How to change the belts on an MTD Lawn Tractor

[@BigBoxDodge2020]

I know this video is a few years old now. And it is quite helpful because I have a very similar lawn tractor. One thing I wish you could do when you make these videos, especially on lawn tractors. Because I'm always watching them. Is tell us in the description or on camera what year your MTD product is made. That would be quite helpful. MTD made a lot of variations in these mowers and i'm finding out the hard way when I have to order parts.

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Thanks for your comment and sorry I didn't include the date. I don't own this tractor anymore, but will keep that in mind for future videos.

[@JKraft-o6q]

You can get parts manuals and owners manuals on the MTD website using your model number.

[@BigBoxDodge2020]

@JKraft-o6q No, you can't. I've tried many ways.I've actually called and talked to different companies, including MTD itself.No, pull up schematics.Nothing available.Other than factory original art manual which I can get onlineNo, you can't. I've tried many ways. I've actually called and talked to different companies, including MTD itself. No repair manuals, schematics for 23 year old Rider. Nothing available. Other than factory original owners manual which I can get online.

[@GearyChlebus]

Suggestion - Cut the belts off. This will save time and make the installation of new belts easier.

[@billjensen6216]

That's the exact same setup I have on a riding mower. I'm having issues with the belt popping off the front pully. I believe they gave me the wrong belt, and it's too long. I'll check it out tomorrow again. I needed this video to make sure I was running the belts right and I am so the only option now is bent the belt tabs back into the stock position and make sure they gave me the right belts. Thank you so much for this video. It's a blessing, to say the least. Thank you again.

[@tashaargo6232]

Wish I saw this before I did mine! I ended up releasing the spring on the right rear. It took a half hour to put it back on (vice grips and a heavy wire formed in a 3” loop-pull back and reattach. Needed wheel chocks). Like he says make sure the pulley star lines up or it will shear the splines. Great video!

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Thanks for your comment!

[@crippledrider]

Having removed many different drive belts from different tractors, I can honestly say MTD is one of the worst for belt replacement. You are right never remove the springs to do this. Good video thanks for sharing

[@T-Bone-Grizzle]

Thank you for the video. First time I actually saw the process explained for that particular mower.

[@Driver732]

Happened to stumble across this video last night while looking for deck removal videos. Even though my 1993 MTD tractor is slightly different than yours, I was able to remove all three belts ("while we are in there" kind of job) without too much hassle. Thank you!

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for your comment.

[@jrodfpv1118]

Man ,great video. , your method works . No nonsense . Thanks for sharing ..

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Thanks! Glad it helped you out.

[@gilbertogarcia1477]

Thanks for your video I have a 2001 MTD 16/42 and your video help me to get true all that trouble. 👍

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Thanks for your comment. Glad the video helped you out.

[@dabneyoffermein595]

I was thinking my lawnmower says 38" but it could be "42" if they didn't make a 38", I would assume the belts would be totally different for a 38, so I'll have to search online on the MTD store perhaps.

[@DLStarbuck]

12 year old tractor and a hilly lot. 3.33 in the video I have changed the long belt five times by simply pushing ti past the guides. Cheers for the video.

[@james-3542]

thanks. i was looking for a video just like this. very helpful. i'll have to check out your other vids too.

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Thanks for your comment! Glad you found it useful.

[@peterbergh668]

Cheers mate! Wouldn't even know where to start without this vid!

[@philliphall5198]

It helps if you pull spring arm back and wire it off, before removing pulley , easy to put back later

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Thanks for the tip!

[@adamthurman9276]

Thanks for this video. This helped me a ton! Hardest thing I was up against was that variable speed pulley. It's stuck in that mount pretty good but thankfully that slider pulley lifted up enough that I could take off and slip on the new belt. Thanks!

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Glad you found it helpful! Cheers.

[@jimksa67]

got an old 13 hp mtd Thnx for the video! gonna get a gas shut off valve sap! Seems like should be able to change belts without removing 2 pulleys? cheers!

[@guyvessieres8902]

Vidéo Excellente et pédagogique. Elle me sera très utile pour mon robuste tracteur MTD de 1995 👍👍👍

[@JKraft-o6q]

I have the same tractor plus the MTD owners manual, and it doesn't seem like the instructions are correct. It says to remove the springs which you said not to remove. But that allows the variable speed pulley to move forward, which is the opposite of what you want. Instead, I removed the speed control rod from the bottom arm near where the variable speed pulley is mounted. This allowed the variable speed pulley to move back, giving me enough slack to get the large pulley back on the transaxle. Then I was able to easily pry the variable speed pulley mechanism forward and reconnect the speed control rod.

[@gladysman24133]

I’ve found that taking the belt on and off the pulley that’s on the top of the engine shaft is to remove the 4 bolts that hold the engine on and then slide the engine back,that way the tabs are not in the way,easily done then tighten the engine back up!

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Thanks for the tip!

[@chris-qe6sr]

Great video, now I can finish up putting the lower drive belt on my Huskee. Thanks!

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Glad you found it useful! Thanks for commenting!

[@philliphall5198]

All you DIY guys Please use antiz on shafts of any type

[@billjensen6216]

I will also check to make sure the variable speed pully is also working properly.

[@philliphall5198]

Cloth hanger thru fram to pull spring back, easy way

[@shaneluckey09]

Very helpful video! It also helped me by telling me how gas was getting into my oil. I just need to figure out what belt size I need to get for my '93 lowes mtd 14.5/42 7 speed lawn tractor.

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Thanks for your comment. Glad you found the video helpful.

[@jerrykelley4470]

Thanks.this is just what i needed to learn

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Glad you found it useful and thanks for commenting!

[@davidrobertson1980]

Your mower looks very similar the one I just bought but mine is 16.5Hp - maybe it's the year after yours coz the handbrake lock knob is in the middle or the floor plate and not the other lever.

[@philliphall5198]

Put a fuel cut off valve in the fuel hose and filter after it to carb

[@frankstear2225]

Before I changed carb I would check to see if float is stuck in the down position. Much easier than going through the whole process, easier taking carb bowl off.

[@Don_ECHOguy]

I have a couple of MTD's with Manual's and both drive systems differ slightly from yours. Very good and useful video and free is always a bonus too! Any one watching and needs a Parts & Service Manual... search for Model MTD 13AQ683G163. I have them both and only thing different is likely just the hood design.

[@TheOzthewiz]

Where did you get the service manual? I have a 13AG601H729 (2005), but can't find one anywhere on lone. Not even from MTD!! They probably figure a 20yr old MTD is already in the bone yard, no manual needed! LOL

[@tresauplinger6321]

Awesome!

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Thanks!

[@Billybritt-s4t]

When adjusting valve all you need to do is make sure valves are. Closed then gap to 4 thousands don't even pull plug

[@reggydunlop5770]

You can loosen pulley bolts by first stuffing a huge rag between belt and pulley. Once loose you remove belts

[@joseirizarry8256]

Excellent explanations thanks for your video take care.

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Thanks very much!

[@richardmuzzy4181]

Informative video very useful thank you !

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment!

[@richardmuzzy4181]

Got it all done thanks to you went just like your video. Thanks again !

[@terence2379]

Expected you to clean and repaint as you progressed as now you have the chance to

[@onefixitman]

That pulley is 66$ on Ebay. Mine was completely rusted all to hell and back again and again. It would not budge so I put a three arm puller on and it bent the crap out of it to get it off. I will apply anti sieze when I put it back on. It had 17 years of use. My mom's old mower.

[@dabneyoffermein595]

are 3-arm pullers rent items?

[@TheOzthewiz]

@@dabneyoffermein595 YES!

[@TheOzthewiz]

Your "maintenance" video would be MUCH better with some additional lighting! Or, you could do like Taryl Dactel does, tip the mower on its' side. Make sure the gas filler is at the high point and plug the breather holes at the carb to keep oil from leaking out!

[@richardovercash4685]

good informative vid !!!

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Glad you found it useful and thanks for your comment!

[@jessehartmann3548]

Instead of taking the front pulley off just pull the 4 motor bolts out the motor will slide back enough to get the drive belt off

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Thanks for the tip! That sounds like good idea that could save some headaches trying to get the pulley off.

[@fleetwin1]

Cool, finally found one with the exact same belt/pulley set up I am trying to help a friend out with...Don't feel bad buddy, this is the second time I have done this horrible job and am having more trouble than the first time! There was no way I could get that little transmission belt back on, so I am one of the morons that ended up pulling off both those damn springs! I finally have the belts back on but have yet to devise some sort of come along system to reinstall those heavy springs! Yeah, I have made the same front pulley mistake also...There is some controversy over which way that little engine pulley spacer is oriented, either way has some merit. But, I think you have it right, the flared end of the spacer goes "up" towards the engine. Once I got that darn variable speed pulley off, the bearings were shot so they had to be replaced, not big deal though. So, I guess I'm off to Harbor freight to get some ideas, perhaps a little "come along" to reinstall those friggin springs!

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Glad you found the video useful and good luck getting those springs back on!

[@bagaca687]

I just went in there with fence wire and looped it to the spring and came out with the wire and wrapped it around a shovel handle. I braced my feet on the mower and gave it a good pull and was able to reattach the spring fairly easy. I was really worried about reattaching the spring too, but the way I did it was easy, surprisingly.

[@harpoon_bakery162]

on that main engine shaft pulley that you vibrated off, up in there a ways is the seal, do you think that seal was accessible? I need to replace the seal because oil is leaking out all over the two pulleys (small one and dripping down to the large one), which covers the belts with oil and causes all sorts of issues, oil is gunked everywhere. I need to be able to have enough room up in there to yank the old seal off with a dental pick, and then put a new seal on there with some sort of PVC pipe to bang it back on. Any ideas?

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Wish I could help you, but I sold the tractor last year and didn't really look at that seal when I removed the pulley. Good luck and I hope you can get yours fixed.

[@harpoon_bakery162]

@@ToolTalkCanada Thanks for the reply, it is appreciated...i will make sure I'm subscribed if not already!!! I've got the new seal on order from the Briggs & Stratton Amazon store, Imma give it the ole college try!

[@davidlalone1350]

What size is the upper transmission belt

[@storytimewithunclekumaran5004]

I am about to do this job..Is there a reason you went with a different technique than taryl ? I saw his video and cant decide which way is easier.. What can you say about both ways ??? Also you didnt address the guide pins up front .. I just priced those out and saw a price as high as 50 bucks for a single pin..MTD had them for 10 bucks which turned to over 60 with shipping to my location.. Those guide pins are like gold to source out..

[@bullridermusic2054]

so there is actually 3 belts for this lawn mower total? You just had to replace 2 of them?....for work i have to tune up a 17.5 hp - 42" and I don't know if I should do this, no air hammer chisel and what not all of the other things I think i get.

[@justmakeit2616]

I have a 12.5 hp 38 inch for the mower which type of belt do i need

[@henrik8463]

Thank you for a good video. Can you please help me on this one. I have a MTD, with the same pulley system, as the one you are showing. My problem is, it will only drive in high gears, nothing happens in 123456, can i adjust me out of that? Greatings from Denmark

[@dabneyoffermein595]

Did you ever figure it out?

[@henrik8463]

Yes, it was the double pulley wheel that was stuck, a hammer, and WD 40 solved it @@dabneyoffermein595

[@jeremydennis6988]

How are the springs installed.

[@jeremydennis6988]

Thanks very good video.

[@perrydear]

Thanks good info! Question have you tried taking the rear wheels off? MTD seem to have perfected a technique for making the axle and wheel into a one piece unit over time.

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I did take the back wheels off and it was a pain the butt! I think I used an improvised puller, brut force, and lots of heat for the first one, but I may have used Taryl's air chisel trick for the second one. I know I saw few videos about getting the wheels off too, so take a look on youtube. Good luck!

[@orestwitiw213]

I ended up buying a Slide Hammer Puller from Amazon and between the slide hammer and heat and brute force and stubborn determination I managed to get one wheel off my MTD mower. We had given up but after succeeding on the one side we tackled the other side and after the same story we got it off too! I highly recommend a slide hammer for getting the wheels off the MTD’s! The spindles are now well greased with anti seize! Great video by the way!

[@csachevauxsansabri2612]

And put a fuel valve in the line betueen the tank and the carb. Evey time you turn it of the carb gests emtyed ans you avoud that sort of problem. It helped me.

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Good advice! After I shot this video I ordered an aftermarket carb and it came with a shut off valve. So that's in place now.

[@williefurr440]

Working on older 46 inch yard man 20 Koehler lower drive belt replaced twice 95 1/2 inch as shown in book and , but 5 inch short of pto Poulley any help appreciated, I’m 75 still doing my mower repair ha

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Wish I could help you, but I don't even have the tractor in this video any more. Good luck.

[@ignacioreyes986]

Hi good night i have a question my tractor is the same but im change the belt deck for the blades but ehen im turned on the tractor the blades is on also so is turned on the tractor and blades the same time and the blades mode is kn tbe position off but turned on the same time whit the tractor

[@jasonpierucci9265]

How do you keep that front pulley system from turning when you take that bolt off??

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Sorry I didn't show that. I think the bolt on mine came loose fairly easy with a ratchet, but an impact wrench might help if you have one. You might also be able to fit a pipe wrench on the round section between the top and bottom pulley. Keeping the belts engaged might help too. Good luck.

[@markbaker1843]

I used a trick frequently used on chainsaws and trimmers. Remove spark plug, stuff rope down in cylinder to keep piston from moving. Do I need to say leave enough hang out to pull out when done? Turn crankshaft as necessary to get enough rope stuffed in cylinder. Depending upon design of engine may need to kind of push the rope back in there sideways.

[@instantwagner]

At 18:02 I see the video cuts with the wheel back on how did you get it back on. I’m having trouble with it.

[@andersonedward13]

I believe he said he went back and took off the front pulley on the motor then was able to get the star pullley on. He then went and put the front pulley on the engine back on.

[@mowerstv4579]

Hi i watch your Video how to remove the pully ..did you tight the bolt to use the air hummer ? From the pully

[@ToolTalkCanada]

You leave the bolt a bit loose so the pulley has room to move. You might be able to use a longer bolt too if you have one. That way it would bottom out in the hole and still leave room for the pulley to move. Good luck!

[@ryan3390]

Please, does anybody know the bolt size and threads of the 5/8 bolt for the engine pulley? Mine fell off while cutting grass and I can't find it in the yard.

[@ToolTalkCanada]

The manual says the bolt for the engine pulley is a 7/16"-20 x 1.25" Gr. 5. The manual is available online, but I can't remember where I found it right now.

[@Carz76FAM]

Thanks for your video Sir, It really helps I had an idea now how to change the belt for my huskee riding mower,I already Subscribe your Chanel, and I got channel to Carz76 vlog

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Glad it helped. Thanks for subscribing and I'll check out your channel too.

[@calmfarmer8894]

I've got one like yours with no tension wheel can't get my top belt 9n u showed yours on but did not show. I can't get mine on

[@calmfarmer8894]

put bottom belt on leave in parking gear get a 2 inch round pry bar put between variable speed pulley and big pulley and pry on seat big pulley in star pattern put on washer and nut.

[@marcelsparks7446]

What size deck belt is on that ?

[@rickyerkovich9427]

How do I make a foot egselarator

[@nnavigater1]

ihave an mtd yardman with a 42 inch deck and a mtd yard machine with a 38 inch deck can i replace the 42 inch with the 38 inch . thank you

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Sorry, but I don't know enough about these machines to say whether or not the decks are interchangeable.

[@timbaker8770]

What's the length of that belt??

[@antonheidebrink7716]

what size is that belt you are replacing ?

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Sorry, I don't have this mower anymore, but I did describe the belts and showed the packaging with model numbers in the video around 12:05 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJi5k6yllKaMf9k

[@SamuelMartinez-mc1gq]

Anyone know the right size for blade belts?

[@bryant38]

For my MTD/Bolens 600 series (Model 13AN683G163), it uses part # 954-0371A for the deck/blade belt. To look up yours exactly, google mtd replacement parts. One of the first links that pops up is for mtdparts.com, click on "LOOK UP PARTS BY DIAGRAM." Then enter your model number and "deck belt." View the diagram to get the exact part number for your model.

[@yopage]

So you have to lower the motor pully. I was wondering how to get the new belt on the top pully past the side tabs. How dang stupid making the mower this way. I know the tabs wouldn't bend back without tearing something up.

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Does seem ridiculous, but I think that's the only way to do it. I was just watching that part of the video again and wishing I put some anti-seize on the motor shaft before putting the pulley back on. Would make it easier to get it off next time.

[@jimmycarter9099]

Just put a cut off valve on the fuel line 3 bucks 😊

[@Keith-n6e2w]

Need fuel shut off, I put a better fuel filter on also shut off fuel run it dryI’m waiting on new carb to get to me then won’t have deal with. Shut down is good for storing over winter

[@davidstephens8712]

Why did you not show how to replace upper transmission belt ?

[@ToolTalkCanada]

Sorry if it wasn't well shown in the video. I ran into some problems with the upper belt during reassembly, but if you watch the video from 16 to 20 minutes I did try and explain where I went wrong and how to do it properly.

[@grewk2518]

THANK YOU

[@grewk2518]

I am going to say thank you again as I had to replace that belt again and forgot how. My most useful video on KZbin!

[@urbanitesgarage3299]

Useless video, need help putting that upper belt on and you completely didn’t show that thanks alot