John Deere X300 Belt Keeps Coming Off - We Go Through The Most Common Deck Issues & Do Full Rebuild

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We check out an issue with a mower that usually presents as throwing belts, sounding loud or vibrating on a John Deere X300 and we show how to repair these issues
These are the most common problems when a belt is being thrown off consistently, the deck is cutting uneven or making loud noises.
This John Deere riding mower has a 42" edge extra deck without an idler arm handle and an electric pto clutch
We go over the full diagnostic process and repair of the issue with tips and thought process
We show how to remove the deck on an X300 and how to re-install
The only process we do not show relating to the deck is leveling it.
This was not necessary in this case and there are quite a few good videos out there on how to do it
We run into a few issues created by the use of aftermarket parts and show what we do to resolve them
Parts Used:
Deck Belt part number M154621 ( amzn.to/3V5vBmw )
Idler pulley part number AM135526 ( amzn.to/3K4pf0v ) we use Rotary 14242 ( amzn.to/3yzgsRC )
Idler pulley part number AM135957 ( amzn.to/3V5vhEk ) we use Rotary 17318
Idler pulley part number AM135773 ( am135773 ) We use MTD 532173437 ( amzn.to/3yq5ZYX )
Spindle pulley part number UC26511 ( amzn.to/4dFXNUp )
Spindle x2 of part number Am143469 ( amzn.to/3QMQW1y ) we use Rotary 13234 ( amzn.to/3ympwt7 )
Blade nut x2 of 12mm M156416 ( amzn.to/4by0Goy ) we use Rotary 15825
There are two different size blade nuts used in this application - make sure this is the right size for you
If you need blades and blade nuts, get the John Deere blade kit that comes with two of each nut and the blades ( amzn.to/3yl4r29 )
Blade Washer x 2 of Rotary 50439
Spindle bolt x 8 of 5/16-18 x 1" ( amzn.to/4auH2sy ) we use Rotary 15524
This will likely be the last time I use these spindles because of the difference in nut size
8ten has a good quality spindle they sell for this that I would normally use that comes with the bolt/nut (same size as original) ( amzn.to/3WK7Gu8 )
Deck support spindle reinforcement ring plate can be purchased at amzn.to/3wEavm1
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#johndeere #smallbusiness #smallenginerepair #individualizedrepair
About Us:
My name is Martin. I have been repairing tools and small engines for almost 20 years. We operate a small engine repair shop in Illinois. We service / repair Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, John Deere, Cub Cadet, Toro Tecumseh, Loncin, Honda, Craftsman, Husqvarna, MTD, Troy Bilt, Simplicity, John Deere, Exmark, LCT, Generac and many more brands. We work on riding mowers, walk behind mowers, snow blowers, zero turns, generators, pressure washers and much more. We normally repair about 3,000 pieces of equipment every year and look at many more that are beyond an affordable repair. Hopefully our videos will save you some money and give you the information you need to work on your own equipment or figure out the issue at hand.
Disclaimer: Links included in the description are affiliate links. As an Amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases. There will be no additional charge to you for purchasing here. We appreciate your support, which allows us to continue to provide original content!
Please be careful when repairing any piece of equipment and follow all possible safety measures. This video is for entertainment purposes only.

[@vanguy9780]

I started watching your channel recently. This was a great video. What I like most is your candid demeanor. Nothing seems to rattle you and you honestly admit when you get something wrong and don't try to edit it out. It shows your authenticity and makes the rest us feel better in knowing we aren't the only ones who quickly forget how something goes back together. Your experience shows itself because you eventually figure out what you did wrong and always correct it. Keep up the good work. Also i appreciate how you take time to be sure you get the best camera angle so we can see exactly what you are doing.

[@IndRepair]

Your words and those comments like them are what keep me wanting to help everyone to the fullest extent I can. I appreciate you and thanks for watching!

[@philliphall5198]

Been a mechanic for 60 years and back in the day I took Polaroid pictures and now phones pictures Just keep it simple and easy 😊

[@AmirFazadh]

Great video, and just what I needed - I got my parts off your list, and saved a ton by not getting them from the dealer. Thank you for this!

[@IndRepair]

Awesome news! 👌

[@strokermaverick]

We all, make mistakes. You, could've edited it out. We, wouldnt have known the difference. Great channel!

[@IndRepair]

For sure, I just really want people to know it's not that difficult to do and to just pay attention to the details when installing. Even if you do it wrong you can fix the issue before finalizing your work. Hope to help someone in the process. I appreciate your comment!

[@philliphall5198]

It’s not a mistake, it’s just mechanics is all 😊

[@IndRepair]

Lol I know that's right

[@Dstromb232]

Doing a great job.

[@IndRepair]

I appreciate that

[@philliphall5198]

Had to rewatch it, missed some doing other things, lolol it’s life as a care giver for wife ❤

[@IndRepair]

Definitely has its challenges I am sure! You are needed and appreciated for how much you do. She is lucky to have you!

[@thomasroche164]

Great video!!

[@IndRepair]

Thanks you!

[@darrellwampler3882]

First rate job👍

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-cz5wx1iu8f]

Thank you.

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@garymoore8380]

Good video.

[@IndRepair]

Thank you for watching

[@skirtdevil]

Good video !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@IndRepair]

Thank you!

[@philliphall5198]

I use antizee because everyone washes their deck and that one bolt that goes thru will freeze on nut and break it loose which is a problem to redo and a lot of time 😊

[@IndRepair]

Definitely! I don't use it as much as some others on certain things but It helps keep the equipment in a good serviceable condition

[@bobhaddock957]

FYI...on grasshopper deck...mechanic told me to adjust tensioner spring out to fit a nickle between a coil......just fyi

[@IndRepair]

Great tip!

[@SandDsmallenginerepair]

i don't feel bad now i also could not remember how the belt went on a d140 this one had no belt diagram. but i did get it right after a couple of trys

[@philliphall5198]

Best to draw it out on paper, deck or on wall so it’s easier next time

[@IndRepair]

It is difficult sometimes just have to look and pay attention to the details as you know. I work on a lot of mowers but some designs like this deck I only see 15-20 of them and this is my least favorite. Seems like I always install it wrong. Thanks for watching!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

So, Martin, the only reason the belt jumped off this one was that one keeper not being installed into that one cutout? Bummer, and probably an easy mistake to make. Too bad they didn’t extend that piece so it had an actual hole the keeper had to fit into. On the other hand this makes it easier to replace a belt, right?

[@IndRepair]

It could be but all of the spindles and idlers were in pretty bad shape hard to tell without the belt on but definitely a possibility

[@sodbuster518able]

Why is there only 1 remaining OEM tire on the rh front? I have same exact tractor,never have had to change out tires.

[@IndRepair]

That is a great question! Many times people will drive it when off the rim and ruin the tire or get a gash in it...not sure in this case

[@themowershop5373]

I have a hard time with belts even with a diagram. 😉

[@IndRepair]

🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@musclecarsrt2324]

I take pictures on my phone and use it as a reference. These decks can be complicated especially on larger ones. How many hours was on the machine for all those bearings to go bad. I would also discourage the owner not to wash the deck or underside because it will cause rapid wear of the bearings.

[@IndRepair]

That helps a ton in certain instances! About 200 hours was on the machine If I remember correctly

[@AmirFazadh]

@@IndRepair Mine has about 235 hours on it, and all the same worn bearings and pulleys.

[@Dstromb232]

You must be using non-OEM parts. OEM part the original nut should had fit.

[@IndRepair]

They used a couple different ones I suppose

[@bertgrau3934]

It's unfortunate that they don't make the idler pulleys with replaceable bearings. I have drilled out the rivets and replace the bearings # 6203. Then use grade 5 nuts and bolts to put back together. Much cheaper, and if the bearings go bad again, about 5 minutes and it can be changed out. The pulley itself very seldom go bad, just the bearings

[@IndRepair]

Definitely the truth here! Some of the idlers on Exmark and Toro (and others) run almost $100 but have a $3 bearing that is the only issue

[@AmirFazadh]

Planned obsolescence...greedy bastages! 😜

[@watermanone7567]

Those JD decks on that particular mower are a terrible design. Plus it should probably be at least a 50" deck for that size mower. Thanks for the video.

[@IndRepair]

They are one the the worst in my opinion!

[@AmirFazadh]

@@IndRepair Gotta agree with you there! Overly complicated, too many parts.

[@waynecurtis8152]

Blade pully upside down

[@IndRepair]

Lol yes sir

[@robertsovinski2450]

The blade washer are concave and should be used. Also the pivot pulley spacer should be the other way and no washer is used.

[@IndRepair]

Pivot pulley spacer is installed correctly and washer is called for by Deere. An engineer decided to sell us a concave washer for the blade. Most are concave the opposite direction after a couple years. The blades stay tight. Thanks for watching

[@wd8557]

My deck keeps popping out on the right side and drops down, I can't figure out why.

[@IndRepair]

Is the pin shearing off then I would think?

[@wd8557]

@@IndRepair Their is no pin, it just slides through the hole. I am thinking about drilling a hold and putting in a cotter pin. i just dont know why it pops out. It gors through the hole a half inch. I could see if I hit something and my deck slammed to the right hard. I was going straight. Wish I could send you a pic.

[@IndRepair]

Hmm, interesting. Send me an email [e-mail]

[@wd8557]

@@IndRepair Sent. When I get home from work I'll shot you a picture. Thanks

[@MrEferrell]

The tension pulley bracket is bent. The pulley should be level with the other pulleys.

[@IndRepair]

On this deck it is at a pretty good angle like the other one. Not bent just designed that way (at an angle)

[@AmirFazadh]

If it was level with the others, it'd throw belts all the time. That angle is designed in there to route the belt to the lower level where most of the pulleys are. It's the back side of the belt. Not my favorite design feature of this deck...

[@IndRepair]

@@AmirFazadh for sure

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

Nice job as always. Everyone Please 🙏 dont forget to hit the like 👍 button every time and Subscribe if u haven't already. Its free to do and really helps the channel to grow. Thanks in Advance mates

[@IndRepair]

I appreciate that and your note!!

[@jonlambshead5115]

It's Cheaper Or Near The Same Amount Of Money To Buy New Spindles Then Buy New Bearings And Install Them Into The Old Spindle Housings I Always Add More Grease Directly Into The Bearings By Removing The Bearing Dust Cap They Never Have Enough Grease In The Bearings , Bare Minimum Amount. Even The Ones In The New Spindle Housing I Would Add More Grease. Those Zerx Fittings ( Grease Nipples ) Are A Waste Of Time And Grease , Because The Grease Can't Get Into The Bearings, Because Of The Dust Caps On The Bearings It Must Have Been A Long Day , You Messed Up A Bit With The Pulleys 😂😂 Also Those Rear Deck Hangers Should Have Had Big Washers On It, If I'm Not Wrong ?

[@IndRepair]

Been long weeks with the spring, first two days back after I could barely walk because of my back issues buy I eventually got it right. Some days I can do it with my eyes closed (was that what I was doing here? You would think so but no lol) Other days you can draw a picture and I can't decipher it. Removing the shield on the inner side of each is a great thing to do

[@paulbaldridge469]

Ahhhhhh whats the diagram on the deck itself , is that the drive belt or the deck belt ????????

[@philliphall5198]

Most of the time it’s the deck and driver belt on bottom of under carriage of mower

[@IndRepair]

It was the deck belt, with the idler arm on like it was even with the diagram it was a challenge

[@AmirFazadh]

@@IndRepair First couple times I broke the belt, it took me an hour or so to figure it out. Now I can do it fairly quickly, belt replacement usually I can get done in 15 minutes or less. Still a pisser when it happens halfway through the front yard! Grrr...

[@Dstromb232]

Why don't people keep their mowers clean?

[@IndRepair]

I wonder this all the time

[@AmirFazadh]

It's not that hard to do- I use my leaf blower to clean off the top of the deck every other mow. Takes seconds. I also check for buildup under the deck, I raise the deck all the way up, and any gunky spots pry off easily with a butter knife (old one I keep around just for this), mine is bent just right...