How To Install A Belt On A Riding Lawn Mower Tractor

Just a few tips and tricks to help you replace a belt on your ride on lawnmower. John Deere, Craftsman, Husqvarna, Husky etc..
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Learn how to properly fix or repair your own outdoor power equipment if it won’t start, bogs out, won’t rev up, chain or blade is dull and doesn’t cut good, needs sharpened, or simply just runs poorly.
Simple and basic, do it yourself (DIY) tutorials to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment.
I do my best to teach you how I easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like chainsaws, weed eaters, string trimmers, grass trimmers, line trimmers, hedge trimmers, strimmers, brush cutters, leaf blowers, or four stroke, four cycle units like lawn mowers, pressure washers, generators, ride on mowers that need parts installed or replaced, I’m your guy.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many years so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to pass on to you. I want Steve’s Small Engine Saloon to SAVE YOU TIME, FRUSTRATION AND MOST IMPORTANT, MONEY!
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Disclosure: This KZbin video is provided for informational purposes only. Steve is a qualified small engine mechanic and is working in an open and fully ventilated shop for the purpose of making this video. Small engines should be operated outside in fully ventilated areas only and it is important that you wear the appropriate safety gear. If you choose to try one of the suggestions made in this video, you do so at your own risk. Please ensure that you take all proper safety measures before attempting any project.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Click here for a new belt---- amzn.to/2KOG4At Click here for my website--- www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ Click here for my Parts and Tools Store---- www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon

[@kingofthetrack]

The look on your face when tasting that beer gave me a laugh

[@davidpost6444]

LOL Yeah and at the end he spits the crap out of his mouth ... i bout fell over when I saw that

[@jazalessandro3094]

😂 that beer can ended up in the trash,no doubt,Steves all class disguised it best he could xD

[@am6066]

Reminds me of my first Miller High Life or Rolling Rock; spit both of them out!

[@MtlCstr]

Steve, the look on your face when you tasted that non-beer was priceless! I can't believe you tried it again.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

LOL, I forgot...

[@kbjerke]

That is exactly my mower deck, Steve. And that is SO not my beer. Thank you for yet another great video, and for "taking one for the team," as it were, to save your brothers from experiencing that horrible "beverage."

[@grumpy23240]

Hi Steve - your videos are immensely valuable, please don't stop making them! People like you who take the time to make these videos are what make the internet such a fabulous information source.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@paulattanasio3061]

Hey Steve. The way you explain all the steps in your videos in phenomenal! I just did this belt change on my D130 (its been 10 years with the same belt), it still had good life on it and I was able to adjust it like you suggested in one of your other videos but I had the deck off and was changing the blades anyway so I decided to change the belt. (Will keep the old one a spare. Yes! 10 years on one belt and it is still good! Anyway, the way you explain the “V” side and the “FLAT” side was so impressive and easy, that I didn’t even need to see a picture or diagram on how to route the belt! Unbelievably easy! Thanks again and always look forward to watching your videos. Paul.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Paul! Thank You...

[@jheezy661]

I wouldn’t know. Got tired of waiting to hear the info. Between the gluten free beer (lame!) and the plug gif every other video Huey Lewis here made, I checked out! Peace dude!

[@julieadams4372]

I have watched dozens of videos on changing the belt on my old Craftsman 917.250520 and no ONE of them mentioned flat and v pulleys! Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@KGeorge-1]

Almost pissed myself watching you choke on a pull of that Pacific beer! Hilarious! Great belt info, Thanks Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@RockyTopSplash]

1st time viewer.. and I'm loving this guy! Cracking me up with the beer face.. and then hits me with the DEKAL.. but gives me valuable and easy to understand info! Fantastic channel. I'll be back for sure

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Buddy! Thank You...

[@2longg]

Another very helpful and educational video with some well needed humor! Didn't even need to say how it tastes.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@pentaxfotog1767]

Your videos are very helpful. Take a pic of the belt config when you drop the desk. Then you won't have to worry about the decal.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on...

[@vernroach3413]

Great......Only if the belt isn't already in shreds and off half the pulley's....Still a good idea if you can do it.

[@rolandsalvato]

Hey Bill Murray, You're crackin' me up I'm watching the videos without paying attention.

[@Slinkymans]

I love the way you explain things and that you don't rush. I had just looked at my John Deere E110 pulleys and I thought, 'the one in the middle is different. As soon as you said Flat and V-Shaped, the light popped on! Thanks! Now to go watch the 'remove deck' video.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@andysroufe8792]

I gotta say, your video was great, but when you pulled on that beer, it earned you a subscriber for life! Really made me chuckle.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks for the sub!

[@WhispearsofPadme]

You are the man Steve! Love from Nova Scotia!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Wow, thanks!

[@garygolden7761]

Hey Steve you helped me figure out why my John Deere belt was not turning the blade.I freed up the bar that held the one pulley with pb blaster. I appreciate the way you explain things in great detail Thank You !!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great job!

[@RealMikeClements]

You are super helpful, sitting on my new husky but needed to adjust the belt (watched that video) now it’s still loose when I disengage so thank you for this video. Always appreciate the safety tips.

[@homers7777]

Love your stuff. From Australia. 😊

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@debraclay3916]

You explain your work good and everybody can clearly see what

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@silasaqui8833]

❤ The ending! Great video!

[@Christopher-vw9gg]

Thank you so much, I have killed way too make belts for comfort due to the V and flat pulley design, now I know!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Chris!

[@monicacantu1588]

Steve, you are the man! Lol Thank you so much! That was the problem with my mother's mower. Watching your channel will help me help her. Thanks again! And yep had the beer in hand for two drinks fixed the belt now I'm relaxing with the rest of that beer! 😃

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks again Steve. ✌🏻👊

[@michaelpoole3675]

Steve: Love your DIY videos; just can’t say enough about them… I have a 2005 Cub Cadet 42” RZT and have always struggled putting the deck belt back on after changing blades and spindles. Mine has the U bolt type that pulls the deck forward, and the J hooks at the back. Anyone having to pull the deck will enjoy this trick and will make a lot of people happy… The J hooks normally are the first thing to unhook and should be the last thing to hook back up. Here’s the trick - Don’t hook them first! Loosen the U bolt and jam nuts and remove them and the U bolt from the deck, your deck should be on the floor now and either removing or replacing components will be easier. During reassembly leave the J hooks last and the belt will slide on the PTO clutch like butter. Next start treading one nut on each side of the U bolt. Tighten the nuts and the pressure of the U bolt will tighten the belt. With the help of 2 or 3 pieces of 2x4 placed on the curved bottom lip of the deck will give you perfect alignment for the J hooks for reassembly. Remove only one nut from the U bolt and replace with washer nut and jam nut. Repeat for the other side when finished and it’s done…

[@jonnywhitewolf7239]

This video just saved my sanity. I've been fighting a mower belt for 30 minutes. Got er fixed after watching this though.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@scottfirman]

I had not seen this video but the look on your face after drinking that beer was priceless. What really gets me is people even thinking a beer would even taste good without gluten. I have had gluten free bread and it makes me sad when I hear people cannot have regular bread or beer. The tip you gave must be for those that are allergic to not only gluten, but reading their manual their riding mower came with. It's not hard to change your belt, or your beer. They make other beers using rice and other things you can have that clearly taste better than that stuff.

[@uawsux]

I watch this video because it was gluten-free it was so good I ran out and bought a used tractor and remove the mower deck just so I can remove the belt and replace it because the belt was gluten-free as well thank you very much I am enjoying my gluten-free life

[@tjhess2]

The end was absolutely hilarious!!!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

GROSS...

[@davidkrueger9141]

Learned something new today. Thank you Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@flyingarrow7955]

I wish you actually showed taking the belt off and putting the new one on. I fixed my JD125 today w/ a new belt. Adjusting the tension didn’t work. The new belt did, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it w/o your video. However, I did have a problem with one of the pulleys having a black guide a fixed to it. I cut the old belt simple enough to remove it. Took a picture and asked at the JD dealer what to do to get the new one on. I got it.....but it took some muscle and a torch to loosen the nut. Love your videos!

[@stevesula5930]

Gluten Free…Sounds Delicious 🤣🤣 We have learned that gluten is very important to beer👍 Might want to follow it with 2 fingers of Crown.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Sounds great!

[@Woman_Kisser]

Helping me in 2024

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@CWhisperer1]

This was a huge help. Thank you Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@jerrywhitfill2236]

Steve, love your videos. My MTD 38 inch deck was hard to remove. I can only say take pictures of every thing you disconnect including what clip. I took the deck off, then cleaned the deck, put on rust converter, wait 2 days, prime, wait 2 days, topcoat, wait 2 days; then I replaced the blades and torqued to 80 inchpounds. This is extra tough: there is very little surface to wedge wood in to lock the blade. After reinstalling the deck (now a week and half later), I couldnt get the deck drive belt to tension properly. Something I did to it, because it worked before. It tensions only at the highest level (5). Turns out the PTO spring was attached to the deck in the wrong hole. After you pull the deck out in the light and look at it : there are 3 holes and 2 of them are marked 38, 42. I had mine in the big 3rd hole (its a big spring). Put it in the correct hole 38 (MTD likes all their springs hooks pointed up)...everything works! Maybe this will help someone else.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Jerry..

[@laurafaye5]

My guess is Canadian just by hearing him say the word “properly” 🤣

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Steve oot eh

[@don7406]

Yup, beer needs gluten. When the deck is off, that's a great time to check the pulleys, clean the deck and sharpen those blades. Great video.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@Gomoboo]

I'm about to remove my old belt and replace it. However, after searching all over the internet, can't find anything on my Craftsman pro series 8200 46-inch mower - except something about how to remove the deck. Very tight tolerance on the two "idler" pulleys. Really frustrating. Here in Hawaii, after Sears deserted us, no one will come out to perform maintenance and I don't own a trailer or truck.

[@georgeshaw8276]

Wish I had seen your channel before my mower deck belt had to be replaced. Bought a new belt, and the manufacturer sent me the wrong one. Was a nightmare for a bit. I also had to weld some metal in to repair where the idler pulley arm rusted through and fell off. :( Got her done though. Love your videos. Throw that crap beer away.. LOL

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right On....

[@brazosdedios]

When a belt is shipped/stored coiled up, does the belt need to hung out straight for some time before installing it to prevent it from twisting up on the mower and wearing unevenly and breaking very quickly? I went through 2 belts last week and trying to figure out what happened by the time the new belts arrive. I tried to make sure that they were routed correctly and the V in the correct orientation so not understanding why these twisted and wore out so quickly. I have replaced the belt several times before over the years.

[@davidholland4393]

thank you

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome

[@propabilityfpv303]

I've done this a billion times but I'm still watching this video because I'm bored lol

[@hectora3692]

My question do I need to disconnect the deck of the small tractor? That is easy to do by removing the clips holding the deck. The problem is when you mount the deck you need to loop. The belt to pulley hooked to the engine. Since the space is too tied 😩

[@brandong1990]

Every time my wife and I are in the grocery store and I see something say gluten free I always comment to her they removed all of the delicious gluten

[@marcuspendleton6102]

Steve thanks for these videos.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@johnr5179]

Thanks as ever, Steve. Would you be able to do a vid on changing the transmission drive belt? That would be great!

[@GeorgeAlexa]

It still would have been nice to watch you thread it!

[@njco4life]

Do you have a video of putting a drive belt on? I have a john deere LT155.

[@vivianmuse4809]

Thanks for video I learned a lot.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@JamesKing2understandinglife]

Thank you. Gluten free beer. Alrighty then!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Enjoy!

[@ChildrensSongStorytimeCorner]

Great Tip Steve! Many thanks….

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Very welcome

[@jheezy661]

Hey Huey Lewis, just give us the news dude!

[@marshallborder9089]

Hey Steve I found another motor in my shop with a clone motor in my shop and the starter fit and since the other mower didn't have the starter and all the carb parts , now I have a model number to work with .

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on...

[@erinsquirkychannel501]

Where would I find info on cub-cadet 1515 tractor, does it have hydrostatic fluid can it be changed thank you

[@stantilton2191]

Went looking for a drive belt video. I was surprised not to have one.

[@Larry342516]

Great video.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks!

[@changemeansmoney]

Thanks for sharing. I needed this

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@conniecochran8737]

I have a John Deere E140. It doesn't have a lever like my other mowers had. It has a knob that you pull to engage the blades. My question is how do I loosen the tension to adjust the belt? Actually my belt came off and I can't get it on all of the pullies because it's in yhe tight mode.

[@markstevens2988]

I need to replace a belt on my 2007 Simplicity Regent 38

[@danstevens2204]

Another thing to consider is why the belt has failed/snapped/broken. Has a spindle bearing failed, was there a stick etc jammed in a pulley, was the operator asking too much of the machine or not keeping the revs up, I sell plenty of quite expensive belts to customers that complain about belt failure only to discover that its operator error causing the problem. The belt is the weakest part, it generally fails due to another problem or its just worn out.

[@deeknore6985]

I have a hustler lawnmower zero turn. It has a sliding pulley with a tensioner spring that hooks into a metal loop. I have many gum trees and I often have a gum ball do it’s magic and throws my belt off. I can realign the belt on the pulleys but I can’t pull the spring to hook into the metal loop to tighten the tension (I’m a girl and just not strong enough). Is there a tool that can help me pull the spring ? ie brain over brawn. Please help!

[@johnweidow3055]

Hey man, my L- Bracket is actually welded on, no slots to adjust it’s position, to tighten the belt slack? Any suggestions?

[@mi5veezee]

Very helpful:) Thank you bro.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@algorel4763]

Steve, deck belt question. Toro Wheel Horse Lawn Tractor has 87” deck belt, very sloppy. Replaced with new Toro 87” belt. Same loose condition. Bought a 85” Kevlar belt, much better. Do you see any problem with the smaller belt?

[@morgang592]

Steve - I have JD D105 mower. It has self tightening for belt so installed new belt but cannot figure out how to tighten it. HELP PLZ!

[@johnfriedmann2413]

WOW! Too funny! The beer-nose enema!! -- I have been making a list of your beer choices and plan to search for them here in the States; CT locally. Hope to find some but not THAT one! PS--- Ever heard of GRAIN BELT BEER? It's out of the Midwest US but can't get it here. Supposed to be very good, old time flavor. Cheers!

[@am6066]

Steve, would you insert a comment about belt keepers near the pulleys that help keep the belt on prevents changing the belt; thanks!

[@redeagle6842]

That must of been some nasty beer! Lol! Stick with your favorite! Lol!

[@JasonDeath]

I got three different mowers (multi acre property) they've all got separate issues I've been fixing using your vids. The only real trouble I have left is they are eating belts. A month and a half I've gone through 4 or 5 belts. I'm not sure why. Pulleys are new, belts are installed properly, cutting when its cooler, idle down to engage/disengage. Any tips/tricks appreciated.

[@leonardvirtue5753]

Steve!!!!!😆where you been mate!!!!! 😆😆👍👍😂😂😂😂😂 nice beer😨😨😨

[@jerryluker3791]

i have a john deere lawn mower and the cutting belt keeps slipping off could you a video or give some advice to help me out thanks in advance.

[@coachgeo]

to avoid taking off the deck... would unbolting the adjuster to allow the arm to swing completely free make it easier at all? Know you will need to: . drop the front of the deck so you can get the belt past its arm... . remove the two covers (got to do that anyway.. deck on or off) . maybe.... remove unbolt a pulley or two to lift them up far enough to get belt past the guards... (again probably have to do anyway even with deck off) anything else you can think off?

[@bamahomestead6323]

Hey Steve. Love the vids. How do I know what size/type belt I need? I've got a Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower. Operator manual doesn't list any part #.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Probably a sticker under the hood with a part#

[@don7406]

Gluten free beer? Oh God, just kill me now.

[@tcw16505]

Is there any way to snug up a drive belt on a John Deere D100

[@nickgc1234]

Hi Steve its Nick from Australia. . I have a problem with a poulon pro 38inch deck. the rear wheels are tilting in at the top. I took the wheel of and it looks like the dive shaft and have worn the casing and made the hole oval. any ideas? Is there a bearing just inside the shaft hole the keep the shafts straight. without having to renew the back end assembly .is there anyway to fix this cheap. im in the process of pulling it out. if you get this can you get back to me. Thanks

[@themadsmith857]

I hate my 42 inch mower deck! it's the same as the one in this video, I've had to weld it in numerous spots and adjust it many times so I finally gave up and brought it to the shop to have them fix my new problem where it stays engaged no matter how much I loosen the belt. love your videos by the way! :)

[@brandonsmith8548]

I replaced a new spindle on my mower now I'm getting a vibration. So if I understand right the v goes into the spindle sides

[@jazalessandro3094]

Brilliant Steve....shame gluten was a no show 😉👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@bronwynrussell7763]

Hi steve... a little unrelated.. but i want to change drive belts on mtd 38/420 ride on.. and ivr found conflicting info on to loosen the bolt... Some info ive found said .. its reverse thread.. some say its not.. please help.. Im now worried ive stripped it.. So.. if lying on the right hand side.. chute side.. This might sound silly.. but..if im on right hand side.. i will pull ratchet towards me to loosen... Some say to the left or right.. but where are these people sitting /lying down when they post that.. Im so confused right now.. HELP!

[@tommysmith5825]

hi steve i have a westwood ride on mower the pct belt snapped and i have bought a belt but there is a series of pullies there but i cant get any information on it to see how it goes back on can you help regards tommy

[@billbirch3748]

Just replaced the mower drive belt on a John Deere Sabre w/ 42" deck as it fell off and had chunks out of it. Same configuration as the deck shown here. Both flat pulleys were stuck onto their studs so bent their belt retainers slightly for removal and install of the belt. The fixed flat pulley had about a 10º downward tilt toward the front. It is supposed to be level like the other pulleys so that needed corrected. I suspect it got bent when a blade strikes a rock or other hard object. It happens. Spent the money and got an OE mower deck drive belt as it is the correct size. They are made with Kevlar to OE specs and engage quickly. A mower deck drive belt is designed to work in both the v and flat positions unlike an automotive or industrial v belt. These have polyester cords and designed to run only in the v position. I engage the blades the same way you drive a stick shift. Don't slip the clutch or rev the engine full throttle and side step the clutch.

[@patrickflohe7427]

I have no desire whatsoever, to try beer without gluten.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good Call!

[@patrickflohe7427]

@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon You saved me from puking!

[@xeniagoodyear]

Hi Steve! Quick question for you! Ive got a L series Deere just like the one in the video and just replaced the belt. The belt engages just fine but wont disengage fully. Tired to adjust the belt like in your video but still same result! The engagement pully seems to move just fine. Any ideas?

[@rylinsilcox7588]

Did you ever fix this problem cause I'm having the same problem

[@spundyo9]

steve good vid but you might have explained any easy way to get the belt past the pulley anti lash guides!! sometimes these can be difficult,

[@jamricsloe]

Was hoping to see a tip to get it past the tabs that are on the inside pulleys

[@bigal4334]

Not your favorite beer I'm guessing. LOL

[@attilaelekes5534]

Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@jeffmurnahan]

My brand new belt seems loose when I put it on

[@dandavis8300]

Am I wrong to think that the mower blade pulleys and drive pulleys are always going to be v side and the others are going to be flat?

[@reaneya]

Not sure why I watched this, I don't have a sit on mower.

[@turnerhugh]

At least you got the gluten free beer warning.

[@bwagenberg]

Steve is worth watching even if you rent and your landlord mows the lawn for you.

[@dontGMOwithme]

hmmm....and yet you still took time to comment.

[@rdietz68]

Hope this works on my 1965 Craftsman cast aluminum deck.

[@terryessary805]

Thanks for the videos, they have helped a lot. Do you have a video on the ground drive belt on a craftsman LT1000? Is there a way to adjust the tension for ground drive belt? Thanks again.

[@rltkktlr]

Another great video! Hey question, I have an electric pole saw. Neglected it for a bit, oil clogged, question the clutch housing is plastic, if I don’t want to take it off what can I spray to help clean it out followed up with air to blow it out. Anything cut oil wood chip mess but not hurt plastic? Thanks Bob

[@dlc8130]

What causes a lawn tractor engine to “ surge” while mowing grass

[@notcharles]

The belt on my Scotts 42 inch riding mower keeps coming off. My deck and belt look very much like this JD in the video at 1:15 or so, I replaced one (right side) blade pulleys, spindle using a reinforcing ring. I took the belt off and checked the length against the 104" spec I found online and it was close - but I am not sure I know how to read that measuring device Lowes had next to the mower belts. The tension adjustment (moving the bracket back) has been done and is maxxed out. The belt that is on it (and off it) does not have the wrapped appearance - it is just black with no markings visible anywhere. I don't want to by a non-returnable belt only to discover that there is another reason the belt will not stay on. I was thinking of buying a 100 inch belt (four inches shorter than 'factory') upon the thought that the old belt is stretched. But looking for 'expert' advice!

[@terryjacklin5510]

Steve I told you I can only watch your videos with a beer. What didn't tell you was it is FAXE 10%. So by the time the video is over I am half in the bag, or bag half in. I can't remember. I would love to see to see do a video with a can of FAXE 10% by your side. It will put hair on your chess.

[@nono2704]

Can I use ant make belt blade for John deere

[@marczabroski]

Can you show methods of putting the tension springs back on?

[@DaleB809]

You need gluten lol. That's what makes it taste good lol

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on...

[@garymathena355]

thanks for the video. the look on his face said it all. try a Molsen's instead.eh?