How To Replace The Mower Belt on a John Deere Riding Mower | Belt Replacement John Deere E120

In this video, John will show you how to replace the mower deck belt on a John Deere E120 lawn tractor.
Thanks for watching! Please consider subscribing: / oldreddingfarm
** Shopping for Homesteading Gear? **
The following are affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a small commission when you make a purchase when using these links.
Tractor Supply: bit.ly/3dDJ5kn
Amazon: amzn.to/3umXXtg
Galena Farms: galenafarms.co...
Use code: OLDREDDINGFARM for 5% off your order
Botanical Interests: bit.ly/3bwA9dJ
** Want to send us a present? **
Our Amazon Wishlist: amzn.to/3uqfq45
** Get in touch with us! **
Website: www.oldreddingf...
Instagram: / oldreddingfarm
John and Catherine are a husband and wife team from Southern Connecticut. We grow food and flowers on the new 40 acre farm we just bought and are building from the ground up using reclaimed materials whenever possible.

[@joanpeters9330]

Wow. I watched your video and got my mower fixed and got the whole place mowed before the rain came. What a great, precise, step by step video. So many videos show you how to remove the first 2 screws and then Ta-Da all repaired. REALLY appreciate the step by step. And the female voice (the Mrs?) slowed you down and asked great questions to keep you on track!!! Do MORE!!

[@OldReddingFarm]

thanks so much, that's exactly the goal! glad you were able to get it set and mowing!

[@sherryg8226]

I’m a 62 yr old female and watched this video then replaced my mower belt with no problems. Excellent video!!

[@OldReddingFarm]

That's awesome ! So happy it helped !

[@bassinbillRC5300]

You go girl!

[@marjorietaves9630]

As a single mom learning an array of new things, your video is the only one that give me the info I needed, the tips to do it right and the confidence to do this on my own. You saved me, I’ve learned something and your video was A+.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Amazing very happy to hear that it helped! You got this !

[@John-dk5jg]

Watched several videos before I came across yours. The first guy wanted me to remove the entire mowing deck. After watching that one, I figured I would need to haul it in to a professional. Then there was a gal who didn’t need to remove the entire deck. That sounded good! Unfortunately, her video quality was poor and she wasn’t clear about the work involved or tools required. Also, her tractor did not have pulley covers (which it turns out had to be painstakingly removed). So, I continued searching KZbin for the holy grail of mower deck belt replacement videos and came across yours. It is understandable and detailed! With confidence, I completed the job in about 30 minutes. You probably saved me a few hundred bucks and a lot of hassle. Well done and thank you!

[@annmiller5434]

The John Deere and other repair places sponsor those guys who complicate to get us all to pay some service that cost $150 minus the cost of the belt. They say it takes 1 hour but looks like it can be done in 30 minutes. I’m gonna try it and see.

[@OldReddingFarm]

So glad to be of help!! Glad to save you the money!

[@mudbutton2]

You wouldn't believe it - I just spent the morning servicing my E120 and started mowing, and the belt broke! Good to see a video that doesn't tell you to pull the deck off, or spend 10 minutes waffling about other stuff! Thanks.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Sorry to hear the belt broke but hope this helps! It was really a pain to try to show what I was talking about, I wonder if that is half of the reason why people say take the deck off

[@GoodStuffForeverMore]

I was happy to find a video too, that didn't require you to remove the deck. I looked at mine several times and thought I don't see why I would need to remove the deck 🤔 Glad to find your vid that proved me right. Now, to get my belt and get after replacing that booger🤓

[@timothyapwisch7652]

Thanks!

[@meatsteak6053]

Had to remove the deck for the blade rotators and its easier then you think. Lear ing curve is once, after that it might take me 10 minutes. Jist a matter of taking pics and keeping all the kotter pins together. Thwt being said, I agree im leaving it on for the belt.

[@carlahunt7940]

Thanks! The belt broke and the hubby is out of town... I 'm gonna head out and do this. Wish me luck!

[@renee_cupp]

Thank you! Just walked my husband through a belt change and you definitely saved us arguing about it. 😅

[@OldReddingFarm]

Fantastic!

[@tlm3574]

I like your method. Not necessary to remove deck. Lot simpler.

[@davidreimund1903]

You have the best video on here explaining how to do this. Nobody explained it in as much detail you did. I got it changed out and lawn mowed. Thank you so much.

[@greghibbard5260]

Thanks so much for this video. I’m 63 yrs old and fixed it myself after watching your video.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Awesome ! So glad it helped

[@realspitkenny5561]

Yesterday my belt broke on my JD s130.. even though I havent fixed it yet. Video saved for your thorough step-by-step belt replacement. Thank You‼️

[@ndpendentlady]

Thank you so much for making this video. You just saved me $200 parts and labor at my John Deere dealer. I've had this mower for 33 days and my belt broke.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Good!! Glad you were able to do it yourself! Unfortunately breaking belts will become a regular part of your mowing life now hah.

[@waldorfmartialarts8320]

I’ve had an s110 for a month, used it 3 times and the deck belt broke! What’s up with this?

[@Chimpmanboom]

Same had it barely a month

[@jaynedugger8705]

I am a 60 year old widow and this was the best video. I was able to change the belt on my little D110. Also, thank you for saying which tools would be needed. Also, love that your helper is asking questions. You're a lifesaver. THANK YOU!!!! 😊

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it helped!

[@chriserickson4417]

Wow, not one swear word. It won't be the same for me, but then again, I won't be filming for KZbin. Thanks for the video. It's a great help.

[@andrewmilliron7465]

Wanted to do something special for my mom while she was on vacation. Found out her belt broke on this same mower. Great sbs instructions. Great video

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it was helpful and I'm sure your mom appreciated fixing the belt even more than mowing the grass!

[@blairthandi7058]

Bro, you telling us to put the numbers on the outside is very helpful. I actually find changing the belt as very fun.

[@dday4411]

Me and my son were having trouble replacing our belt. My engineer father in law came over and before you know it he removed the whole yellow deck. The I find your video and my son and I reassembled the deck AMD replaced the belt no problem!!!! Great easy to follow video! Thank you!!!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Yay! Glad it helped

[@daymdb9138]

We spent forever trying to figure this out until your video saved the day!

[@MrDaleplan]

I watched this and was able to fix my mower in less than 60 minutes .

[@OldReddingFarm]

Awesome !! I'm super glad you found this video helpful

[@BBKERNSALLNhomestead]

Thanks for showing us that. After the end bloopers, I don't feel so ALONE!!!!!!

[@origin32]

Thanks yal.... bought a 2021 S120. Belt broke first time mowing! Couldn't believe it.. it's funny, because my whole life friends and family were all like "John Deere is the best". 🤣🤣🤣. Not a great first impression for me.. Anyways, thank you. I replaced the belt in 20 minutes.

[@OldReddingFarm]

haha oh no did you hit something? or think the belt was faulty to begin with? thats a pain but glad it was something easy to fix, wait till you bend a blade :(

[@Vic-lk1zq]

Yes, I too am disappointed in the JD brand right now. I finally paid the premium price for the JD name and bought one last year. I'm at 66 hours mowing time and putting my 3rd belt on now.

[@TheTangTamer]

My brother in law just bought an S170 yesterday. Started to mow this morning, the belt immediately broke. He paid $3k for this brand new mower, called JD dealer, they told him its only covered if it’s a pulley otherwise, he’s on his own replacing the belt. If I ever need a riding mower, I’ll be sure to stay FAR AWAY from John Deere!!!

[@kenthompson3730]

Make sure you’re at full throttle before engaging the PTO. Also, Don’t engage PTO while sitting in high grass. Drive into high grass with blades already turning OR… raise deck fully before engaging PTO, then lower into desired cutting level. But in VERY high grass, just drive into it with guns blazing. Much less shock on the PTO.

[@debbdejoseph4794]

Thank you. Hopefully I can get this done and finish my yard!

[@KP-fz2gc]

Came across your video when searching for help after I snapped my belt yesterday! I appreciate that you said the tools and sizes needed at the beginning of the video! Made the whole process 100% doable! Great footage and clear instructions! Thanks!

[@charlesreese9085]

Need to replace my belt, it's been a couple years since I've done it. This is a great refresher course. Thanks

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dianewilliams9729]

Ok, I am putting my trust in you for doing this myself. I am an older (older than you, old man) female. Pray for me.

[@OldReddingFarm]

🙏 you can do it

[@aliciabrown6635]

Very helpful and informative. On my way to try and replace my belt for the first time 😨. Wish me luck! Im definitely better prepared now that I've seen your video! Thanks

[@Allbr3x]

How’d it go?

[@garveythomas6267]

Thank you this video was very instrumental and helping me. I am happy that you didn’t go through such a long drawn out process to show me what I needed to know.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@trevormawer6854]

thanks mate, great video explanation, got it sorted in 40 minutes after watching this. Awesome work

[@luckyguylotto1469]

Thank you. Some of this walkthrough was excessive information but didn’t miss a beat! Rather be redundant than to miss something

[@OldReddingFarm]

I'll take that!

[@swynn525]

I just had to change it for the first time of my life, your video saved me !!! thank you so much

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it helped!

[@truettbryant7829]

Thank you for this video. I have a John Deere S160, and while a little different from your E120, it's close enough that following the video I was able to replace the belt with NO problems. Thanks again!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it helped

[@charliem2564]

Having to buy my first rider I was going to stay away from JD after seeing bad reviews with belt issues but after watching this I am confident I can deal with it.

[@kenthompson3730]

But a REAL JD, not a cheap Lowes/Home Depot version. A good used X300 or X500 will be twice the quality of the cheap big box versions.

[@anthonyjordan2922]

Thanks so much for posting this! The belt on my JD E120 snapped this morning and I needed to know how to fix this. Your video saved me a lot of time and frustration. 🙂

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it helped!

[@alfonsoesqueda1640]

You rock bro! took me about 10 minutes to change the belt because of this video

[@jennafelix7010]

Video helped me as I'm a first time tractor mower (S120) owner and definitely first time belt replacer. Took me about an hour but turned out perfectly. Thanks.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad to hear it !

[@roedean4653]

John it was great that you said I would need a 10mm for the guards but the tensioner, you didn't say what size socket

[@jaynedugger8705]

I'm pretty sure he said all size sockets needed. Otherwise I would not have known.

[@linusb119]

He said 5/8" socket and 10mm at 0:13

[@GardeningwithBarchuckin]

John on a John Deere. I had to change my brothers belt on his John Deere. He has LA130 it has 3 blades so it’s a little different.

[@LLC3]

Thank you for such a great video on how to change the belt on a John Deere riding lawnmower.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AkirakaMizu]

Finally… a step-by-step without taking the mower deck off! Thank you! The two other times I had to replace the belt I had to get someone else help put the deck back on. Yeesh. Very helpful! Thanks! 🙏

[@OldReddingFarm]

Amazing glad it helped

[@RoyR-yw3ly]

Thank you!!!!Excellent! Only thing I might add is I hung mine in sun and put a small weight of whatever...but just not too heavy that it would stretch....went on soooo easy!!

[@baoruiren988]

Like it very much! I just replaced the broken belt of my machine following the steps in the video, this is a much better way to replace the belt than others that needs to take the deck down first. Thank you very much!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it was helpful !

[@kenthompson3730]

But if you remove the deck, you can do other maintenance at the same time: check, sharpen or replace the blades. Grease the spindles. Clean the bottom of the deck.

[@alexis-simoncloutier8607]

Thanks for the video. I fixed my mower!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Yay happy to hear it !!

[@muhammadalishah2244]

This video helped me a lot. I was able to change the belt easily. It was my first time.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Awesome ! Glad it helped

[@jenkight2975]

Love that y'all kept the bloopers in at the end! Great how-to!

[@PineyEdge]

This was a lifesaver for me, now I'm confident I can do this tomorrow :)

[@Badforgood1106]

thanks for the video. You saved me from taking it to the J Deere service center.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad I could help !!

[@DVL327]

Thanks for the video. I got a JD with 2.5 hours on it and the belt broke. I’m going to assume it’s just one of those things. But I’m glad you put the video up. This job looks super easy. Albeit it’s going to be a pain due to the hot weather I get in Alabama. I’ll just park under a shady tree.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Ugh that's bad luck. Did you hit something do you think ? Hopefully the next one will last way longer good luck with it

[@DVL327]

@@OldReddingFarm I don’t feel like I did but I’ll have to say that’s inconclusive for now. Reading the comments though, I do see a pattern of early belt replacements. So the jury is out. Gonna swing by Home Depot tomorrow and see if they give me a replacement, but I’ll get an extra one to play it safe. I bought the JD over a Troybilt because it’s made in Tennessee, however it won’t surprise me if the belt comes from China.

[@kenthompson3730]

Make sure you’re at full throttle before engaging the PTO. Also, Don’t engage PTO while sitting in high grass. Drive into high grass with blades already turning OR… raise deck fully before engaging PTO, then lower into desired cutting level. But in VERY high grass, just drive into it with guns blazing. Much less shock on the PTO.

[@erics1053]

I don't know why many of the other videos go through pulling the entire deck off of similar setups. This is the way to do it folks.

[@laizgianini3996]

Thank you thank you thank you!! I could do it on my own- which is not a very common thing to happen. Great explanation! Thank you 🙏

[@Karla-vc9dl]

Thanks for the vid. Wasn't looking forward to taking the mower deck off my D130 so I'll give it a shot this way. AFAIK it's the original belt from 2011 with 150+ hours. LOL Greetings from (also) rocky Vermont. Lol actually it's 360+ hours. And I was able to do it perfectly without taking the deck off. Woohoo!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Yessss! Glad it worked ! Maybe CT and VT should have a rock-off! I've never met rockier soil than where we are now. It's Maddening

[@Karla-vc9dl]

@@OldReddingFarm my old neighbor says that if you hit a rock, you've dug in the right place. Placing posts is fun up here! 🤪

[@jamest1955]

This is a most helpful vid! Gotta fix my S120 belt and this saved me lots of time! Big, big thanks! 🍻

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it helped!

[@michaelpena2614]

Awesome video, and who ever edited. Know exactly what to point out.

[@chreschres512]

Tuesday September 27 and I wanna say thanks! I’m confident that I’ll do just as great as you demonstrated.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Amazing! Good luck

[@MrDklocks]

Hey first time seeing your videos! Me and my 4 year old son who LOVES some John Deere watched this in preparation to change out John Deere 125 automatic. Great video we were both cracking up with the bloopers

[@scottrusso3281]

Note on the end of the video: when you put the plastic covers back on the wheels, there’s a small groove for the belt to slide into. Make sure that you have this aligned, because I noticed that it wasn’t when I was reinstalling ours

[@zeepequeno11]

Omg like thank you!! I'm a teenager and my dad has a John deer and the belt broke so WITH YOUR VIDEO (thank you very much) I FIXED IT AND NOW IM AWESOME AND IM LIKE SUPER COOL SO NOW I HAVE SUPER POWERS, MUCH LOVE💗🫶🏽

[@keithgoldston2859]

Just about to do this on my e120 wanted to make sure it was as easy as I thought thanks for the viedo

[@OldReddingFarm]

No problem 👍

[@janbdewit]

Thank you, nice instruction. Possibly check the tension of the belt engine.

[@ShawnDienhart]

Your video was HUGELY helpful. Worked great for my E130. Thanks so much.

[@OldReddingFarm]

So glad it was helpful

[@AJ-wi5ox]

Didn't match my issue exactly but a few of your tips led to a solution and holy shit I don't have to push mow now. Thanks brother.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it helped

[@carolineauclair5034]

Thank you very much for posting, well explained and very helpful !

[@johnrhodes101875]

6:45 god she's so sweet what a lady helping out her man

[@diannebutler7899]

Thank you very much for sharing. Very easy to follow and understand. Nice tone of voice and speed.😊

[@JMWOLFORD82]

I did it! On my S100. Thanks for the guide.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Awesome job !!!

[@gwboles659]

So worth it! Great video! just what i was looking for on how to do this.

[@lellyann68]

Thanks for the video. I still think I'll wait for my husband to get home 🤣 Love your dogs ❤️

[@OldReddingFarm]

Fair enough! And thank you!

[@peterbatiste1408]

Changed belt with your video help! Thanks from Niagara Region, Canada

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it helped!

[@huntiow]

Awesome vid. Took a look at mine earlier and it confused me. It makes sense now so thankyou

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it helped!

[@gloriasanders9616]

thank you so much our lawn mower repair man has been closed last few days so i you tubed it and Bam you did the darn Thang happy hubby happy wife thanks a bunch😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad to help!!

[@JaredDocEstesMusic]

Thanks for the vid brotha

[@OldReddingFarm]

Happy to help

[@robertblunt9517]

Those things are called spindle covers

[@BurgessBob99]

Great video, I have 35 hours on my tractor and this is now the second belt I have installed (both John Deere belts). I have no idea why, I guess JD makes cheap belts!

[@OldReddingFarm]

wow that is super annoying. Got a lot of rocks or roots or something in the area you are mowing? I find that most of the time when I break a belt its because I hit something.

[@melsolomon8256]

3 hrs I bought my mower last fall and used it twice this year and once last year. The belt snapped. We got a riding mower because of my mobility issues. I did not think I was that hard on it.

[@BurgessBob99]

Didn’t hit a thing, not sure why they broke…in any case, much easier to replace knowing I don’t have to drop the mowing deck!

[@diannewood7389]

@@OldReddingFarm Mine broke today hitting the tiniest rotted branch, about 2 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. I was shocked that it was the culprit. But I've hit lots of stuff before that one, so I think Johnny was saying, "Damn it, this is the last straw."

[@kenthompson3730]

Make sure you’re at full throttle before engaging the PTO. Also, Don’t engage PTO while sitting in high grass. Drive into high grass with blades already turning OR… raise deck fully before engaging PTO, then lower into desired cutting level. But in VERY high grass, just drive into it with guns blazing. Much less shock on the PTO.

[@EndlessRoutes]

Thank you

[@DR.DRE.123.]

Thank you very much for this vid, it helped me out a lot !

[@OldReddingFarm]

Happy it helped

[@mcandrews111]

Great video. Short and informative.

[@h8yuns]

I was trying like hell to loosen the wrong bolt after watching a video on an older model lol. Thanks for posting this man. Soon as I saw which bolts you went after with the 5/8" I was golden.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Happy to help!

[@wandakerley5791]

I have the same mower. How do you tighten or adjust the belt. I think my cable has stretched and the cable adjustment bracket is welded to the deck. Any ideas?

[@brinleyhocutt2928]

John, I need your advice. I've pulled my deck out 2 or 3 times before BUT this time when trying to replace my deck I CAN NOT get the petal on left side of mower to come back up like it should. Any advice. thanks Brinley Hocutt

[@jimgrassi]

Nice and clear video. One of the best I’ve seen

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad you liked it!

[@user-ic4bf2uj4t]

Thanks

[@jpeterson991]

I have a issue. Replaced my belt in my LT150 with a 96.5” manual says 97.0” but now the blade engage doesn’t work and the blades always rotating. Is the OEM and 0.5” that critical???

[@alexcarrick6115]

Love the video. Love your Great Dan.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Danes are the best !!

[@mikemason4792]

Very good instructions. I appreciate the diagram. Thank you.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it was helpful !

[@harryschneider1760]

My e100 deck would have to lower deck to get it to ingauge...what brand belt should i get...i seen $55.00 down to $20 from amazon...i want one that will last. Should i just stick with john deere brand? Broke at 39.5 hours. But ive had mower 3 years now garage kept n hosed off after evry use...tyi

[@deemorris4049]

Thanks so much for your very clear and easy to understand video - very helpful!

[@Lifeisgood13Soaps]

I have the s100 and the belt is a bit loose how i can tighten it? The tention bracket is welded. In older models the tention bracket is adjustable. Can you help?

[@kenhilson786]

my neighbour's belt still in tact at 350 hours but pulley covers were really worn from belt rub.

[@gardenia1738]

Thanks Do you have to adjust the tension on the belt? Your new one seems loose. Mine too it keeps slipping and disengaging

[@dennisdmenace2416]

Excellent.

[@verdnyc]

This was a brilliant video. Super easy to follow. Thank you!

[@williamconner9407]

Good instructive video

[@Bj90216]

Super helpful. Thanks.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertmckeown6118]

Thanks, helped me on a very similar model.

[@coatlicuetex]

great! Ill do it tomorrow morning!!! thank you. I was so afraid. You have given me confidence. Will share my results...bye for now.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Good luck with it ! I hope it's easy for you !

[@stevebello8728]

Exxxxxcellent 👍🏻👍🏻 So informative ... the belt diagram was theeee best ... thank you

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad you liked it!

[@michaelmichael9940]

Good job. Nice dogs.

[@OldReddingFarm]

Thanks and thanks !

[@jerryarman1796]

Thanks!

[@grassypants4450]

Very helpful, thankyou 👍

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juanperez-wx1kb]

Hello! Perfect video, thanks a lot!

[@OldReddingFarm]

Glad you liked it!

[@Ben_Schumacher]

Thanks mate

[@OldReddingFarm]

Happy to help

[@PatrickBoening]

I took the screw off the pully as in 7:30 min. shown, but the disk (pully) does not move a millimeter, so it is impossible to fiddle in (over the guard) the belt. Can you help?

[@OldReddingFarm]

Hey patrick, so you took the top nut off of the pulley with the spring attached and it won't move up or down or side to side? It may just be stuck, so try spraying some penetrating oil on the bolt and see if it comes unstuck after sitting for a little while.

[@PatrickBoening]

@@OldReddingFarm Thank you for your quick responds. Yes, that is exactly what happened. I will try again tomorrow. It feels like it is welded on there. (I am sure it is not...otherwise, why the nut to hold it?) I am just afraid to bend or brake something if I am using force.

[@kenthompson3730]

So, what happened, Patrick? Did you get it off?

[@PatrickBoening]

@@kenthompson3730 I called a mechanic, he got it off. Thanks for asking!