How to repair Troybilt Rider blade not engaging

Troy bilt rider blade not engaging, Mower deck blade will not engage.

[@Carl1969ification]

Thanks for this awesome video Brad ! I had the same exact problem with my rider . The nut vibrated off and the blade would not engage . Followed your video step by step . Took me only about 10 minutes . You saved me a bunch of money , Thanks again !!!

[@rogermorelli1168]

Thanks! I can't believe you did this video. I came in from the garage just now to look for the belt diagram. I have had this mower for 4+ years and this year I had it in the shop 3 times all related to this issue. My (ex) "go-to" place which does not typically service Troy Bilt basically said they did what they could do. For some reason, the belt idler assembly snapped on my mower and I discovered that the last time they "fixed" the problem they didn't order a new one ($16) - they tack-welded the broken one - which lasted for about 3 cuts. I have a new idler are now and just want to be sure that the belt and pulleys are correctly aligned. Yes - I did find a Troy-Bilt Dealer and took it to their Shop - the wait was "about a month". I live in Florida - and it was August. The grass needs to be cut almost 2x a week. I went to repair shop #3 and had a conversation with the owner. He reluctantly said he'd take it and see what he could do - and was willing to repair it - maybe 2-3 weeks! I basically said WHAT'S THE DEAL?" and he was clearly someone who was told if you can't say something nice - don't say it - his comment to me, which I thought was diplomatic was that these mowers are "built for price". Further, he said that he's not real excited about fixing mowers that are sold by Lowe's and Home Depot - he will stand behind what he sells. He sells Snapper. I bought one. Big Difference. wide, more powerful, steal construction - you can stand on the mower deck. ... oh I should add - about twice the price. Maybe 10-15 years ago - I'd keep fixing it myself - but I'm closing in on 70 and laying on my garage floor isn't that much fun anymore. I loved the little Troy-Bilt - but it was a really bad experience getting someone to look at it. Now I have two - going to get this running correctly, and either someone is going to get a good deal - or I'll donate it to the church.

[@haroldbarney9311]

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[@michaelrodman5026]

I came across your video when looking on how to change the deck blade belt. The problem I had was the same thing as shown in your video and not the belt, though I did replace it while fixing the tension mechanism. Very timely find and help putting everything back together.

[@Dino55316]

I'm really glad I stumbled on this video. My deck belt just broke.. the same lock nut your customer lost was loose, but didn't come off completely. That tensioner spring was also broken. I'm unsure which one was ultimately responsible for the pulley becoming unstable.. I installed a new belt and tightened the nut before I realized the spring was broken.. and I can't find one that won't take two weeks to ship! I don't think I'll try to run it without the spring....

[@pluedemann1]

Thank you for the video. I had this happen yesterday and it took longer to find the parts out in the lawn than it took to repair it

[@badijackson5466]

Johnson you are the man, I have a Craftsman r1000 that wasn't working due to the idler bar breaking. For the life of me I couldn't figure out how to reassemble, I figured check Troy built after 7pm lol mind you I started working on this 10 am. I found your video on a wing and a prayer and now I can save 40 bucks a week. Thanks a whole fucking lot you rock my man....

[@albertedmonds1952]

Thanks for the video I couldn't find no other videos on this problem with my mower. Local businesses want even touch it so I was forced to figured it out myself. Thank you this video helped me out a lot.

[@jimmorton1169]

Man you are the man! This is the same mower as the Craftsman RER 1000. Problem is I couldn't for sure read schematic- and just like your customer I found that the flanged lock nut had vibrated off and was lying on the deck. Tensioner pulley was falling off. You just saved me a bunch of work. Poor design MTD/Craftsman/Troybuilt and I bet its a common problem. I'll use lock tight to put that nut back on knowing it will be a bear to get off later- but at least I will HAVE the nut later. thanks

[@josechavarria5941]

Thank you for the video. Although I didnt have an issue with the belt not engaging, my issue was putting the belt back on. After bending the blade on a job, the belt was smoking. Not only did I have to replace the blade but my deck was bent. I straightened the deck but the belt was frayed. I have been searching Troy Bilt website and on here to find a video on how to simply install the belt back on. I was sure I had it right but what threw me off was the spring handle like on the deck tensioner. I dont know why that is the way it is. Tomorrow I will install the belt with ease knowing I wasnt seeing things and I was doing it right to begin with.

[@austinsnodgrass9028]

Same problem here, could not figure out for the life of me, how to get that dang belt back on.

[@waltwhite1646]

Great Video Brad ! I've had a troy bilt TBR30 for 5yrs with No problems ! ... but now you have given me an excuse to check bolts/nuts periodically to make sure they are secure ! ... P.S. I think your belt is on right as a fellow you tuber "Peter Dymond" did a belt replacement with no deck removal ! Thanx

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thanks Walt :)

[@lennymo9088]

Thanks for posting. My deck just started making noise. This video will be a great help.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Lenny, I'm glad this was helpful and thank you for the kind comment. Please give this a like, subscribe and tell your friends about my channel to help it grow. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for watching.

[@trichio]

I have a Troy Bilt on my bench with the same exact issue where the nut flew off. Thank for the great video.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Anthony, I'm glad this video was helpful. Thank you for watching, commenting and supporting my channel. It is appreciated.

[@RogerSwanson]

Great job on the video, my mower would engage but the blade was not engaging I think the spring or that same nut came loose. Going to have a look now, I like your idea of lifting the front off the ground. Super job, I appreciate your time to make this video. Thanks, R

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Hi Roger, I’m glad this was helpful and thank you for the kind comment.

[@MrJammor]

Four years since my first reply to this thread as myself "Jim Morton" just a different account...now I lost the ability to drive so I ordered a trans belt and a drive belt (as opposed to the blade drive belt) and am going to tackle that job. If anyone has tips I'm open to hearing them. Some folks say you have to drop the axel to get one of the drive belts on. Thanks for the video again Johnson's small engines.

[@peteowens3033]

BINGO! Mine has the same issue. Would not spin the blades today after getting it out of storage. Thanks so much for sharing this. Hopefully it will keep me from having to use my 18" electric trim mower again to mow my entire yard. ;-)

[@PK_Diaspora]

Excellent video! Certainly I can use this video if there is an issue with the belt coming off, which probably will happen. I have exactly the same kind of mower, but I am looking for some instructions on how to level the blade. My blade hits the ground and mower stops working. Any idea why it is causing that?

[@zedcartwright5267]

They call these TB 30 (Troy bilt 30" deck). Just bought one cheap with broken engine drive belt and sooty carb. Replaced belt and carb. Now the deck belt jumps off the idler pulley every time engine is running and I engage it. The front of the deck is way lower than the rear of deck. I figure it is so far off from level that the belt is running at an angle and causing it to jump off the idler. Yeah the backside of belt runs against the idler pulley and the keeper rod is suppose to keep the belt from jumping off when the PTO is off and belt is relaxed. But mine is jumping off when engaging because the force of the offset turning belt pulls right out from the keeper rod. Net says to park on level ground like slab and put lever height in middle slot. Then turn the blade tips to the front and back of mower. Measure distance from each tip to the ground. The front blade tip should be between O" to 1/4" less than rear blade tip to ground. (front tip should be level or same measurement with back tip or slightly lower). Leveling it tomorrow. But sure it is un-leveled deck, because the front bottom of the deck is near touching the ground on high lever slot with the rear way off the ground. To adjust the deck go to the front of the PTO rod (next to where front of deck hooks to height lever bracket) and tighten the rod lock nut to raise front. To lower front loosen the lock nut.

[@TheTheJackie2010]

And thank you for putting such details in the video

[@shawnkiesel5349]

The model number is a very big help thank you

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I’m glad it was helpful!!

[@worlukk]

it would be helpful to understand how the blade is engaged. it looks like a black lever moves when the mower blade handle is put into the mower down mode. i replaced my belt, but the blade won't engage now.

[@TheEffs]

Thank you for this!

[@programmingchicago]

Can you do a video on winterizing the TR30 please?

[@janhanks9415]

That little bracket that you didn't have to take off to get the belt on. How do you take it off. I've tried a wrench, a pair of pliers and a rachet-it wont fit under it. I need help please.

[@joseirizarry8256]

Awesome video well explained , take care.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Thanks, I hope it was helpful! :)

[@funkyjunky6574]

Could you do a drive belt change plz

[@TheTheJackie2010]

Can you tell me what website did you order it

[@PapaSmurfx93]

Had to replace the belt guide, I can’t seem to find the slots where it goes.

[@mattreier3535]

the blade will engage 1-4 but very slow when mowing. 5th setting wont mow at all. is belt to tight? if so how to adjust please.

[@LightHouse5G]

I just bought a 30 inch Craftsman riding mower and the blade is noisy when mowing. Does anyone know if this is dangerous? I have owned several of these mowers and none have made any noises like this one.

[@stringed2391]

Great video! I have a related problem with the Idler pulley. I have an older (2012) Craftsman RER 1000 which is essentially the same mower as your Troy-Bilt. I hit a tree root and broke the spindle housing. Instead of that "Y" shaped spring clip your model has to position the idler pulley, mine has a coil spring idler tensioning spring going from the idler pulley assembly to the body frame. Since reassembling the unit, the tension on the blade belt is too weak to keep the blade fully engaged. The blade spins in free air but when encountering grass, it slips on the spindle pulley, stopping the spin (I installed the belt properly with the "V" inwards). The idler pulley doesn't seem to push hard enough against the belt when I engage the blade lever. I compared the new and old belts before installing and it looked like the new belt was 1/2" longer than the old one (It is the correct MTD deck belt for my mower - 954-05001). I can't seem to find any adjustment on the idler pulley cable to do a compensatory adjustment on its tension. Is there any way to adjust the cable to get more tension on the idler pulley?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

The only problem I think your having is you may have the wrong belt. Go to the Sears’s web site and get the correct belt. I think it’s searspartsdirect.com

[@stringed2391]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines I suspected that, too. So I reinstalled the OEM belt and, though it spun the blade when there was no grass underneath, the blade still stalls when it encounters grass. Now I'm suspecting the vendor who sold me the spindle/puller ass'y gave me the wrong pulley. It's silver instead of black. It was the same diameter (6.3"), so I just assumed the manufacturer decided to galvanize rather than paint the new production pulleys. But now I'm wondering if the "V" channel is wider on this silver pulley, causing the belt to sink deeper into the V-groove past where the idler wheel is able to apply enough tension to engage the belt. Have you encountered any replacement pulleys for this mower that are silver, not black? Lastly, if you have a pic of my model with the coil-style idler tensioning spring, could you send me the pic? When I detached the idler ass'y from the deck to replace the belt, the spring suddenly dropped off, and I have no idea where it's supposed to hook onto the mower frame. I just hooked it into the only hole I saw nearby on the frame.

[@Brad-ie7zg]

@@stringed2391 I don’t think the color has anything to do with it. The colors are always changing. Not sure about the width of V. Maybe try a little shorter belt. A auto store may be able to help of google the OEM belt number to see if you can find dimensions and get one 1/4” smaller. Can’t help much without seeing the machine and what has happened.

[@Brad-ie7zg]

Oops I was using another account of mine. This is Brad from Johnson’s Small engines

[@stringed2391]

@@Brad-ie7zg Thanks for your quick reply. Yeah, I could try that, but with there being so many different cross-sections of belts, I'm thinking that'll open up a pandora's box of problems including not being able to slip the belt over the pulleys (it's already a tight fit with the OEM belt). If you have an email, I could send you pics of the idler tensioning spring.

[@davidherrington4623]

I have question about the tensioner for Mr Brad at Johnson small engine repair have you determined what the arm does that protrudes from the tensioner have decided how this device is to fuction I have a Yard Machine version of this mower my deck vibrates when the blade is engaged but if I push down on this rod the vibration stops any help is appreciated thanks

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

By you pushing on the bracket to make it smooth out, you just made it more ridged so the vibration seems to go away. The vibration most likely is a bad spot in the mower deck belt (replace it) or a bent or unbalanced blade (replace it or balance it). You may also have a bent blade shaft that would also make the deck shake.

[@davidherrington4623]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines thank you Mr Brad

[@RecoddoWarren-du3sf]

It's not engaging at all with the handle, when I try it. It makes a real loud noise and almost cut the mower off.

[@RecoddoWarren-du3sf]

Why is my engagement handle on my tb30r. The handle is so loosely even at the switch at the end of it on the down beside the seat.

[@MrRatboo1121]

Hi, thank you for the video. My problem is my machine only runs in reverse, have you encountered same issue?

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I have not yet, It sounds like your shift lever may be bent?

[@JASTV1]

Nice video .i have questions what is parts no deck cable to ingage the blade

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

These are customers machine that come in and go back to the customers. You will need to look up parts through a online lookup or call your TroyBilt dealer.

[@JASTV1]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines ok thanks

[@programmingchicago]

I have one of these. My parking brake won't engage all of a sudden. Do you have any video's on what to do? It does brake, it just won't engage when I try to put it in park. Thank you.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I haven’t come across that issue yet but when I do, I will make a video on it. I know that doesn’t help you now but I just wanted to get back to you.

[@taylorfowles8828]

can you please tell me what the part numbered 3 in the diagram in your video is called?

[@taylorfowles8828]

mine broke off and i fashioned one but it does not fit the same to the blade will occasionally disengage i cant find that image anywhere online

[@MrGarcon98]

where did you get a exploded view of these parts ,,,,,i have an issue with a pto getting stuck not releasing correctly my book that came with the mower from lowes dont show that part that i may need or am it missing something , but i cant check because the book is not thorough enough ? ill keep surching ,,,i saw this so i stopped LOL ,,,thanks for sharing ,,,,mine is a troy built model 233644 / 77t

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

you need your model number and go to a troy-bilt parts lookup site. Then pull up the parts breakdown by using the model number. I do not think the numbers you showed me are not the correct numbers. Use the sticker under seat to locate the model number. It should look something like the one in my video.

[@MrGarcon98]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines i did just that they are saying that they dont have my number ? its a 2006 model #233644 my owners manual does not show me a complete parts brake down but i found something close or should be the same technology its only a brake return i am wondeing if i am missing a washer underneath ? that binds it on the return ? is what my issue is ,,,plate is nice and flat i welded all uneven surfaces etc etc,,,,,its what goes under that so called shoulder spacer that is round and centers the plates in place ! thank you

[@MrGarcon98]

@@JohnsonsSmallEngines they came from under the seat ,,,thanks i must be missing a washer or something that i cant see well enough cause something came out that was very thinned out and bent when i took it apart ! so i made a washer but ! maybe its too thick of something ,,,its a 2006 troy built and the model # is 233644 under the seat and below that is the serial # ,,,,,very simple ,,,it works ok when i have the deck in my hands in the shop , on the mower it hangs up and does not disengage unless i help it ,,,,ill get it some day LOL ,,,,thank you

[@kellysutton2780]

My son said the deck is loose on ours and only the right blade is working what could this be

[@1955teddy]

help troy bilt model tb30r engage blade it rattles 2019 model only rattles when I engage ps had same mower 2016 wd 40 did not help lawnmower neb said sounds like springs are hitting the deck only rattle when i engage the blade help

[@darylfrost2682]

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[@TheRealCptKirk]

I stumbled upon this video when I was looking for a solution to my problem. I have this or a similar mower. The model number is 13BC26JD563. Basically I’ve been having trouble with the belt always falling off after I stop mowing and put the rider away. I realized after looking at the manual that the belt keeper is missing. I’ve been trying to find a replacement part number so that I can put it back. I was hoping someone here might have an idea. Thanks.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

Take your model number and google TroyBilt parts look up. When you find a good parts look up site. Put your model number in and you will be able to find the parts you are looking for. You can also go to my contact page on my channel, e-mail me and I can send you a link to TroyBilt parts look up web site.

[@quoctrung6106]

Made mowing so much easier...

[@michelleholmes2759]

My belt comes off in all heights except 3

[@brianlacourt9997]

What is this part called???

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

I would say it is the blade engagement bracket with pulley.

[@brianlacourt9997]

Found it . i was actually looking for that rod. Idler guide rod . thanks

[@brianlacourt9997]

Mine broke off and kept knocking the belt off.

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

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