Craftsman Lawn Tractor Deck Blade Belt Replacement

This is a step-by-step video on how to remove/replace the deck V-belt on a Craftsman riding mower. No deck removal required.
Please Note: Instructions for changing the deck blade belt may be slightly different for your model/year Craftsman.
This particular older/early model and year Craftsman video may be similar enough to help replace the blade belt on your Craftsman lawn tractor. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.
0:00 Start
3:08 New Belt Installation
Can't find your belt locally? Buy on-line:
Amazon belt page(s) amzn.to/2jKFyEZ
*Belt part# 532144200 (length: 88” x ½”)
Fits models:
917.270511 (Craftsman model in video)
917.257552
917.259573
917.270810
917.271011
Belt page(s) amzn.to/2k0odpi
*Belt part# 532144959 (length: 95.½” x ½”)
Fits models:
917.270671 _ 917.271831 __ 917.272481_ 917.287030
917.270750 __ 917.271832 __ 917.272673
917.271372 __ 917.271842 __ 917.272751
917.271641 __ 917.271860 __ 917.272761
917.271652 __ 917.272050 __ 917.273373
917.271811 __ 917.272052 __ 917.275371
917.271814 __ 917.272450 __ 917.276813
917.271826 __ 917.272451 __ 917.279950
*Confirm your tractors belt part number with your purchaser.
Model not listed? Please comment below what model you have so I can add it to the above Fits list.
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: The links in this video description are Amazon affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if a purchase is made after clicking the link.
I'm like you, trying to make-ends-meet in this tough economy. I appreciate others sharing their knowledge and experiences to save money and would encourage you also to, DoItYourSelf.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Hi everyone, please be mindful that this video is intended to be able to remove and replace the deck belt on an older/early model Craftsman lawn tractor. This particular model and year Craftsman video may be similar enough to help replace the deck belt on your Craftsman lawn tractor. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching. *Can't find your part locally? Buy on Line. Check in the Description/SHOW MORE for related product links.

[@butchperdieu3821]

hello..help needed.on replacing the interlock switch for the blade engaging,how doe that spring go on???thanks

[@kevinsweeney562]

Superb instructions. Unfortunately I thought a new belt would fix my loose belt problem and it didn't. The idler pulley moves to tighten the belt as it should when the engage lever is moved to engage, but not enough to get the blades spinning. Any suggestions?

[@Honestandtruth]

Doityourselfers..... I couldn't have done without your video help.... Thanks

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it helped. Thank you Sralaine 007 o-700 for your comments/posting.

[@Honestandtruth]

@@DoItYourSelfers FYI, KZbin videos have helped me and many many other people who are Willing to learn and SAVE MONEY Good and kind Heart people like you. God bless ALL of you Good people 🙏😇👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Loving and Caring are the only for PEACE and Freedoms.

[@trustyaxe]

I know this video is a bit dated...but so is my LT2000, lol. Hands down, this is THE best filmed and explanatory video on this mower line I have come across and I have looked at many. Thank you for your time and very detailed video. It has made my mowing life much easier!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate the kind words. Thank you trustyaxe for your comments/posting.

[@trustyaxe]

@@DoItYourSelfers I literally just got done replacing another deck belt using this video as a guide, lol. Hopefully, I'll be able to do it from memory next time, but if not, I'll have this awesome video to reference again. :)

[@kennywynn5275]

Thank You for taking the time to make this video. I have never changed a belt on a mower before and after watching this video I had it done in 30 minutes! Very detailed and really appreciate you doing this. Thanks for saving me hours today!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

You are welcome. Glad to hear it helped. Thank you Kenny for your comments/posting.

[@susananderson7762]

Perfect instructions! My first belt change and because of your directions everything went well! Thank you so much!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Susan for the kind words. Glad to hear it helped.

[@bassinbillRC5300]

@@DoItYourSelfers I m the missed the 1 of two belt guards protecting the belt travel on the right side of the deck, shredding the new belt. Of the two guide pulleys, one on the left has "one" belt guard and the one on the right has "two" guards. (I missed one) damaging my replacement belt I brought with me to a job away from home. Live and learn.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Sorry to hear that William. I know what you mean, I have had my share of live and learn moments as well. Good luck. Thanks for sharing.

[@BillDeanstlrealestate]

I only wish I had found your your video sooner. Five stars, Excellent and especially helpful that you showed us how to identify the year and you are the only one to point out the size of the belt and with a link to amazon. WELL DONE THANK YOU

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad you liked it. Thank you Bill for your comments/posting. I appreciate the kind words.

[@lordofdunvegan6924]

I changed the belt with no problem but had to disconnect both suspension arms to allow the belt to reach the pulleys. I might add that it is important to lubricate thoroughly all deck parts including the pulleys. Dirt and rust builds up and prevents the deck from functioning leading to the belt breaking....my experience...ouch. I have a Poulen lawn tractor and it has exactly the same layout. Great vid as I previously mentioned.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Good advice on the lubricating the deck parts and pulleys. Also good to know the video helped with a Poulan lawn tractor as well. Thank you Christopher for sharing your experience.

[@MsJessejackson]

Best guide on this repair. No unnecessary talking, good lighting, good job do it your selfers.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Paul for the kind words, glad to hear it helped.

[@briancrocker7381]

This video is a ton of value packed into 6 minutes. One of the most useful videos I've ever come across. Saved me a ton of time.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Brain for your comments/posting. Glad to hear it helped.

[@sheriffgirl6289]

Thank you on behalf of the females of the world that are DIY queens. I used your video to fix my 2008 LT3,000 Craftsman ridding lawnmower.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Awesome, glad to hear it helped. Good to know it can be used for a LT3000 model Craftsman. Thank you Sheriff Girl for your comments/posting.

[@roysutherland4437]

Thanks for your video. The filming was exactly what I needed. For some reason the belt tensioner retainer pin was missing when I took the deck off. And when I put the deck back on, I didn't remember where to put the belt tensioner arm. Thanks to your video, I got a good look at the top of the deck.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it helped. Thank you Roy for your comments/posting.

[@Tommyr]

Thanks for doing this video! It'll help me do my first tractor belt replacement!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Tommyr for posting.

[@dennythedealer]

I watched a lot of videos on how to replace a deck belt and this one is by far the best. Thanks so much.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Charles for the kind words. Glad to hear it helped.

[@bastawros1]

Excellent clear instructions, good pace, and very clear concise video. Short and to the point. One of the best DIY videos.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

I appreciate the kind words. Exactly my goal.Thank you Adel for your comments/posting.

[@johntheo4729]

great job. Quick, well edited and straight to point. You rock!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you John. Glad to hear it helped. Thanks for posting.

[@jayrobertson1689]

This video gave me the knowledge and confidence to do a no problem belt change,cleaned it up real good while at it,everything went gr8,thanks again!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Awesome, glad it worked out so well. Comments like yours are exactly why I do the videos. Thanks again Jay for the kind words.

[@stavrosstavrides]

The best video out there on this subject. I have a 2000 model (917 series), without a clutch rod, it appears. After I removed the plastic housing over the outside pulley, the old belt came straight out the back without any further disassembly! I just slid the new one through, threaded it up, and presto. If it weren't for that detail about removing the plastic housing, I would have dropped the entire deck, as all others advise! I am grateful for this important tip.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it helped! Thank you Stavros Stavrides for your sharing your experience. I appreciate the kind words.

[@lesleyjenkins1915]

Awesome tutorial, thank you so much for the very clear step by step procedure to change this belt.This was my first time and it went very smoothly as I followed the steps.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Great to hear! Thank you Lesley for sharing your experience.

[@bobfletcher346]

🌹🌹 1 269 845 6235

[@yorusama5011]

Thank you for making this video!! Just used it to replace my deck belt!!! You're great

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you yorusama5011 for your comments/posting. I appreciate the kinds words. Glad to hear it helped.

[@fraydnot]

Thanks for the video. I am trying to find out where the spring for the pivoting idler pulley goes. The owners manual shows one in the parts break down, but is vague on it's attach point.. My spring lost while I was mowing.. Any help would be appreciated

[@lawrenceklein3524]

Thank you on behalf of the guys who don't engage a focus group to study how this is done! Your video is short, sweet, and to the point! Thank you!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad it was helpful. Thank you Lawrence for your comments/posting.

[@nuttyprofessor1958]

Cool! I had never seen anyone do this without completely removing the deck. Thanks!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Good to hear it helped. Thank you nuttyprofessor1950s for your comments/posting.

[@ShanOakley]

Now that's how to put together a do it yourself video. Straight to the point and easy to understand. Thanks!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Exactly my goal. Thank you Shan for your comments, much appropriated.

[@robertpearl5884]

@@DoItYourSelfers What size belt do I need to buy the old one broke ???

[@edibleacres]

Really well done video work and description. Much appreciated.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it helped. Thank you EdibleAcres for your comments/posting.

[@billnalder1017]

How lucky to find a help vid of the exact model of mower as well as the exact procedure I was about to undertake!...and a very well shot and narrated video to boot!..thanks for posting~

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Great to hear the video helped you. Thank you Bill for your comments/posting.

[@1koorb]

Thats one of the clearest how to videos I've ever seen. Well done.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

I appreciate the kind words. Thank you Brook for posting.

[@luispezzini5300]

Era justo el video que estaba buscando para cambiar la correa de mi viejo cortador Craftsman...excelente la explicación y el video muy ilustrativo...muchas gracias!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Me alegro de haberlo ayudado. Gracias Luis por sus comentarios / publicación.

[@patrickdriscoll9962]

Hi I had to adjust the trunnion on the front link when i installed the new belt. It was just too tight. However, couldnt find anywhere a spec on how tight to make it !

[@personalvideos1226]

You just saved me a lot of money! Thank you for your video!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Great to hear, thank you, Personal Videos for your comments/posting.

[@bassinbillRC5300]

Hi and good morning. I am thanking you for posting this video. I had a quandary where to attach the deck rod. It needed to go into the proper place before I started the engine. I replaced a worn-out belt last week with a new one. The new one wore out within minutes. I must have either put a belt that was too small or routed it incorrectly or twisted the belt since I did not remove the deck from under the mower ( I just removed the cotter pins) needed to remove the worn belt and put in a new one. I own a 917270810 model LT1000 42" cut tractor. I bought it used and fixed it up.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it helped. Thank you William for sharing your experience.

[@gidden2001]

thanks so much for this video. not so much for the belt, but how the deck was installed. I took mine off two years ago, and forgot how it went back on. Thanks again.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Good to hear it helped. Thank you Ian for sharing your good results.

[@MarkBrown-hz6iz]

excellent video, great lighting under the mower to view all the parts involved, great camera shots!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it helped. Thank you MarkBrown-hz6iz for comments/posting.

[@michaelreynolds3592]

I have a 50" deck... but this video gave me the confidence to do it. Thank you so much for the relaxed version lol.. I added a few bad words to my pulley routing..

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Awesome, I'm glad to hear it helped. Thank you Michael for posting.

[@lisagrignon5365]

It might be an old video but I thank you for getting me out of a headache! I was putting the belt on the right side ,on wrong side of mounting plate!🤦🏻‍♂️ very grateful! 🫡🫡🇺🇸🍻

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Awesome! I'm glad it helped. Thank you, Lisa Grignon, for your comments/posting.

[@RobertViani]

Nice video perfect presentation!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Robert for the kind words.

[@michaelsinclair2171]

Great instructions to the point and no silly music. Thank-you very much sir.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Michael for your comments/posting.

[@poppie327530]

I was having a repair shop come and get it to replace the belt...Thanks to your excellent presentation, I can do it myself....kudos!! How do you get your lawnmower to start so quickly....mine has to turn for a while....do I need to replace the starter?

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Good to hear it helped. As far as it being difficult to start, a valve adjustment may/should resolve it. There’s some good KZbin video’s on adjusting the valves for hard to start engines. Thank you Anthony for watching.

[@Sploocher]

This is one of the best in detailed video I've ever seen.. Thank you so much for the help 👍👍

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Shawn for your comments/posting. Glad to hear it helped.

[@tbird735]

wht size is the belt

[@adkleiner]

Thanks for posting this - after watching several videos, yours was the one that guided me through this. I appreciate it.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

You're welcome. Glad to hear it helped. Thank you adkleiner for your comments/posting.

[@jkrichardson5304]

Great video! No nonsense, straight to the point. Thanks!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it helped. Thank you JK Richardson for your comments/posting.

[@Patrick-qi3ws]

Excellent tutorial!!! Thank you so much!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Awesome to hear! Thank you Patrick for your comments/posting.

[@chillteck2709]

Help! I have a 42" LT1200. I purchased the right belt via part numbers; but, once I put it on, it appears slack by roughly 4". There's also a thin metal rod that emerges from back, center of the deck and runs over, and up to, the left outside pulley, (sorry, I'm a girl not familiar with this stuff). It looks as though the belt is going to rub on this and I don't know if the belt is supposed to go behind this rod, above this rod, etc. I bought the mower at a sale, (no manual), and can't seem to find any diagrams. Can I use a 38" belt? I presumed belts are to be "snug". Any help would be greatly appreciated. Most of all, you did a superb job on the tutorial. Thank you!!

[@flamitas58]

Crystal clear instructions Sir. Thank you !!! :)

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Hector for the kind words. I’m glad it helped.

[@vitormartins1455]

Can you tell me the mesure of that belt? I think my bestgreen 16,5 107cm is the same. Thank's.

[@kurthaueter7653]

Nice instruction and to the point without having to watch the entire process. Thanks.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad it was helpful. Thank you Kurt for your comments/posting.

[@william38022]

I have a 1997 or 1998 I believe it is,,, sears diehard gold series,,,,, mine also has the mechanical linkage rod's to engage the deck rather than the spring and cable and I was about to give up on mine till I seen your video I took all those rods out and I took the deck off and And of course I couldn't figure out how to get everything to go back together I seen your video and it made it so much easier,,, really great video thanks a million

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it helped. Thank you William for your comments/posting.

[@mtrapp0320]

Nice job! Thank you for making this look easy!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you String Theory Music for your comments/posting.

[@william38022]

I see were someone here made a comment that it's very important to lubricate all the pulleys I would not try that they have bearings that are sealed and they're engineered to last a specific amount of time and then they will wear out then they must be replaced (the pulleys)you can change the bearings in the idler pulley's however it is a very time-consuming process you need a really good drill press with a really good vice type arrangement on the table of the press and then you have to buy the bearing and then after you replace the bearing you must either pop rivet it back together or use very small nuts and bolts and washers I did this once just to see if it could be done and it can however the bearing ended up costing more than a pulley did on eBay,,,, you can change the bearings and shaft in the mandrels or you can buy the whole mandrel preassembled I personally feel that it's easier to leave your old mandrels on and just replace the shaft and bearings if you try and remove your old mandrels they will most likely break or the bolts will it's easier to leave them attached to the deck and just replace the shaft and the bearings if you need parts for your craftsman lawn tractor one really good source I have found on eBay is wildcats46,,, just make sure you give him your model number and serial number if you're unsure about parts compatibility his prices are excellent and shipping is usually free

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Good to know. I appreciate the information and thank you William for sharing.

[@classiclistener01]

Thank you for posting - helped me greatly! :)

[@DoItYourSelfers]

And thank you classiclistener01 also for your posting, glad to hear it helped.

[@classiclistener01]

@DoItYourSelfers - Yes...I thought I was screwed when the blade stopped working. Luckily, I found this video, and, it was repaired in no time! Thank you, Again! :) By the way - is there anything that constantly draws power from the battery once it's shut off and put away? I had to charge the battery this morning after it sat in my shed for only ten days in warm-to-hot whether!?!? In winter, I could understand this...but, in summer!?!?

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Yes, the extreme cold affects the life of a battery (for various reasons) but a battery can also be affected by extreme heat as well. I have read that the heat causes a battery’s fluid to evaporate which ultimately damages the internal structure of the battery. The hotter the battery, the faster the chemical reactions will occur. There’s more to it than just that but it’s interesting you mention it; I just started to experience the same exact thing as well. It’s been hot and dry so I’m not mowing weekly, more like every 2 weeks (or so). I haven’t any time to troubleshoot it so I’ve been jumping it with a Halo portable jumper. :)

[@classiclistener01]

@DoItYourSelfers - Thank you for the information. I, too, had to jump the battery...just before the issue with the belt. It was an interesting morning! :(

[@debrarichards1014]

Thanks. On mine, the belt keeps falling off the engine pulley when I disengage the mower. Each time I try to re-engage the belt for mowing I have to get off the mower and put the belt back on the engine pulley. It is very loose and I cant see any way to adjust the tension of the belt. I have the correct belt for my model. Any suggestions?

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Check that the belt keeper(s) are about 1/8” from the pulley. Bend them slightly to get them to that distance. Confirm the belt length, 1/2”x88”. Also, a friendly reminder to confirm the belt is between all the pulleys. Let make know Debra how you make out.

[@limenstickygreen]

I normally don't leave comments but very well done! Great Job on the video best one so far

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you limenstickygreen, I appreciate your comments/posting.

[@johnnyr888]

So glad I didn't have to put rider on jack stands and drop the deck! Thank you!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to help. Thanks John!

[@DanielHernandez-dm3yq]

Excellent Video and instructions. Thanks!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

I appreciate the kind words. Thank you Daniel for posting.

[@johndoherty1258]

Best 'how to' video ever. Thank you so much.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you John, glad to hear it helped.

[@19491Tommy]

I have a follow up question: my new belt fits perfect, and the mower blades turn easily, but when I encounter thick grass the blades stop. Is there anyway to put more tension on the belt ?

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Hi Tommy, I don’t believe there is or at least not my model Craftsman. I tried Googling that symptom but didn’t find anything very specific. Good luck Tommy, let me know what you find out.

[@the_mad_stalk1316]

Excellent video.... well explained and great camera shots/angles. I fixed my belt issue this morning... Saved me lots of money.... An yes I subscribed

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Awesome, glad to hear it helped. Thank you for your comments/posting and thank you for subscribing.

[@carlosbalzar6869]

Did my first belt change using your video, worked great. Now, another problem with it, it won't start. When I turn the key to start it it just makes the clank noise. Thanks in advance to anyone that will help.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it helped you with your belt change. The starting issue…. check out this Briggs & Stratton web page that may have your particular symptom; “Why won’t my lawn mower engine starter engage?” www.briggsandstratton.com/na/en_us/support/faqs/browse/engine-starter-problems-and-repair.html#MotorSpins Good luck, thank you Carlos for watching.

[@leskavage]

This is a great instructional video. Thank you for producing it!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it was helpful. Thank you JD L for your comments/posting.

[@sharonallen4655]

My belt slipped off the front pulley I can't slide the belt back over the pulley is there a tension-er pulley....I can't tell if there is or which one it is?? Thanks for you expert advice.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Hi Sharon, actually I had a similar post. If it’s the same model as in the video, I don’t believe there are adjustments for the deck belt. Confirm the belt is correctly between the pulleys and belt keepers/stoppers, also check if the belt is correct for your model. Good luck Sharon, let me know how it works out.

[@waltermassey1146]

What is the correct belt size. I put an 88 on it and it works pretty good while engaged, but when you disengage the blades the belt starts flapping around making alot of noise. Any help with the correct belt size would be clutch. Model number is 917271053. With 19hp

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Hey Walter, model Craftsman 917271053 Belt part# 532144959 (length: 95.½” x ½”). Of course confirm with your retailer to be sure.

[@SMRo7]

Great video, my is and 89 as well, Thank You!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it helped. Thank you SMRo7 for your comments/posting. Good to know the video works for an '89 as well.

[@Keepingitreal98]

just the video I was looking for. thanks man. keep up the good work

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Keepingitreal98. Glad to hear it helped.

[@chrisguimond3348]

Right on it gonna help me that's for sure ...thank you

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it will help. Thank you Chris for posting.

[@davidduvall9190]

I have a Wizard 42"cut made by Electrolux that's a little different than the one shown in the video, can you recommend a site for me ?

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Sorry David, unfortunately I don’t have any site I can recommend. If you haven’t already, Google "Electrolux tractor manuals." The manual typically has a diagram that shows the breakdown of the belt path. Good luck.

[@parkmaninnc]

Great video. Good and thorough instructions.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it helped. Thank you Bob for your comments/posting.

[@TheNanaweaver]

Thank you I m an old woman and will try this myself great video

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Awesome! Good to hear. Thank you Joyce for posting.

[@alaysiakayebutler6299]

lol, that's me, too!! grammy needs to mow, so here i am ;)

[@DoItYourSelfers]

You go grammy :)

[@jeffreyrogers314]

Great Job and detailed. Thank you.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Jeffrey for your comment/post.

[@stegomon]

Thank you. You just saved me alot of frustration

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Awesome, glad to hear it helped. Thank you stegomon for your comments/posting.

[@stevelandsaw3132]

That was perfect. Thanks!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Steve for your comments!

[@orb2150tx]

This should be at the top of the list. Save everybody from sifting through all of the other useless out of focus,horrible editing, and personal war stories!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Rob, I appreciate your comments/posting.

[@rickyquesadilla]

Thanks for the post! Now off to try it!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you rickyquesadilla for watching.

[@williambolton228]

Thanks I did look at the owners manual and seems the right size if it’s correct, 1995 craftsman II series 42”

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Let me know William how it works out.

[@tonykartracer8032]

Am I correct to assume that if your belt already snapped, you can simply get a new belt and work it around the pulley's without taking off any pins apart from the one clutch rod arm?

[@DoItYourSelfers]

I could have just simply cut the old belt to remove it but since this this an older Craftsman model, I had to disconnect the suspension arm pin and clutch rod pin anyway to install the new belt, unlike the LT1000 or LT2000 models where you don’t have to remove any parts of the deck. Thank you Tony for posting.

[@kellymckenzie4683]

Explained very well; video quality is excellent!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you, Kelly for your comments/posting.

[@kellymckenzie4683]

***** Honestly...we were blown away by the video footage, the lighting, the edits and descriptive captions and your simple explanation of everything! You should be teaching somewhere!!!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

I appreciate your kind words Kelly and for taking the time to compliment my video footage. I’m glad it helped.

[@jimlowery692]

I replaced the deck belt on my Lt 1000 and it wore out within 5 minutes. The old belt that broke measures 3/8 x 95 the new one was 1/2x95. Any suggestions what happened? Thanks

[@DoItYourSelfers]

The belt size sounds like its correct, it’s a common belt size but I would double check to your specific Craftsman model. (Model number under the seat, typically) The drive pulleys and idler pulleys can cause belt issues if they are not clean and in working order. The movable arm should swing freely without obstruction, and the blade spindles should turn freely as well. With that said, one time I didn’t have the belt in between a belt keeper properly. Fortunately, I caught that quickly and moved the belt in to place. Good luck Jim. Let me know how you make out.

[@Vermontpureherbs]

Great video very well done . Thank you.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Tajeanhus Greens Herbs & Produce for your comments/posting.

[@feltonanderson3009]

Thank you! Your video was the perfect video to change my belt. I definitely appreciate you!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Awesome. Glad to hear it helped. Thank you Felton Anderson for your comments/posting.

[@feltonanderson3009]

@@DoItYourSelfers your welcome

[@dougtraub4895]

I blew up the L blade tower by hitting a rock. I installed a new tower, but the brake arm on the left must have lost the spring, as it is just hanging in the wind. Any idea where a spring connects to the L pulley brake?

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Hmm, are you referring to a different model Craftsman? e,g LT1000 i don't see that on the Model Craftsman in the video.

[@roamic]

Thanks so much, a big help!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you roamic, glad to hear it helped.

[@victorrios633]

Great, wonderful belt installation...

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Victor, glad to hear it helped.

[@michaeljasper229]

Nice video...I have a problem. When I engage the blades to cut grass it will start and stop cutting the grass, but the blades still turn. My deck looks exactly like yours. Please help.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Sorry michaeljasper229, I haven’t had that particular issue so honestly I don't have any ideas on your symptom. Stay well.

[@neowaves3586]

dou know how to tie the belt? mines a bit loose

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Hi Christopher, if it’s the same model as in the video, I don’t believe there are adjustments for the deck belt. I would confirm the belt is correctly between the pulleys and also check if the belt is correct for your model. Good luck, let me know how you make out.

[@williambolton228]

What size is the belt I found it to be 83.5” for the blade drive is that correct?

[@DoItYourSelfers]

I can’t say that’s the exact size for your model tractor. There are some common sizes; 88” x ½” or a 95”. ½” x ½” belt size can fit the deck for numerous models. If you have the model number of your tractor, (sometimes located under the seat) I would check with a retailer so they can give you the specs and a part number for the correct belt size for your model tractor. Good luck William.

[@EdwardHomerVIC]

Great job. Cheers!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Edward!

[@fangorn1000]

Terrific instructions. thank you .

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Human angel Thank you Human Angel for your comments/posting.

[@baggs1938]

Thanks... Your vid was fastest way, everyone said I have to drop the deck.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad to hear it helped you. Thank you Gary for your comments/posting.

[@ironhorse1224]

i dont think the first numbers on the serial # are the manufacturing date for all craftsman riders..the reason i say this is because my serial# is 2401517562 that would make the month it was made # 24..do you know how i can find the replacement belt i need ? my deck has a 38"cut..

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Hi Gary, yes, I agree, I wouldn’t think all the Craftsman series models serial numbers are the manufacturing date but the date is not so much necessarily for getting parts but more so the model number. The Craftsman in the video has a model number of 917.270511. I also have a Craftsman LT1000 model number 917-272673. Using the model number(s), I went on-line to Sears Parts Direct and/or Repair Clinic to find the belt part number I needed. You can buy on-line or at a local store once you get the part number of the belt for your model tractor.I have 2 links in the comments section of my video to, Sear Parts Direct and Repair Clinic to help find the part number you need. Good luck Gary. Let me know how you make out.

[@dragonfly264]

Great video. Helps me a lot!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Good to hear it helped. Thank you Diana 509dragonfly for your comments.

[@haroldrussel686]

This is very well done!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Harold for the kind words.

[@PCHerc]

Your fix works for me! Thanks!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Glad it helped! Thank you PCHerc for posting.

[@hueandsteve1989]

Thank you, very helpful.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Steve for your comments/posting, glad to hear it helped.

[@bernardrussell3379]

is this the same with a 46 inch deck i have a 46 inch deck

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Hi Bernard, honestly I can’t say for sure. I can only suggest (from a similar post) the,searspartdirect.com site. Enter your specific model number (usually) found under the tractors seat using the, MODEL FINDER option on the sites page to find your models diagram to see if it looks like the same belt path. Good luck Bernard let me know how you make out.

[@thecuss6817]

I have 2005 model Craftsman LT1000, and I don't remove the deck to change a deck drive belt. I remove the cover over the left spindle pulley.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

I have a 2003 LT1000 tractor also, and you are correct, I don't have to drop/remove the deck for this model. Thank you The Cuss for your comments/posting.

[@georgeshadrick640]

hey you made that look easy thank you for your service and your video peace out

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you George!

[@lordofdunvegan6924]

great video....very detailed. Thank you.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Christopher for your comments.

[@martyt9767]

What about a 917.271080 model? I'm having trouble finding a deck belt for it.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Hmm, a suggestion that may help, Repair Clinic. I have no affiliation or made any purchases with them but they have a decent website (or kick it old school and give them a call, lol) for some help/information. Let me know how it works out. Good luck Marty.

[@blockhead1ish]

very easy to understand and very informative..

[@DoItYourSelfers]

+Duane N. Thank you Duane, for your comments/posting.

[@mikiesdad21107]

Hello I tried to replace my belt a few times but I keep getting a belt that is to short I keep giving the right numbers but the belt is always to short I have an older craftsman 1500 6 speed hydro it's a 42" deck please help?

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Hi Michael, I can only suggest the,searspartdirect.com site. Try the, MODEL FINDER or SHOP PARTS options. Enter your, specific model number (usually) found under the tractors seat. (e.g. my tractor model is; 917-270511) Also, if you haven’t already, give them a call, (1.800.491.3457). You don’t have to necessarily purchase from them but they should be able to provide you with a belt part number (and length) to cross reference to use at a local store. Good luck Michael. Let me know how you make out.

[@javierc.salazar512]

Nice job, that will help me a lot thanks.

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Thank you Javier for your comments/posting. Glad to hear it helped.

[@josemartinez-rg2cu]

great video I did that but the belt won't stay on it keeps falling what can I do?

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Sorry to hear that Jose. Confirm that the belt keepers are about 1/8" from the the pulleys, what are the conditions of the pulleys; bent or rusty, confirm the deck is level. Also, if the old belt isn’t broken re-install the old belt and if it doesn’t fall off, then the new belt may not be the correct V-belt (length). Good luck Jose.

[@EnnizMeniz55]

Can you recall the total length of the belt? Bought a craftsman’s 42” deck belt for my 42” deck and it’s about a foot to long! Thank you!

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Actually the 42” deck is the cut width. The belt length depends on the Craftsman model. The video explains at :07 seconds how to find what model Craftsman you have to use to find/buy the correct belt (length). In the description/SHOW MORE area below the video are model numbers and the corresponding belt part number and length. The model in the video, 917.270511 is belt part number, 532144200 (length: 88” x ½”) Other Craftsman models may use belt part# 532144959 (length: 95.½” x ½”) Also, check with Lowe’s, they sell Craftsman tractors and parts. Hope this helps. Good luck Kyle.

[@trixie6804]

Can you tell me why mines too tight?I cant get my belt back on. Thanx

[@DoItYourSelfers]

Sorry to hear that. If you haven’t already, compare the new belt to the old belt. even if its broken. Lay the old belt next to or on top of the new belt. The old belt may be a bit longer from being stretched but not a whole lot. Also check again the belt path positions, the front pulley, the side pulleys, etc. Good luck trixie6804