How to Remove a Sears Craftsman 42" Mower Deck

How to remove a LT 1000 Sears Craftsman riding lawn tractor mower deck.

[@tannerite396]

This dude works more efficiently with one hand than I do with both hands and somebody helping me!!!

[@chicagobears9817]

Very nice explaination. I am always amazed at the vast number of ways manufacturers come up with to mount these decks to a tractor. Once again, nice job!

[@ideaman99]

Thanks to you and others in KZbin, who posted how to, I ordered a clutch cable and did it my self.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

👍glad to hear!!! Keep on making your workout videos!!

[@kbmanning8895]

Thank you! My deck was slightly different but this vid did the trick to get it off, clean it up and replace the blades. Trying to depend on others to help me out with this was frustrating. Being able to do it myself gives me a great sense of accomplishment! Thank you again!

[@1958Citation]

Just got one of these as a trash find...need to remove deck. This video is EXACTLY what I needed!!! Thanx, God bless you.

[@Jroach129]

Thanks so much for this. I’m taking care of hand me down one and trying to get it running like new. This was a huge step and, being a mechanical novice, this video made much more sense than the manual instructions. Highly appreciated!!

[@cupOpoodles]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge about this. I usually forget the steps involved but quickly recall by watching this video, it's clear and concise, and much appreciated. Cheers.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

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

[@adagorna7980]

The best video showing how to remove the deck. This mechanic is very helpful also with other videos for example how to change a plate when the moving deck does not disengage . He is very good. Thank you.

[@tinab1809]

Thank you!! Your video is straight to the point! Helped my mom and I remove her mower deck!! Keep making videos!

[@JamesSmith-bj9vk]

I had to replace my steering sector gear and was dreading pulling the deck but this made it easier and helped Tremendously! Thanks loads!

[@randyedwards4455]

Great this video showed the rear cable spring assembly and how to remove it. Awesome Job, Thanks

[@reedlaww]

Great video thanks! Spring for the belt tensioner was a PITA to remove, but no fault to this tutorial!

[@Chookvw]

Excellent video! Right to the point without a bunch of needless comments. I've subscribed because you're video is an excellent reference to anyone with a Murray or Craftsman mower. I wasted 10 minutes trying to make sense of another video from someone who was absolutely a waste of time. Keep up the great videos on maintenance, Cheers!

[@userfriendly1952]

Thanks loads! You Made it look so easy.

[@bretttheriault8778]

Keepn it real bruh.!! ...couldn't ask for nothing better

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad you liked! Thanks for watching:)

[@evgeniyordanov4421]

Thank you for the video. Very useful.

[@NorthlanderMN]

Thanks a million this was kicking my butt today. Should've watched this first. Now I'll take it off. Thanks

[@Volvo8Fifty4Life]

Great video! Thanks for the great tips and tricks.

[@turkamayne7]

I really really appreciate this video. More than you know!

[@theshih-tzudad4068]

I broke a blade the other day on grass that was entirely too thick. The blade free spins and doesn't cut. The left blade is cutting. Spindle seems to be messed up at the connection for the blade. I needed this video to see how to remove the deck and take it to a shop since I don't have a trailer to carry the mower on. Thanks for this video

[@jayrobertson1689]

Very nice video.clear,well done,informative.thank you

[@calebwilson4854]

Great video. Helped me remove the deck on my GT5000.

[@Mattyptrsn5545]

Amazing video bro thank you! Now I can finish my racing mower lol

[@yorusama5011]

You're video has helped me three times so I don't have to call a repair man. Today was the latest incident.

[@youaremessed7947]

Same setup on my LTS1500. Good video and thank you.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

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

[@ONLY1DIVINE]

Thank you for the video. I took mine off, did some work and put it back but had an extra pin. Lol

[@rustylove5035]

Thanks Great JOB on Showing Me how to take my deck off the my LT1000

[@julsn_915]

Thank you!!!! That was most helpful!! 😉

[@El_Jefebbq]

Just what I needed...thanks

[@edwardgreen8240]

Short and to the point thank you

[@jjock3239]

Great video, thanks Bob

[@dv6000hp]

Excellent thanks for the vid!

[@bigwilly8746]

THANK YOU for posting this!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thank you for subscribing!

[@briangunderson1983]

Very nice, no bullshit video. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Brian, I’m glad it was helpful. Thank you for commenting. Please give this video a thumbs up to help my channel.

[@marknadolski4767]

Excellent video thanks

[@swami1]

Do you have a video showing an easy way to reinstall the deck?

[@jmquez]

very helpful thank you sir

[@davidwisowaty1914]

Thank you for the video. Straight up and simple

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thanks, I’m glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@cheaphacks2033]

Good video! Looks exactly like my mower. I need to remove the deck to inspect the pulleys. My mower keeps chocking out after engaging the PTO.

[@goldiegolden2254]

You make it look simple and easy. Thanks

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Practice practice practice! Thanks for watching and I’m glad it was helpful

[@sikkinixxmc]

My frame is bent the same way as yours and is missing the attachment bar. Can you tell me what the name of the bar is so I can order one please Thank you!!

[@jackdub07]

Thanks for the help!

[@PRACERZ]

Very well explained 👍🏻

[@rednexsrus]

Really would like to see a how to video on replacing the drive belt on the Craftsman Pro Series T8200 46” cut or the T7800 42” cut

[@davidvining6705]

This was perfect. Thank you for putting this up.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful:)

[@hoosierdaddy8002]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines How do you remove the Front Suspension Bracket ? Mine is bent and ordered a new one.

[@ZeroMod]

Great video - made the job easy!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful, thanks for watching and the kind comment.

[@spambott1]

You're the best man!

[@mikemarcus8676]

thanx for the lesson to this old man

[@Spreadswings]

Thanks for this. Very helpful. How does one straighten the bent frame. Mine is similar to the one in the photo, but not as pronounced. I was thinking of using a mechanics hammer.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

To straighten the decks, I use a heavy slide tool used for breaking the bead from tires. Use whatever it takes to correct the bent deck but be very carful hitting the deck where the cast mandrel is. I have broken the castings where the fingers are with the bolts going through in the past and then needed to replace the mandrel housings. I must straighten a lot of mower deck and have learn how do perform the job correctly but be very, very careful doing so.

[@ricardoconde127]

How did you fix the frame issue? Its hard for me to put the rod in place because of the bent frame in addition I cant adjust the deck properly, it cuts way lower on the right due to the bent frame I believe.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Sometimes we can straighten the front brackets and on a rare occasion, we replace the front bracket. If you cutting low on one side, you will need to level the deck (I will make a video on deck leveling) and make sure your blades come by each other even under the deck.

[@marcOnline]

Great video. Thanks. Looked for "How to level deck" and can't seem to find it can you point me in the right direction?

[@MrYomomma2010]

Thank you very informative!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful:) thank you for watching!

[@robertsims6136]

GOOD VIDEO, GOD BLESS.

[@MatthewEcclesiastes]

Big help! Thanks

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

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

[@sgdukerable]

Thank you for posting this video

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful:)

[@dalemihocik4732]

Thanks for the tips , very helpful ! I would like to add the deck wheels to my LT 1000 , can you supply a part number as my mower came without them ?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Go to Sears parts direct.com for all your tractors parts. You will need your tractor model number and then you can look up all parts needed for your machine.

[@rjminton534]

Good job sir thanks so much for this!!!!!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful:)

[@dougrubick4826]

Great video - thank you!

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful :) Thank you for watching!! Please give this video a thumbs up, subscribe and tell a few friends to help my channel grow.

[@charlieson3394]

Great demonstration. I have LT2000 42" deck, If I want to reduce deck size to 38" deck, will John Deer 38" fit the same way or do I have to stay with Craftsman 38" deck only?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

You will need to stay with craftsman

[@jaywholoveseveryone1721]

Thanks so much for this informative video. *Do I have to remove the deck to replace the entire wire harness?*

[@sausagebois4816]

Shouldn't have to should be all in the front maybe if you want to run stuff to the battery

[@blackhorse944]

The first pin you remove is from the bar going to the front of the deck.. I have an older craftsman that has two of those bars that attach to the front. One has rusted off the deck area. Is this a vital fix or can the lawnmower still run with one?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

It should be welded beck on to be able to support the mower deck correctly.

[@lordenki9429]

Thanks brother, I can’t see, but does the spring hook onto that long nut with the hole for a pin?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

You mean the long bolt with the hole in it? Yes

[@lordenki9429]

Johnson's Small Engines yes sir. I ended up using that long bolt with the hole, and it’s working, my blades are engaging

[@Atapk4]

Do I have to do anything different, when removing/replacing, if I have the adjustment knob?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Aaron Adams; pull the height lever all the way up then turn the knob counter clockwise until it stops then put height lever down as far as it will go. That will make sure you won’t have any issue with the mower deck hanging in it’s adjustment because it will be off the adjustment.

[@Atapk4]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines thank you. If I have any issues I'll let ya know. 👍

[@ideaman99]

Rats!!! I wished I saw this first. I did it the hard way. Thank you for this post.

[@LiL-JuLian]

Thank u buddy I needed it this

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful. Please give this video a thumbs up to help my channel grow. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@LiL-JuLian]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines I did bro much appreciated

[@bradscottbutler]

Thank you for the video

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful and thanks for watching:)

[@wes19946]

Is there a washing port to hookup hose to on the models?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I do not think the older models had a wash port. I also do not recommend using it because water and these tractor do not mix. You will be replacing mower deck bearings and idler pulleys more often then normal if you use water to clean your machine. I have repaired a lot of machines that should have gone much further to find out the customer washed there machine every time they cut and bearings failed quickly. Just my opinion.

[@Aboveitbro]

Thank you for this video

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful! Please give it a thumbs up to help my channel. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for watching:)

[@Doomzdayxx]

cool man thanks for the video

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful. :)

[@chrisprange5347]

Very helpful thanks

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Chris I’m glad it was helpful.

[@wm3ff22]

Were those deck wheels added extra? I dont have them on my deck.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

There are many different models of the craftsman tractors and some come with and some do not depending on the model

[@ONLY1DIVINE]

Steve Schwab I had to add mine as well. Found them online

[@Blind_Reviews]

Awesome video bro

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

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

[@shall2387]

I have a craftsman lts 1500 riding mower with the 42 inch deck and was replacing the belt today but it seemed it needed stretched pretty far to go on the main drive pulley under the mower. I'm thinking the belt is too small ,maybe the wrong belt. I tried to stretch it on but there was no way. Any help or advice? Or even the exact belt I need?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

You need to take the model number from the sticker under the seat and go to sears parts direct online. Put your model number in to get to the parts breakdown for your machine. Find the mower deck parts and get the part number for your belt. Then you can either order a OEM “ original equipment manufacturer “ belt which I recommend or a aftermarket belt replacement.

[@shall2387]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines I got the belt from the hardware store that supposedly was the one that fit but once I got it on all the pulleys in the deck back on it needed stretched quite a bit to go over the drive pulley. I'm thinking it's too short I will double check though on the parts direct website

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Also make sure the belt is going through the pulleys correctly. There should be a diagram to show the routing of the belt.

[@shall2387]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines yeah I still have the diagram sticker on the deck it was exactly as shown

[@beautifyyourimperfectionsw7054]

What is the front rode called do you know the part number my grandpap needs that part for his mower and I can’t find it anywhere same thing he lost that front bar

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I need the model number underneath the seat starts with a 917.

[@zacharylouison3525]

Do you know what the correct belt is for this model?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

You need to take your model and go to sears parts direct online to look up the correct belt for your machine. This was a customers machine and I no longer have the info.

[@ronhewitt8446]

thanks Brother, helped alot !

[@gavinlangton6808]

Is this tractor capable when pulling or is the frame thin?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Light pulling not heavy but I have seen it all!!

[@michaelskyles2213]

Thank you

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Your welcome! I’m glad it was helpful:). Please give this a like to help the channel. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for watching.

[@chriscc7148]

I have a pin that’s stuck. I cannot pull it out. Any suggestions?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Tap it lightly with a hammer. Maybe use a little Penetrating oil but do not get oil on the belt.

[@internet123ism2]

How old is yours? I have a 42" hydro number 917.259572 and I can't get the attachment lift lever to go from high to low. Also the the height adjustment knob turns but the blades don't move.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

With the deck lift lever all the way in the raised position and if you have a round black knob to the left under the steering column? turn the knob counter clockwise until it stops then you should be able to put your deck lift lever all the way down.

[@internet123ism2]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines You were right. Thanks.

[@debbieann5970]

Thank u🤗🤗🤗

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

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

[@MRrwmac]

Hello Brad. I’m Mac. Thanks for showing how to remover the mower deck. I’ve done it before on my LT 1000 42” 16hp but thought you made a great video. - I can’t seem to get it leveled correctly. The leveling bolts are all the way up but deck still uneven for cutting my grass 3-4” High. - I need a grass catcher and found a 3 bagger model 917.249040 on CL but it’s for a 46” craftsman. Would that work on my 42”? Again, thanks for a great video! I’ll go look for your leveling video.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

On the leveling, make sure your blades are even going across in the center of the deck. If the mower deck is on the tractor you will need to get under to see if they are even. On the bagger., I do not get into putting used baggers on machines because they normally give me issues and never match up. Take your model #s of your tractor and go to sears parts.com to see if you can get the correct part # for the bagger to fit your machine, then google the part number (bagger) for your machine to see if you can find your correct bagger (used). Some people do advertise used parts with the part number and you may get lucky!

[@MRrwmac]

Johnson's Small Engines Thank you VERY MUCH!! I’ll check both as you suggested for my 917.272762 Lawn Tractor. Have a good summer.

[@robertoler3795]

well done

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful

[@randypowell4799]

than for video

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@ideaman99]

Like to see the replace craftsman clutch cable.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

If you mean the blade engagement cable? I will need your model number under the seat and it should start with 917. If you can get me the number I may be able to see if I can do a video on that but I will need to wait until a tractor that is like yours to come into the shop.

[@ideaman99]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines Bought 2002. 917.271634. I should've used my camera before taking things out. Thanks for you help.

[@vpeck66]

So I want to remove the deck permanently. After I take off the deck what do I do to make it run ? Must I reconnect something?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Vicki Peck just make sure you take all mower deck hangers off the tractor frame and you will need to make sure the PTO lever stays in the off position or the tractor will not start. If you have a PTO cable, I would also take that off so you don’t run it over. PTO is your blade engagement lever. It means Power Take Off.

[@vpeck66]

Johnson's Small Engines thanks

[@chrisludolph348]

Nice video, howd that guy lose his hand?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful, I was born that way.

[@christinedoms6178]

kunt jij mij de nummer geven van de v riem van de messen

[@greg6925]

Ever hear of a k gro power pro with the old rod style clutch engagement blades? Am I like the only one who has one

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I remember them and have worked on them way back before videos!! I haven’t seen one in my shop for over 10 years.

[@greg6925]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines wow I got one in my garage now I'm about done with. Hopefully the blades engage.

[@luisgomez2424]

Necesito les armado de la otra correa que va debajo del motor

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Transmission belt? Or mower deck belt?

[@Lefishn]

Looks like you were working on a mower or snow blower that was running

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

You forgot chain saw. Not sure if your asking in a very round about way, “ How Did You Loose Your Hand? “ I was born without my left hand. Never assume anything! Just simple ask.