BEST VIDEO on HOW to REPLACE a DRIVE BELT on a Common CRAFTSMAN RIDING Lawnmower 42" deck

[@LadderMover]

Excellent instructional video! You did a great job working with one hand while holding the camera, showed me everything I need to know in order to complete this job myself. However, I'll be using both hands and hope it goes as smoothly as your job. I love the way you calmly handled the bad pulley and dead battery while doing a belt replacement, you are the Clint Eastwood of mower repairs. Thank you for posting!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

LOL! Thanks friend. Happy it helped!

[@pestilence1376]

I have never replaced a belt before. So, thank you for this video!

[@tsg196]

Great video thanks for sharing, one thing to keep in mind is the belt retainer at the back of the transaxle pulley, make sure that the belt is inside and not riding over it. I learned the hard way, burning rubber smell.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Very good tip! I have made that mistake before as well!

[@benglennon7366]

Jeff, After following your video it was extremely easy to fix and replace. Even with a pretty different mower. Thanks for the help!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad to help

[@freedomisfromtruth]

That parking lock releasing drive belt tension saved fingers trying to get belt on after a branch knocked it off the shaft pulley. Thank You

[@skysmith51]

Great video thanks. I've changed the blade belt on mine many times but this will be the first drive belt. I always like to check for a video on something i haven't done before.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

righton! thanks for watching

[@johnstillings2875]

Glad I watched your video instead of trying to figure this out on my own!

[@jonathanpopp3529]

Thank you for educational video. I have the same mower. Its 24 years old and i have to replace the original drive belt. Nit only did you do a great job of explaining and showing the steps in doing it, you even showed the part numbers to order....BIG Thank You !

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad to help, thanks for watching

[@robertberry9358]

I ordered a belt for my mower and this video will help me a lot. Thanks

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad I could help

[@pogtuber5146]

Good video. One thing I did was push a piece of the belt between two fan blades and then spin the fan clockwise to loop the belt off/on the transaxle.

[@SF-fm7ov]

Nice video. I too have found that often I can just slide belts past the retainers which is much easier than taking everything off or even loosening as others do. I had to chuckle about the headphones though. I'm sure you could have cut that part out, but true to life. Things happen.

[@brandonkelling8033]

I had transmission slip and loss of power........Thank you so much for this video, i was able to replace both belts and fix my mower. TIP For those who have HST Clutch....you have to remove it in order to get the drive belt off. Thanks again and i had the EXACT same problem with the melted pulley, luckily i had an extra mower to steal from...Boom works like new.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

good job! thanks for the comment and for watching

[@eurospek]

Thank you for such a great instructional video and getting my Craftsman LT2000 back in service. First mow of the season it had zero front or reverse power. Two pulleys and two v-belts later I was able to fix this myself in the garage.

[@nicholasconf0rti150]

Changed mine. No need to remove the deck. Did it in 15 mins.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped! Good job gettin it done.

[@tonywalters9436]

Thanks for this replacement of the drive belt. On your mower. It was a lot of help.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped

[@loading5100]

no way best video in replacing drive belt on worlds best mower i’ve ever owned l(although cheaper mower it’s the most reliable i have ever had)

[@victorrios633]

Thanks a lot for your interesting video,help me a lot to make a belt change in my Craftsman lawn tractor...

[@nicklandak6882]

If you take off the back mounting plate you can access the back pulley and just send the pulley to the front and then put them in the right place it's a lot quicker and easier that's how I change deck belts on my stuff

[@doncahala7326]

me too.

[@aleckmikulka2108]

Thank you. This helped a bunch for a slipped belt

[@nicklandak6882]

@@aleckmikulka2108 your welcome

[@maverick85]

What is the back mounting plate?

[@nicklandak6882]

@maverick85 there is 2 bolts beside the wheel on each side of the back of the mower those are the back mounting bolts

[@Cemize]

I was able to replace mine by only removing the battery, then the box. Making it very easy to install. No deck removal. Just battery box out of the way. 😁

[@marcw5288]

I dod the same was easy and took 10 minutes this way is just crazy

[@loganfry9474]

After you take the battery and battery case out, press down on the clutch/brake pedal. That loosens the belt and allows you to slip the belt on easily.

[@jimmersengine]

Your vid was much better than other guys!

[@F4collector]

Thanks so much for creating and posting this video. It has saved me time and heartache. Thanks!!!! -Tom

[@rogerschlief7645]

Great video very thorough from start to finish. Thanks for including the Stens part numbers as well.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

You betcha

[@lopakagirald]

Thank you!! Just what information I needed. 👍

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zouhairsuleiman1453]

AWESOME EXPLANATION

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CivilRepair]

One of the only videos about this replacement. Thank you!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Righton! Thanks for watching

[@bartmanfan99]

Thanks man. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge and making it easy to understand

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks for watching friend

[@larrykeesee1442]

THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION...I'M GOING TO PUT A NEW BELTS ON A HUSQVARNA AND CHECK THOSE PULLEYS..U SAVED ME ALOT OF TIME..THANKS AGAIN RETIRED LARRY IN INDIANAPOLIS...

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

thanks for watching Larry

[@babyyoda0U812]

Hey Larry, Nicholas here what size belt did you use?

[@babyyoda0U812]

Oh Nicholas in Shelbyville

[@lanloo6939]

Thank you!!!! save me some time, very helpful.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped

[@mr1pearl]

This is great I have an older rider that needs a belt so yeh very helpful thanks !

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Hi Bill! I will be posting a longer version of this video too where I fix a few more problems with it.

[@bg129]

might say FLEX instead of BEND-just saying- fun to watch others working on lawnmowers- I did it for 36 years.

[@robertwilkins1765]

Thanks for this video. It taught me to have my lawn mower serviceman do this job. Not me.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad to help

[@jeffslawnmowerrepairandservice]

thanks Jeff

[@RichardKeith-l4j]

You always give really good information on your videos and we appreciate your advice! I may have to put a drive belt on my LT2000, I'm sure they're very similar! God Bless and keep you safe!😊

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks friend! Happy to help.

[@forbro8301]

I kept trying to hit the like button and for whatever reason it selected the opposite! Lol! I think I’ve fixed that mistake now, but thank you for this video. Very informative!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks friend!

[@paulryder-ue6pm]

Could I get the new belt replacement part number

[@594bolt]

I watched one of your older videos on how to adjust valves on a Briggs. I have a 2003 Craftsman rider with a Kohler Pro engine. The sticker on the engine says it has hydraulic lifters. Would the valves ever need to be adjusted with hyd. lifters? I bought the mower new and it still starts and runs fine. Just wondering.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

no adjustment needed with hydraulic lifters

[@594bolt]

@@JeffsLittleEngineService OK, thank you.

[@Clyde_Lewis]

Thanks for this! I have a mid-90s green Craftsman like this, although my deck has the circular springs for the blade brakes. I'm not sure if the cylindrical spring system like in this video replaced the circular springs? Is the fan for cooling the transmission?

[@GiantSlayer-rr1vu]

Thank you for the video. I have to replace the out pulley and possibly replace that belt. I see that you're removed the deck. Do you have any videos replacing that outer pulley? Thank you again.

[@DavidScanlonMusic]

Very helpful, thank you for posting!!

[@butler386]

Great job. You made that look easy. Thanks for the videos.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks for watching!

[@nyki7fykxtjxyi]

Maintenance is very important to make them sears & roebuck mowers last

[@doncahala7326]

My last Craftsman lasted over 20 years. Now I have a used one with the hydraulic trans. MUCH nicer.

[@jeanwright5325]

20 years with my LT1000 and first time to replace the transmission belt. I always inspected, but made another season. Craftsman mowers are well made and smart on R & R.

[@jefftravis5312]

Very Nice job. Explained very well. Much easier to drop the deck then trying to wriggle your hands up in there. BY the way, if your unit has the plastic battery box, you can take the battery box out and look right down on that back transaxle pulley. Thanks again Jeff

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks for watching Jeff

[@prodigal_no_more]

I started to remove the seat and got to the battery box and looked down and decided I did not have to remove anything else.

[@pineboy13]

Very helpful, Thanks😃

[@icarusburning2208]

Thanks, this helped a bunch

[@grandpa7278]

Thanks! Just in a puff of blue smoke burned out the drive on newer t225. This helps give me confidence! Question- since right there, shouldn't one replace the deck belt too, it right there? btw, I'd of not replaced the pulley, appeared other ones would suffice in keeping it in place.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

If you can afford it, a new deck belt is always a good idea!

[@dawinner777]

Excellent video thanks

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks friend

[@19dirtysouth73]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks for watching!

[@melvinreece4006]

Very good video. Very understandable. Thanks

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it was helpful!

[@_Cleck_]

Thanks for this. Friend of mine helped me find an older Poulan Pro on the side of the road that "didn't work" according to the sign on it. We found the dead battery and the idler pulley was worn halfway through. After removing it, I also noticed it's seized. Ordered a new belt and pulley and will get them swapped tomorrow. Was hoping to avoid removing the deck, but after watching this, that seems like a pipe dream. I did notice my idler has a nut on the pulley side, it didn't spin the bolt when I removed it. Wonder if they made it captive up top or something so it's easier to remove from below. Guess we'll find out tomorrow when I put the new one in. Great video!

[@_Cleck_]

Thought I'd just follow up on this. Did confirm today that the bolt on this Poulan Pro is indeed hanging down under, and it must be held in place up top, because I didn't need to hold it to tighten. Pulley and belt swapped, mower runs and mows great. Thanks again!

[@jamessimons1751]

Awesome video I've got the same problem on My 1000 and I am not mechanically inclined like you so i am really dreading it

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

you can do it just take your time.

[@M70ACARRY]

I like the older craftsman riders

[@bg129]

You mean the ones built with more dependable, American made parts- such as steel pulleys -not plastic. Bearings made here in the USA- not Pakistan. I pray that the incoming Administration is successful in doing just that. That will benefit all (as in also dems). PERIOD

[@stevedevries2891]

My cotter pins didn't go "zoink" when I pulled them. What am I doing wrong? :) - Thanks for the video!!

[@christopherkarczewski1978]

Thanks for this!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Sure thing!

[@whitespruce26]

I am replacing the drive belt on my Husqvarna lawn tractor(I use it to plow driveway) and I am running into a confusing issue. On the engine pulley in front of tractor there is a wire running to it and bolt holding it to frame, I had to remove these to get old belt off. I reconnected everything with new belt and it's still not driving/engaging. Am really perplexed, any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks in advance. I thought the bolt holding the engine pulley and wire was strange, as I am not seeing that in other videos/tractors

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

It is called a blade clutch . The component you are referring to. The pulley that works the deck "turns on" when you pull the button to activate the blades.

[@whitespruce26]

@@JeffsLittleEngineService ok, thanks for replying! The thing is, my deck isn't attached. I only use the mower to plow. I wish I could attach a picture of this component I'm referring to. The new drive belt is on the pulley but I don't see any movement and it is not going forward/backwards

[@tipsforthe21stcentury]

great tips!

[@butta-dog]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@minimotor4256]

hi jeff you are one of the best teachers on KZbin tks alot

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

thanks friend!

[@redwood1957]

Thank you nice video. How did you jump out your seat switch? Thanks again

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

2 wire switches can be jumped by attatching a wire from one pole to the other..

[@acetech9237]

Jeff literally thank you thank you thank you! 3 hours of research and finally you confirmed all I wanted to know. Which is does that plate in back come off with Just those 4 bolts. Thanks man!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

you betcha

[@robertthompson646]

Replaced my old broken 160855 belt on my Lt1000 with sunbelt A93k/4L850k 1/2 x 95", now it pulls even with clutch pedal pushed in. any tips on this, no linkage broken , belt has slack when pedal push in, iam thinking it don't have enough slack to slip. i will be thankful for any tips, Thanks, Rob

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

It is important to use the correct belt. Not just length and width. Cloth covered belts are supposed to be used in some applications because they slip on pulleys when not engaged. rubber belts grip pulleys even when loose. I hope this helps

[@nover999]

Thanks. Helped me too

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad to hear it

[@ajacks8007]

Does this belt also engage/disengage the cutting blades?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

a different belt operates the cutting deck

[@s.meredithclark1164]

Can you do a series on replacing the brake/ clutch interlock, seems very difficult to access.? Thx

[@SPCLPONY]

Hi Jeff, great video! I have 4 of these 42" riders all made by MTD, Craftsman LT1000 and a Poulan Pro model. Same mower deck, body components, etc. I'm going to be replacing the same belt you just did. Do you know what size that drive belt is? I'm looking at my local Tractor Supply store where they actually list the belts by thickness and size. Thanks for any reply!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

I would recommend getting a belt from a part# not by a size. The taper angle and rubber or cloth covered are also factor, all belts are not the same

[@SPCLPONY]

@@JeffsLittleEngineService Good points I didn't think of. Just for kicks, I made a list of the belt part numbers from the labels under the hood of each tractor (or under the seat on some models), I entered those on Ebay, and just like that, there are the belts I want! Some ebay stores offered a complete mower maintenance kit with the ground drive belt(s), a deck belt, and a tensioner pulley. Thanks for your reply!

[@AcerArtsOfficial]

I know this is probably too late and you got it done but mine was a 87" belt, not the 95" some youtube videos and amazon will try to sell you

[@garygary8645]

Job well done , thanks for the video !

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks for watching!

[@warrenvalentino5763]

Awesome video! Thank You Very Much for making this video and all of the information in it. i went to tractor supply store nearest to me (about 25 miles from me) for a drive belt. :)

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped!

[@warrenvalentino5763]

@@JeffsLittleEngineService i found it was easier for me to take the battery and battery box out and then reach down in to both remove the old belt and put the new belt onto the transmission. i Love watching your videos. :)

[@KarlKlenk]

What belt did you use? I ordered the part number out of the owners manual and it seems 2-3" short. Tried putting it on how you showed snd it doesn't have jist enough slack like yours did.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Make sure the parking brake is on when installing it

[@KarlKlenk]

@@JeffsLittleEngineService hey thanks for the response. I did do that and it just seemed like it wasn't going to fit. I was being overly cautious about not breaking the transaxle fan. Once I put it on a blade of the fan and just turned the fan it put itself on lol.

[@robertkerr7657]

Very happy, Idler pully was bad.Runng again...

[@vickiekreger]

Great video. Today my lawn more just stopped. Running absolutely great still running just quit moving won't go forward or in reverse. Stumped me had to put it in neutral and push it in the back. I'm thinking it's the drive belt but really don't know that's why I watched this video. What's your thought...anyone?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

yes the drive belt. Sometimes you can put the belt back on and it will work if it is not broken. May be time to replace it.

[@luisbarrera3139]

Hi there what is the drive belt size needed?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

I don't know I order by part #

[@chrisprange5347]

Very helpful thanks

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped

[@sally_stone]

What are symptoms of that belt being bad?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

driving slow or not at all. You can usually look at belt and can tell if it is too worn

[@Honestandtruth007]

Thank you for sharing and Great video 👍👍

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks for watching

[@Itsme-vo4fx]

I have never, carefully, looked at the underside of my identical mover. However, my question is; is there someway to adjust the gear/speed? My mower hardly moves until I put it into the fourth or fifth gear. It might just be my imagination, but I seem to remember using the second and third gear for normal mowing speed in the past. Any help or reference would be appreciated.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

your drive belt is probably worn out

[@doncahala7326]

Buy a Kevlar belt. Wears MUCH longer and has good grip.

[@frankdavidson9675]

i used a hydrolic eng lift to tilt on right side that belt was easy o put on that way also notice my crafsman 46 in 98 modle has a filter one the trans.just like the eng oil filter baough a 2 pack fixed that that filter was heavy as lead prob never been changed i bought it used about 2 yrs ago to my joy it worked after i got it back to geather ---- i noticed hardly any one checks the blades while the deck is off you can verify if mandral are free and all other belts are good ?????

[@walterberg8030]

Perfect, thx!

[@squirrelcam]

perfect!

[@teejay6063]

Thanks Jeff! I van get free belts as a relative alof a napa store fanchisee owner. Ill be doing a complete overhaul of this rider. Is that a 2001 do you know?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

not sure exactly, but the 42" deck models like this era are all the same for many different years and colors..

[@conner5611]

Nice I have this exact mower but I decided to have a local shop do the belt as iv never done one but next time I'm gonna try and do it myself

[@doncahala7326]

How much did that cost you?

[@conner5611]

@@doncahala7326 60$

[@joelwortiz866]

Can some one please tell me the lenght of the drive v belt to use on a craftman lt 1000?

[@earlpowers4157]

I have the same mower, alternator does not work? Do you have a video of what I could try.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

if that is the problem it is the electrical stator under the flywheel

[@arsinoeivlostprincess4228]

Thanks for the vid it helped a lot. !!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped!

[@1776carpediem]

Hey Jeff, I have the same Mower. How do you know when you need a belt change? At the end of last year my mower seemed to cut the 2 sides but wouldn’t cut in the center. Would that be a belt went out or would that mean I need a new set of blades? Thanks for the video I’m gonna download and use for help in the future

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Sounds like the blades need sharpening or to be replaced. Might as well replace the belt too if it has been a few years...

[@gregorymoore5361]

Came back to observe video again regarding fastening of the back plate. He says only 4 side bolts hold it on. Loosened them, plate doesn't budge. Can't get eye on what is holding it in video. Wanted off for sake of cleaning, and observation. Why when you do it, it never pans out as easy as the example you watch?? Screw back cover! Moving forward, let's see how much more Murphy messes with this project. He's been quite active. Course,also rebuilding deck, oil and tune up. Next steering. Is Crafty DLT3000. 2003 if I remember right? Been very good to me!

[@guzzirob68]

Awesome tyvm, thought I was going to have to do mine by braille lol. Just got an old Rover Raider 2006 at auction. Can't find a manual due to its age and Raiders seem only to exist in Australia. Craftsman seems very similar so will make them my start point. Q. where/what is the actual brake? Mine has the same pedal down, lift knob. Does the drive belt have to be tight to make brake work. Sorry for my ignorance but I've never had a ride on before.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

The brakes are usually located on the right rear axle against the transmission/transaxle. No the belt does not effect the brakes

[@santachorry]

What year is this mower, it kind of looks like mine but I can't tell. I think mine is a 2001 or somewhere in the early 2000s.

[@playfordsavage8739]

My is a 19 98

[@ezequielmaldonado5547]

I have a question is the drive belt the primary belt or the secondary belt..for part number purposes

[@markl871]

THANK YOU

[@royalway12]

Where can the manuals be found and downloaded?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

The Sears Parts Direct Site www.searspartsdirect.com/?sid=sem:ggl:BP+-+Core+-+Exact:70448587136:sears%20parts:c&keyword=Sears%20Parts&gclid=CjwKCAjwwo-WBhAMEiwAV4dybfLH6XC9TdUaNWubYeJ7LputAPMYBfJrC0pweCJbPgMUenHxTRGOjxoCAFMQAvD_BwE

[@lauriehorton756]

working fine after 2 years

[@rafaelfres8745]

Thanks❤

[@marshallborder9089]

Good video , Thanks

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and for the nice comments

[@nathanbrunner6026]

do you still have your craftsman lt 1000?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

yes

[@ericbond1605]

Just cut the belt dont waste your time to remove great video

[@daviddickinson2676]

Thanks

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

you betcha!

[@Grubkiller]

Great Vid Jeff! I just replaced the Belt on my LT1000. I notice drive power increased but the brake pedal seems to have been shorted. Meaning it does not come out or push as far as it used to. The mower creeps and I cannot stop it, or change gears. Is the tension on the belt too high and the clutch pully being affected? The gears change when the mower is off. Any ideas of what it is?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

sounds like something is off...wrong belt or perhaps the belt is routed wrong through the pulleys

[@bdi11000]

should have cut crappy belt off.

[@30kenton]

Where can I find parts for this mower

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Amazon, Ebay or your local lawnmower repair shop.

[@cornpop7805]

I'm very mechanically minded, but it sure is nice to be able to see what the job entails before I dig into it myself. Having never done this task, I'm certain you saved me time. You did and excellent job with this video, you're a credit to manhood! Now we just need about 100m more of you to make up for the soy boy's they're pumping out now.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks friend!

[@samkitty5894]

My drive belt slipped off while mowing. Had to re-install it in the field. Talk about a PITA. The belts are shit, the pulleys are shit, the pulley guides are shit... It's like the entire mower is meant to be disposable. I replaced mine without removing any pulleys and with mowing deck in place but lowered.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Parts are reasonably priced. Sometimes ya gotta rebuild the deck

[@samkitty5894]

@@JeffsLittleEngineService I had American built Simplicity mower for 40 years. I replaced the belts 2 times, and one pulley bearing. Nothing else. Seat was still in perfect condition, and so was the solid steal deck. Engine was cast iron, 2 cylinder. I moved from TX to NC and didn't want to pay to ship this mower. That was a huge mistake. All they sell now are the Chinese made crap mowers.

[@vega2910]

Do you happen to know the part numbers for the deck belt as well?

[@shane1648]

The chicken clip was exactly how I feel