely5552]

My belt keep jumping?? I can’t finish my yard ? Any help please!

[@tommyengle8281]

Why is my t2200 blade engaged all the time and want disengage

[@nelsonsantos770]

My only problem is when I disengage the blade, it seems to be hitting something like it's loose. But I checked and there's really nothing hitting the belt.

[@epothos1]

This video is “The” guide

[@repairclinic]

You're welcome! We are always happy to help. If you would like to give us a review on Google, we would much appreciate it: g.page/r/CcVUrahZNozMEBM/review We hope that you have a great day!

[@natedavis8632]

what size belt would i need for a ys4500 craftsman riding lawn mower

[@colocaomantequilla1289]

nate davis you can usually find that under the hood. The blade/deck size is the same as the belt size

[@426superbee4]

Don't need to take the dam deck off ! to replace a deck belt

[@rep1989]

I replaced my belt and now for some reason my lever doesn't work to engage the blades?

[@gorillaman72]

I'm also now having that issue. What did you do to solve that problem

[@lblittle1207]

How do you detach clutch cable? Instructions suck!!!

[@Captain_72_]

So the belt should be that loose I’ve been thinking about tightening mine up?

[@anglosaxon1622]

It should be loose/slack when the blade / deck drive is disengaged ( like he showed the lever in the video). When the lever is pushed/ moved , the idler pulley moves to tighten the belt and the power is transferred to turn the blade pulleys.

[@nhseacoasr]

STOP BOGARTING the search results for the Craftsman T310 54" deck

[@jeffmurnahan]

How do I find the right belt for the craftsman t1600 (2014) ? Can anyone help me?

[@anglosaxon1622]

Did you get the correct belt? I found the best plan, take the model/ type # to local dealers/ small engine shop/ etc and someone should be able to tell you the actual manufacturer which in my case is Husqvarna , which happened to be the dealer and so I was given the correct belt. Mail order for me was a disaster, despite having the exact Sears part # , an eBay seller sent the same non fitting belt twice . Even having the supposed dimensions is not always reliable to getting a suitable belt. Shop locally whenever possible, you can always take it back (unused) for an exchange. Cost a little more but you avoid some hassle.

[@hdrjunkie]

is there a fix for this? : My 2010 Craftsman YTS300 doesn't seem to cut the grass evenly. its almost like where the tires push the grass down doesn't get cut on the next pass, like the blades aren't spinning fast enough to "lift" the grass back up so it can be cut. then when I come around on the third pass I can see a stripe of Longer grass where it didn't cut. Is there a fix for this? I have tried new blades, the stock blades and the hi lift Mulching blades, I changed out the belt for the blades, I have leveled the deck now a few times.to me it just doesn't seem like the blades are spinning as fast as they should be. can I get smaller OD pulleys for the deck? or is it some other problem? its the 46" deck YTS 300 with the 21 HP motor. other than that its a fine tractor.

[@repairclinic]

+hdrjunkie We would defer to whatever the user manual says about deck adjustments. That information is more specific than information we have.

[@hdrjunkie]

+RepairClinic.com thanks!

[@rickcunningham4747]

great video clear and to the point. I installed my new belt on my 42in Craftsman mower everything went on fine. Then I went to start it and it wouldn't start. In the end I put the old back on and it started right up. Any reasons to why the mower would not start, I sensed it was a little tight because I had to push and pull to get everything connected back but that I expected. Any help or information would be greatly appreciate it have a great day.

[@ozarkaerialvideo9274]

Sounds like blade clutch was engaged.

[@steveashley1787]

What size does the YT 3000 take. The 42 Inch or the 46 Inch?

[@survivorwith1leg]

42 just brought one home

[@TheBiggRiggz]

Not on this current mower(which is identical to what they're working on) but the previous rider i had, was the very first I'd ever owned. My neighbor tells me "yeah i know how to do that". 3 hours later, having replaced the belt, but also putting the ENTIRE MOWER up on jack stands via floor jack, i was thinking "there's no freakin way this should be this friggin hard!" So i then did what i should've done to begin with; KZbin. 5 minute fix. Took longer to find and watch the video than it did to actually do the task. I dunno who invented KZbin, or who thought "i should do a how to video for 'this thing'", but they both ought never have to buy a beer ever again for the rest of their existence. Hell, even their children and grandchildren ought not have to buy beer EVER.

[@catherineworthey8089]

Why didn't you show us how easy it is to hook the spring back up😅

[@belmontvideo3604]

T1300 here. 42” belt, official, and it’s way too loose. I’ve spent 2 days working on it and I still can’t find a way to tighten it. Help please!

[@repairclinic]

If it is a genuine OEM replacement part it should fit. Double check that the belt is correctly installed.

[@ValdranGaming]

Actually it’s not about just getting the part, it’s getting the right one from the model number and serial number underneath the seat then looking it all up on a parts website or calling a retailer to double check. Getting a 42” belt from Craftsman may not work on your 42” deck because of the model number (not T1300 for instance, it’s a code)

[@damname101]

Folks. YOU DO NOT NEED TO REMOVE THE DECK!!!!!! You can do this job is 10 minutes. 6 screws holding the 2 shrouds over the pullys is all you need to remove and replace the belt. Why on earth go through all this unnecessary steps ? suddenly 10 minutes turns into 2 hours......

[@rodsapyta7059]

Can I put the belt on with out lowering the deck??

[@repairclinic]

+Rod Sapyta Perhaps. We had to lower it on this model.

[@rodsapyta7059]

10-4 thanks for your help. I have the same model.. I followed your video and got it working again.Thanks RS

[@stevekrause5931]

Can't this belt be replaced without removing the deck?

[@raytrudell1155]

Just done it, takes about 5 min.

[@erniebennett4650]

I have a problem in that the belt does not fit. I bought a belt from Sears, and they assured me that it is the correct one. If I put it on with the deck unmounted, the support arms will not align to the pins, being about 2 inches away. If I put the belt on without connecting it to the drive pulley, mount the deck to the mower frame, and then try to attach it to the drive pulley, it won't even reach to the center of the pulley. I know it should be a lot looser. What am I doing wrong?

[@judsand]

DId you figure this out. I'm having the same problem.

[@erniebennett4650]

Yes, I bought a new belt from a specialty mower shop and it fit. It seemed that the belt I bought from Sears was 3 inches too long, even though it had the correct part number stamped on it.

[@judsand]

Thank you for your help.

[@maryblack1122]

Every single time I have went to Sears for a new belt, it's been wrong. EVERY TIME! And they won't exchange or give money back for them. I have garage full of belts I don't need.

[@lblittle1207]

this not a 247.273430!

[@allencunningham5033]

Bought a new craftsman T2200 riding mower in January of this year from Lowe's. Has a grand total of less than 2 hrs. cutting time on it (drought conditions until recently) and this POS belt they're referencing would not stay on!! Less than 2 hrs. and it's already stretched out. Now I own a one-seater go-kart with a 17.5 Kohler engine that will do everything but cut grass until I spring for another belt. All for just over $2000.00. Save your money on the mower and the foreign-made belt

[@louismlok]

I have the same lawn tractor " 2007 craftsman DYT 4000 3 blades " the belt fell down and I still not sure about the belt pattern configuration around the bullies, I wonder where could I find a belt diagram.Your video is not showing the finish stage after all parts in Place. Wonder if you could tell me where can I find the diagram ,It is not on my machine anywhere.I have a lawn tractor " 2007 craftsman DYT 4000 3 blades " the belt fell down and I still not sure about the belt pattern configuration around the bullies, I wonder where could I find a belt diagram.Your video is not showing the finish stage after all parts in Place. Wonder if you could tell me where can I find the diagram ,It is not on my machine anywhere.

[@repairclinic]

+Lajos Marczin We do not have a diagram of your machine.

[@louismlok]

Thank you tough It's been fixed now. Louis.

[@SR-pb6kq]

cuts on fingers, thats what happens when you don't wear gloves

[@mikehumphrey4039]

I'm 70 and I would not even do this (again) but I face a fifteen hundred dollar fine for grass being not mowed every day welcome to America I owe I owe so here I go

[@loganwork7024]

HOA's are disgusting

[@loganwork7024]

HOA's are disgusting

[@kellyross4801]

Hmm. Works just like that when you're working on a brand new machine that has never mowed grass, doesn't have a speck of dirt on it, in a clean, well-lit, level studio. Not nearly so easy in real life. Might as well just look at a diagram. Oh right, there isn't one available anywhere. Silly me. But then, it's no problem at all to call Sears and have a Craftsman repairman make a service call. For a nominal fee, of course.

[@danvancouver116]

Get your knees dirty and change the belt. I'd have an acre of grass cut while you mess with removing the deck.

[@josephfrancis5193]

Om9

[@lucillegreen8098]

Uh

[@Ttiatus]

It kind of looks like he cut his left index finger while trying to install this belt because his hand looked fine at 32 seconds in, but noticably cut afterwards. I know this is going to happen to me too damnit.