Hydraulic Drive Belt Replacement on a Gravely Zero Turn ZT 52HD Easy DIY Mrs. T-bone says hello!

[@rogermcdonald1607]

Nice job on the camera work there Mrs Raley! Tracy that job is not as easy as you made it look. Great job buddy. Having your own camera person is putting you in the same caliber as Taryl Fixes All. The lightning was good as well. Always great music !👍😎🇺🇸Roger

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Wow what a complement !! Thank you. Your are correct my friend. We did this job in real time, but keep in mind, I do it everyday. We just hope it helps someone repair their own machine.

[@jeffstapleton9168]

Good afternoon. I appreciate the video and have a question. I replaced the belt after mine broke. Reassembled everything and I don't have same power to move the mower that I did previously. Any suggestions?

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Did you look up the correct belt for your model and serial number? Did you get an OEM, Rotary or Stens belt? If you answered no, that may be the issue. If you answered yes to both questions you may have a binding tensioner arm.

[@jeffstapleton9168]

@RaleysSmallEngines thank you so much for responding. My local shop provided me with a belt based on my serial number and model number. It is not an OEM belt however. Unfortunately, I was not able to locate a diagram anywhere. Sine my belt broke, I'm guessing at best. I believe that I have it routed correctly, although the position of the tension arm is in question.

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

@jeffstapleton9168 look it up on PartsTree.com to verify the part number and belt routing

[@richardmohr708]

Thank you. I wont admit how many hours I failed to get this until I saw your video. My Ariens Max Zoom 60, Kohler, 60" Deck was identical to this. Your video was superior.

[@markflick1641]

Hello. Mrs T Bone .Just found you a couple days ago .Love your ,this is how it’s done approach. Entertaining also .God Bless

[@james-ld3yo]

Boy I'm glad he showed that, great work with showing ease.

[@bananaman1961]

You are a prince among men for posting this! I was getting so frustrated trying to get that belt on the way the manual showed. There was no way that belt was going to go over the right hand side pulley. Dropping the clutch was the ticket. Still hard to get on, but at least I had room to work it. Thank you!!!

[@1millionstartups]

Thanks to Mrs. Tbone’s great camera work and angles I now feel confident to replace my drive belt, even though my mower isn’t a Gravely.

[@Smuggler169]

Just a bit of advice. I have a 2010 Gravely model# 991068, ZT HD48. I bought an off the shelf belt 1/2”x67” and it didn’t fit. It was close. I ended up buying a Gravely brand belt and it fit! It took some work finagling it on there but I got it. My lesson learned……..when it comes to parts like belts, get the equipment brand part. They make these things without a size or it’s a fraction of a size unique from the off the shelf part. They do that on purpose so you buy their part! Get the Gravely belt to be safe. Thanks for the video and the hydraulic oil service video was helpful as well. I went ahead and did that while I had her on the car ramps. Thanks again. Jim in Ohio

[@stevef.9659]

@jimb3093 ❤ I have the ZT HD44 and the 67" off the shelf belt is too short with the belt around the clutch pulley and the left fan pulley. Gravelys instructions is to put it on the right fan pulley last and even with the fan removed it's obviously too short. BTW the original belt has lasted for 280 hours on a 2015 model #991090. I ordered a 71" belt that they claim will fit and I know it's got to be 68-71" to fit properly.

[@irvlalonde3915]

@@stevef.9659 I bought a belt, it was too long. I’ve got over 500 hours on my mower, first time I have had to change this hydro belt. I ended up buying one from jacks small engines. Took almost 2 weeks and cost a little over $50. The shop I bought this from went out of business during the Great Recession. No gravely dealers around here. This has been a excellent machine, but next time I’ll buy something like Deere or cub cadet, I can get parts easy for them.

[@johnperkins7179]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My Gravely lost power after the belt split. Did the job myself following your step by step instructions. Save a ton of time and money.

[@ghibliinu6616]

You're quite the accomplished cinematographer Mrs. T-bone. A great video with the help of your assistant hubby!!! 😄

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

You are correct, wow what a compliment for Mrs T-bone. Thanks so much!!! She will definitely see all comments!!!

[@rayburnett3066]

I now have a zero turn mower too

[@TheRustyRooster]

Fantabulistic job on the filming Mrs. T-BONE... OH... and you did an ok job installing that belt T-BONE glad se was there to walk ya through it. 🤣🤣

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Lmao, Thanks my friend I will be sure Baby reads all the comments.

[@billschrier1207]

I just had these parts disassembled on my Gravely and fought it most of the way. I wish I had found your video before doing the job because it would have been so much easier. Great camera work and lighting while looking at stuff that is very hard to see even when your nose is 6" away from it.

[@edchannell2591]

Thank you. Its like you came to my house and helped me work on my lawnmower. Very grateful.

[@johndavis7112]

I probably would have learned a few new curse words during this job, great video.

[@Carcinogen.inhaler]

I did.

[@ggileau]

The little tricks are what make the job so much easier. Thank you!!!!!!!

[@BBradshaw131]

I've spent 3 hours on my back under mine today and still haven't gotten it done yet. I didn't drop the cluth though. That makes sense. It would NOT go over that. Thank you sir!

[@enginebae3471]

Hello mrs. T-bone 🥩. Great video. Damn belt blew into a hundred pieces today. This helped a lot 👍

[@TimCarter-z8w]

Thanks so much for the video! I watched the Gravely video but yours gave me the details I needed to complete the job! I had difficulty getting the spring off my puller and ended up using a piece of 1/4 rope wrapped around a crow bar

[@aaroninks]

Well hell. I purchased my Gravely ZTR in 2000. I’ve replaced the deck belts twice in that time. I didn’t even realize it had a 3rd belt for the hydro. I guess I’ll be replacing that one this weekend just because… My Gravely has been rock solid over the years, she never breaks. Besides belts, blades and fluid changes the only thing I’ve ever had break was the seats safety switch. That’s literally it in 24 years!

[@dennisjackson3531]

I have been working on mowers for over 60 years , but I am learning very many great new lessons . Thanks so much

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thank you! I learn every day my friend.

[@Larry-d3i]

You are a pro! For jobs like that most people should take it to a pro. I do.

[@bigsonslawncare]

Best trick in the world walking that belt back on! Great fix as always.

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thank you, yes sir it works like a charm. Thanks for watching my friend

[@randy-m8m]

This might be the best dyi video i have ever seen GREAT JOB

[@anthonyfigueras6220]

Thanks for this video. It's helped me with my ZTHD 48. I have a 2016. I was told I had a bent crankshaft so I replaced my motor with a FR730. After watching this video, I'm finding it hard to believe that my crankshaft was bent. I just don't see how it could've been possible with all power delivery is by belts on these mowers. I think it was the clutch housing making a knock against the clutch housing "brace" or "stop" that made the mechanic believe my crank was bent. Still makes that noise at certain rpms.

[@irvlalonde3915]

If the crank is bent, it usually breaks. I agree with you.

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

Thanks for filming Mrs Tbone

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

She says you're welcome

[@harleyrider440]

Thanks to You and the Miss's for a great and fun video, I will have to get to work now and change my belt and hydraulic oil which I saw on another of your videos!!!

[@bigjoe2458]

TBone you are a very good teacher. you tell everything great

[@danmills9658]

Highly informative, easy to understand, extremely useful! Thank You and God bless you Mrs T Bone, for all the work you do on and off camera! Life is easier sometimes with help!

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thank you

[@999raiderz]

Excellent camera work Mrs. T-Bone!

[@zeerich74]

I have a 42 inch deck of the same mower, thank you so much for this video. Hi Mrs Tbone lol. Much appreciate the time you put in making this how to video. It made my life much easier.

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

We are so glad it helped you out my friend. Mrs T reads these comments also and says hello. Thanks for watching and commenting. We appreciate your support.

[@terrywallace6911]

Great video! Lot of help for us shade tree mechanics!!

[@henrymurawskibigdogrepair]

Nice job Mrs T-Bone you did the hard part !

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Yes she did!!! I thought she did an awesome job!! Thanks Henry!!!

[@henrymurawskibigdogrepair]

@@RaleysSmallEngines you didn’t do so bad you’re self nice job and video

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

@@henrymurawskibigdogrepair Lol too funny Thank you sir

[@jamescannon7267]

I am a novice at this but, after watching your video I change both belts on my friends Gravely. You and your wife did a great job thanks to you two my confidence level is up and ready for the task….. thank you from Napa, Wine Country California. I just ordered parts to do this job, plus I will service the hydraulic oil and engine oil…… I’m ready….. Thanks Jim….

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

So nice of you to leave a comment my friend, such kind words. I am so glad our video helps you, that is our goal. Thanks for your support my friend.

[@justinstanley4196]

Life saver my man. I broke my drive belt so I had no reference on how to thread it. Couldn't have done it without your video

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thank you, glad it helped. Keep up the great work brother.

[@mbauck]

Thanks!

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Wow, Thank You !!

[@richardsmith-qy6vl]

Alright I got to change my nephews tomorrow thanks for the video I'm sure glad I seen that you have to fish that belt around the fans really a helpful video I hope you have a great weekend.

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thank you

[@rayburnett3066]

You are great filmer,my girl

[@johnnyreagan1]

Great video, always informative and helpful!!! Great camera work by Mrs. T-Bone! Always better when you have an extra set of hands and eyes. Keep up the great work.

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thank you!! I will be sure to show Baby your comment.

[@jeremyyates8417]

I have an chance to buy a 2013 one like this would you recommend ot and I so what should I check out

[@mitchelltate2079]

Great job ! Ty for the info and to Mrs T bone for the camera work

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thank you

[@gravelyman]

I said a few bad words watching you work on that lol. Hello Mrs T-Bone great camera work. Nice job T-BONE 👍

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Lol, funny guy. I will tell her you said hello. Thanks so much brother.

[@davidwiser3883]

Thank you. Straight forward and looks simple enough

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thanks for watching and commenting my friend.

[@robcole332]

You know you always impress me with your homemade tools. Welding wire was a great idea

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thank you so much for the compliment.

[@nutfarm215]

Thank you very much Mate, that will make life easier when I fit the belt as is still to arrive at the mower shop. This saves me struggling to work out the how it goes on as ours broke and completly fell away! God bless, Raley and Tracy.

[@bfog2097]

Just bought the same unit. Used 2nd time using it, drive belt ripped. Guess what i get to do. Video was very helpful. Thank you.

[@DavidNuscher]

Great job! I have a Gravely 144z that just lost the drive belt(broke). Is the process pretty much the same?

[@johnpawlik3860]

I use a modified hay bale hook to release the spring tension. Great video work by the Mrs.! Great mechanic work and work description by Mr. Raley, I would have never attempted this belt replacement until I watched this video.

[@TLMD]

Well hello Mrs. T-Bone. Another great video of course. You two do some fine work. Keep it up!

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thank you brother

[@kevingraham4145]

Thanks for an awesome instructional video. It helped out a lot and I got it done in no time and cut my grass.

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Awesome, glad it helped you my friend

[@kenhugen285]

Wow! Thanks! I think my idler pulley is going bad and this is an easier than I thought thanks to you!

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Awesome hope it helps you my friend

[@jamesWilliams-ch9sn]

Great video. Looks like there might be room to take off the hydro fans?

[@GregHayesRealtor]

What serial number/ model number / year is this mower? I bought one used exactly like it and can't find the serial number under the seat. The seat isn't OEM and I can't find a serial number or model number anywere. I need to order spindles for the deck and want to make sure I get the right ones!

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

The model and serial number should be on the frame, not on the seat on a Gravely. That's an old video, I don't have access to that mower.

[@ronaldwprovo5530]

Hi Mrs.T-bone

[@johnnycunningham7368]

I enjoy your videos and your sense of humor. Keep it up.

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thank you sir

[@67plymouth440]

My, my, you sure did make that look easy.

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Lol it is easy. Too Easy! Thanks for watching and commenting my friend .

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

Where do u get the hitchey mo thing of a Bob’s at. I’d like to get me some

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

They are in stock at the watcha ma call it store. 🤣 🤣

[@MidwestToolReview]

I have the Ariens EZRider 1648 model and I haven't been able to locate a belt diagram for the drive system. The deck belts are good, but I'm missing the hydro-system drive belt. I purchased my mower for $400, so I hope I can repair/replace everything needed w/o breaking the bank...

[@chrishankins3080]

Really appreciate the video!!

[@SimoneHansch]

Hi i followed your video on changing my hydraulic belt and now my ZT 60 mower nowit won't start. Why ? Please help

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Take your time and look over Every step you did. Start with simple things first. Is parking brake set? Handles out? Battery hooked up? It may sound silly, but it should be something simple.

[@SimoneHansch]

@@RaleysSmallEngines I checked and everything is connect I think it may be the starter. Do you have a video on changing the starter? If you do can you please send me a link to it. Thank you 🤠

[@MrBillygoat]

Could a person easily remove the fan blades won’t be one bolt instead of trying to fish them through the fins and metal housing ?

[@rk24user25]

Thanks great video I have an Ariens max zoom practically the same as the gravely, my hydro belt broke, this video should help tremendously!

[@bryanlinscomb3631]

You made that look easy thanks for the video

[@Marine-72]

Would it be possible to just remove the hydraulic fans instead of fishing it around the fan blades? Just a thought! Very good video. Your wife did a super job. A+

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Great question. I'm sure it's possible, but it will take way more time. Thank you for watching and commenting my friend.

[@ht9739]

Is it possible to put a new belt on without taking all of these things off first? My belt recently burnt up at 15 hours…no idea why.

[@medic2834]

Can the fan blades be removed for easier installation?

[@dsnowgod]

Great vid to watch. Love the commentary. Thanks for the vid

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thank you

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

Great tune Kind of sounds like hold on loosely By 38 special question how do you put that music track in your videos and not get demonetized.

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thank you MM1... We only use music that doesn't require Attribution.

[@charlieg5850]

Thanks👍🏼 Really good video. Saved me a lot of time

[@richardchandler9734]

Our gravely dealer rarely has parts u need

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

We stock all the common things belts blades engine parts etc. Anything else, my supplier has it here next day

[@johneubanks7985]

How did you drop the clutch? I cannot get the bolt loose. It just turns the entire shaft up into the engine. What can i use to hold it so it doesn’t turn.

[@Sensibly_Common]

My clutch spins when I try to loosen that bottom bolt what do I do

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Using an impact is best. If you don't have one remove a spark plug and put as much starter rope in the spark plug hole as you can. That will stop the engine from turning

[@Sensibly_Common]

@@RaleysSmallEngines thanks

[@perlovaya]

Hi Mr Raley do you recommend 67 inch belt or 68 inch seems in the comments 68 is preferred was 67 very tight to get on? Thank you in advance

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

It is always best to look up the correct part using your model number and serial number. This takes the guess work out of the equation. Furthermore once you have the correct part number be sure to get a quality product OEM, Rotary, Stens are all good ones to use. Do not use the cheap stuff like found on Amazon. Sometimes you can find Quality parts on Amazon in OEM, Rotary or Stens. Hope this helps.

[@BudTotty]

How do you back up on the ramps if the hydraulic belt is torn ( not functioning)?

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

We use a floor jack

[@thomasjanini603]

How do you keep the engine from turning as you unbolt the pto clutch?

[@jeeplaw8653]

Great video! Quick question, what's the make and model of those yellow ramps y'all using to lift the tractor?

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

The ones we use are about 20 yrs old. They are Petersen Tru-cut Ultra Ramps. Model # UR6500. Thanks for Watching!

[@anthonygross1963]

Hi again, as posted a few weeks ago, my hydrostatic belt fell off my Gravely ZT and I can’t steer or move at all. There was nothing wrong with the belt I believe but I changed it anyway. I believe this is a pulley or clutch issue as the belt falls off after two attempts. Can you give me your best guess as to which part I should replace? The electric clutch? The pulleys? I turned the pulleys by hand and I don’t hear any noise or sense there’s bad bearings. I just wanted an opinion before spending a few hundred bucks on a new clutch. Thanks

[@davidlillard9086]

Hi Mrs T Bone ! Good Job .

[@walterdowns3389]

nice job mr and mrs tbone!

[@jimmydickson8854]

To take the fan off is it right hand thread or left hand just a thought mate ,jimmy Australia,good tutorial thankyou

[@curtlamb3758]

Standard right hand thread. I am messing with this job right now. If the remove that bolt, the pulley will likely unseat. Just make sure the pulley is well seated before installing the bolt again.

[@Gogetter1984]

Thank you for being an example and saying t not to say bad words. I'm a Christian and honestly I thought a couple. Lol. Had to repent

[@rayburnett3066]

Hello Mrs.T-Bone

[@Marine-72]

And, I subscribed. Wish you lived close to central PA

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Awesome, thank you 😊

[@secretsquirrel5448]

What year model is this mower? Just curious becuase my hydro belt is cogged

[@mr1pearl]

Howdy Mrs. Raley , I seriously don't know how you remain so calm , cool , and collective 🤷 I'd a used more trucker verbage ( sp? ) hell yah I would 😆

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Lol too funny.

[@mikerader9076]

Good job and good camera work 😊

[@michaelwas8549]

Great vid! I have a ZT HD 48" and it just seems like the mower deck isn't running as well as it usually does. The engine isn't bogging down but the mower blades seem like they are. Any ideas?

[@austinjenkins8917]

I have been running into the same thing this season. At first it was because the grass was too wet to cut but not wet on the ground. Belt popped off so we thought there wasn't enough tension on the front spring so we tightened it. Still didn't stop the bogging down problem, loosened it and it cut just like normal, but the lawns in my area were growing enough for 10 days in 7 days. It is a lot better especially since it was loosened up and everything is more dry and not growing like the Amazon! LOL Hope this helps, I was hoping to find someone with the same problem to bounce ideas off of!

[@pantasmith5029]

Thank from ď smith in jamaica

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

You're welcome 😊 hello d Smith in Jamaica!!

[@KKav-pp5sh]

Thanks for that education blessing to you both.

[@hblide]

Hello to the Mrs!

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Will do. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@hblide]

you've got your hitchy-mo thing-a-ma-bob .....but where is your juggy stick?

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

@@hblide lmao

[@anthonygross1963]

Thanks for the response. I got the spring back on with new belt but when I started it up and moved it a few inches the spring and belt fell off again and I can’t go forward or backwards. I used an air hammer to put the bolts back on securely and all the belts were tight before I started it. Any ideas why it would just fall off again? All the pulleys are tight too. Thanks again!

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Something isn't installed correctly, belt routed wrong or wrong belt. When finished the belt should feel tight.

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Also make sure the flat back of belt is on flat idler pulleys and the V of belt in V pulleys.

[@anthonygross1963]

I’m pretty sure I put the belt on right and they were tight. Could low hydraulic fluid make it fall off?

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

@@anthonygross1963 it shouldn't unless a pump is locked up. Where are you located?

[@anthonygross1963]

Hi again, if the keyway were not pushed all the way up would I still be able to reconnect the clutch? Could I have reconnected the clutch but the keyway is not in correct position which is why my wheels won’t turn and the idler spring keeps falling off? I live in Oregon city Oregon. Thanks

[@Aarriaga8907]

How do you take the clutch off. Mine just keeps spinning

[@richardchandler9734]

Tullahoma Tennessee

[@AndersonTheAgent]

What's the part # on that belt? I can't find it listed anywhere the manual

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

What is your model number and serial number? I can look it up when we open up tomorrow

[@lennyperry536]

Do the spindles have a zerk? I need to grease mine and was just wondering? I have a 2011 ZT50. Thanks.....

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Gravely does not have grease fittings

[@lennyperry6210]

@@RaleysSmallEngines ugh…thanks for the info…if you have a video on how to do it please forward to me. Thanks

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

@@lennyperry6210 sorry I don't have a video on replacing the spindles but it is very simple. Remove the belts, blade then 4 bolts from underneath holding the spindle on. The spindle will slide out thru the top. Next just one bolt holding the pulley to the spindle. Remove is and slide off the pulley taking care not to loose the keyway. Takes about 5 minutes with impact tools.

[@lennyperry6210]

@@RaleysSmallEngines thanks. Not sure if I’ll grease original parts or buy new ones: $200+ per spindle is what I’ve heard….. may as well buy a new mower before I tie up $1000 or so on a deck….

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Don't know the condition of your machine or the hours, but commercial Gravelys are built like a tank. My personal mower is a Gravely.

[@anthonygross1963]

Hi, I have the Gravely ZT XL 48" and I'm trying to replace the hydrostatic belt. However, the bolt holding the electric clutch on just turns and doesn't come off. What am I doing wrong? Thank you for the video!

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

The bolt holding the clutch on is fine thread and is slow to unscrew. It is possible that the clutch is sliding down as you unscrew it and makes it look like nothing is happening. Thanks for watching and commenting. Let me know what happens.

[@anthonygross1963]

I think the belt is ok. However I just can’t get the idler spring back on even with a spring puller. My mower is stuck in the field, I have it up on wheel blocks but I can’t get an angle and enough strength to pull back on to the hanging gold bolt. Do I really need to remove the clutch or just get a longer spring puller to get that spring back on? It’s only about a half inch away but the spring is really hard to stretch. Thanks again!

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

I use a bent welding rod as a spring puller and it works great

[@ceciltalbot9066]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@user-sf9pq5ox7w]

Nice!! excellent video- help build confidence to do the job with your expert instruction and experience. Hello to Mrs. t- Bone

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Thank you, I will make sure Mrs T knows you said hello.

[@claytondaniel8119]

Good video. Thank you. I have that exact model and its a great machine.

[@JDkx450]

Has any one had problems with the clutch pulley being frozen on the output shaft? I have the same mower Mine will not slide off

[@brandonmcclelland8643]

Thanks