John Deere ZTrak Z355e Installing a mower deck belt

[@imustbinsane1]

❤ hello from downunder mate, I just wanted to say a ginormous thank you for this video❣️👍 my husband passed last year had bought the zero turn mower for our house yard and nicer parts of the property, I used a JD tractor for the bush. I had to replace the belt on my own cuz we’re put in a secluded area & your video made it so easy to understand & get the belt on properly, I’m proud of myself but I never could have done it without you❣️👍 thank you so very much❣️😍👍

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

That’s really nice of you to say, I’m glad it was helpful.

[@LastZeroFighter]

Thank you for this thorough, detailed video on replacing the mower deck belt. I appreciate that there were no sales promotions, silly musical intros, etc. Give my regards to your helper "Charlie."

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Charlie loves to be in the videos

[@scottrinaldi9208]

Greatly appreciate your taking the time to walk us through this process. Thank you!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ashleypope7770]

Literally just got done doing this repair, thank you so much for actually taking the time to explain what you were doing. This was my first time changing a belt and it went amazing thanks to watching your video

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

You're welcome! Glad I could help. I often search KZbin before I start a project just to see if anyone else has done it before.

[@stevejohnson1211]

@@thistlehillfarmstead9131 I have your video saved to favorites, subscribed, etc. because I've busted this belt again, probably my fault for hitting a small sapling stump I didn't see, and came back here for reminder instructions. great video.

[@naturbar1]

This guy have the very best how to videos….very through step by step instructions, which are so sadly missing from so many self help vids. Kudos for a job well done 👍

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

I appreciate that!

[@williehumbert5321]

Thanks for this video,I wish everyone that make videos was as thorough as you are,Thanks again and may God bless you 🙏🏾

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stevejohnson1211]

I have bookmarked this video and used it numerous times now for my john deeremore belt replacement. It is very accurate and easy to go by, Thanks for creating!

[@grandslamboxbreaks5182]

You answered all my questions that diagrams couldn't. Very helpful and a very well-done walk though. Thanks man!

[@gavinjameslake]

Thank you for this! Very helpful. Also the exact same process on a z375r, for those that are curious.

[@ZaxvidZ]

Absolute lifesaver thank you kindly for supplying us with more than the company could!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Happy to help!

[@johnwayneschaefer8518]

Legit dyi video !!! Thank u for not wasting my time looking for right tools and failing to preplan thought process!! Definitely worth the subscribe hit !

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped.

[@lisawano]

This is the first time we tried this. This video was VERY helpful, informative and easy to follow.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it was helpful!

[@itsmemxc]

Thank you thank you thank you. A stick plowed through my belt and yanked it out. Tried the user manual and then decided to search you tube. Couldn’t do it as fast as you but I noticed you didn’t have to hunt down your socket wrench. I did have to take pulley off to get I un jammed. Didn’t even know the foot deck would come off. Such a help!!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped

[@silenthillfarms]

You are literally a hero for taking the time to make this video. Thank you so much!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Wow, Thanks. I'm glad they are helping people.

[@duanecooke-v9s]

this was the best video by far, followed your instructions, only took me 3 hours, lots of learning curves. you the man!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped!

[@Morraless21]

Thank You for the walk through. Changed my belt in about a half hour while watching your video.

[@johnabild]

This super video applies almost exactly to my Z375R. Instructions are the same; just different wrench sizes. This rescued me from a lot of frustration. THANKS!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

great to hear

[@jamesstinnett8634]

For the 375r what wrench sizes?

[@stevencoffman4356]

Thank you for the help! You explained this very well and saved me a lot of time. Recommendation for safety, open the garage before you run the mower or at least vocalize the suggestion for the less safety conscious viewer. Thank you again.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks, you are correct. I try to adhere to good safety practices, but there is always room for improvement

[@michaelmccullough1726]

Thanks for the video, bought me the Ztrak for my yard, and the belt came off today at 7.93hrs. Was debating on the money to have sent to John Deere and back, versus if should try myself. After watching this video I think am gonna give it a go.

[@johnny4727]

Always appreciate a well shot and straightforward that provides exactly the info I needed. Much obliged, sir.

[@kirankodali1234]

Great demonstration! Very detailed explanation one of the best videos in this category. Appreciated your work!

[@wtfRyantater]

Thanks man this video showed me exactly what i need to know edit: 9 months later and I'm so glad I downloaded this video. You're a mensch

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad I could help

[@wayneberry8703]

Great job, we’ve just ordered our Z355E a couple of days ago and hopefully expecting it to arrive in a week or two? Your videos will come in handy for when I can do my own maintenance on it after warranty. Thanks again for sharing your time. Cheers from Down Under 🍻

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Good luck!

[@margaritadelarosa7839]

Hello, where did you buy the belt, because I buyed 3 belts and the last one broke and the second one too, I'm really tired 😩, I m not find the correct

[@Wadehinson]

Great video. I was struggling with mine until I saw that you had a different part number.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped

[@jerrynorris8907]

Thank you The replacement belts at Lowes are a different GX number and are too small, but state they fit and has my Z355E listed. Watched your video and discovered you were using a different belt. FYI ; My buddy and me changed this belt last year and we managed to get that smaller belt on, but it was way too tight and it was a fight..... Thanks for posting great video

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Just be cautious of a belt that is too tight. If it pulls too hard on the pulleys and spindles it will cause premature wear of the bearings. The sprint is really the only item that should be applying tension to the belt.

[@mackroberts9754]

I had the same problem with a belt I bought at Lowe's. I did manage to get it on by the hardest, but it broke soon after. The Lowe's belt is for a riding lawn tractor, not a zero turn according to my local John Deere dealer. The correct one is a GX26422

[@Wadehinson]

@@mackroberts9754 I bought the John Deere part from Lowes, GX21833, smh...why cant things be simple LOL

[@elsawells6717]

Best video I’ve seen of any repair job on ITUNE. Thanks 😅😅😅

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

thanks for the feedback

[@russellanderson8727]

This video was immensely helpful. Thank you for doing it. On my Z345R I couldn't get the idler spring to attach to the idler bar. I had to remove the belt from the engine pulley wheel, attach the spring and then pull the belt back onto the engine pulley.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped

[@mackroberts9754]

I had the same problem attaching the idler spring. I gripped the spring end with vise grips and pulled it on without much effort. Be sure and get the vise grips really tight on the spring, because you don't want it to slip off.

[@honor4thoseb471]

@@mackroberts9754 use a long screwdriver. It’s super easy

[@erniepearce4391]

Thank you for your instruction. Ours was slightly different, but we got the concept. Thanks

[@TerrenceWilson-n9x]

Thank you so much i've been searching this internet to figure out they need to pay you for this. Can't find the correct installment Until I found you but you amazing job

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

great

[@potatolord8444]

Your a true American hero. Your video was a lot of help thanks

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Wow, Thanks. I'll tell my wife. :-)

[@zachmellinger5253]

Awesome video man! Got my belt changed in the same time it took to watch it. Keep up the great work!

[@tonyjones3995]

Thank You, this was my first time trying to do it on my own. I’ve learned how to do it better next time.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad I could help!

[@Black_Hippie_205]

So glad I came across this vid... Very well explained as well. Made it look real easy lol. I will be replacing my belt soon. Thank you

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped

[@anthonycini5587]

Ty very much for this video bro this really helped me a lot in the last couple years went through 4 belts was put it the wrong way ty ty ty thought there was something wrong with my lawnmower cheers bro 🍻🍻🍻🍻👍👍

[@hobbyadhd]

This video saved my sanity. Well done sir and thank you very much!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped

[@ScottBurnette]

Good job on this, changing my belt on the Z335 today.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks, good luck. Hope it goes easy.

[@mattgibson6144]

Thanks for this, saved me some cash as a city boy that's moved to the country 😎. The local John Deere outlet charges a bomb for both the parts & services, so glad I found this video to learn how to do it myself - getting the belt from an Australian generic manufacturer who has great reviews from people in the local town, at $30 cheaper than it is from John Deere. Love the mower but the company charges like a wounded bull for anything with the John Deere label on it 🤣. Subscribed and will be checking out your other videos for maintenance tips too 👍

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad the video helped

[@johnhaggerty7365]

Great Video...Couldn't have done it without ya...Thanks from Bear Delaware

[@florencebarkman4387]

Charlie is doing great! Give him a “Good Boi” from me

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Will do

[@danielhanawalt4998]

Well done video. I have a Z335E and it appears to be the same set up. Thanks so much.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped

[@toddmoss8672]

Thanks this made my day, really appreciate it, ✌️. 🇱🇷 I'm back mowing again, 😎

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Awesome

[@rickyray2974]

You help me out a lot. Thank you so much, sir.

[@RevMikeBlack]

Thanks for the video. I have a Z345, but the setup appears to be the same.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped

[@berkleysdad09]

Thanks so much! Exactly what I needed!

[@dtshornet]

Excellent tutorial! Exactly what I was looking for

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ROCKROQUE-oo2rm]

Excellent instructions Thank you!!!

[@jordanbright2497]

I can't get the belt over the engine pulley.....left the tension pully lose like the video and still no luck

[@phillipmartin5760]

I'm in the same boat 😂

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Make sure you have the correct belt. I am hearing that there are multiple belts for this mower depending on the deck.

[@jameswatson9592]

Same here

[@stephensmith9334]

thank you your are well spoken n show step by step easy

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

You are welcome 😊

[@donaldbrown1300]

Your video helped me greatly. Biggest problem I had was reconnecting the tension spring...my deck is 54 inch...not sure if that spring is heavier or not. Thanks again!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped

[@mackroberts9754]

I used vise grips and grabbed the end of the spring really tight and pulled it on that way. Be sure to get the vise grips tight on the spring. If it slips, it's not a lot of fun picking yourself of the floor LOL.

[@donaldbrown1300]

@@mackroberts9754 LOL...yep that's pretty much the way I did it. Thank goodness the spring hook went in place the first time around...not sure I would have had the strength to try it a second time! LOL

[@Orpheus_03]

Thank you so much for this, very helpful!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped

[@matprang4508]

Once again you have pulled my ass from the fire brother! Best damn content on this subject!!! 💪💪💪! Thank you sir!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks, Glad I could help

[@dalaststophmgym7081]

Thank you Soooooo much for this video. I'm changing mine Friday. Was going to take it to John Deere, but you saved me a pretty penny.. Got to sub this channel..Thanks again brother..

[@essimolabi9469]

Excellent thanks ❤

[@DavidMiller-ts8ys]

Nicely done. That helps with what I'm about to do. Thanks.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Great to hear!

[@johnkaney1051]

It was pretty easy with your help thank you

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

no problem, glad it helped

[@graemehart4094]

Terrific demonstration! Thank you...

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

You are welcome!

[@hoodflights1659]

Best video on this by far.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thank You.

[@Doc..dattrite]

Thank you, excellent job.

[@maryanne4652]

what a neet thing you saved me time and money....many thanks.john

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad I could help

[@tunefisher]

This really helped me, thank you

[@brendaclevengerevans9089]

Thank you. I needed this.

[@markmeador48]

thank you so much for the video i have that same exact mower.excellant video i had no clue how to put that belt on..i thought ya had to remove the whole deck.was i wrong lol.thanks for sharing..

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad I could help

[@DavidHernandez-ue4fz]

​@@thistlehillfarmstead9131nice video I have the same mower but I have a problem with it,I live in NC state so I can't set less than 3" high because the belt get damage and 2 times get broken($65 new)so I took to my local JD shop but they said they can't do nothing 😢 I flat all the tires to go some lower but it makes no sence still in the same condition almost nothing change,any suggestions please (mower has only 250 hrs but it was the same issue since brand new) so I live in a rural área and all store are so far, I appreciate your help.

[@harrigro]

Very very good tutorial. I thank you!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Etrikkin]

Thanks for the guide.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Happy to help

[@mikejunior7978]

Big help! Thank-you!

[@ottostigs7602]

Great video! For first-timers, it might be easier to remove the mower deck.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Yes, but there is also a lot involved in removing the mower deck. Thanks for the feedback

[@jamesstukey8872]

Very helpful video!! Thanks!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks! Glad it helped.

[@occasionalrv]

Thanks for this video, save me time and money.

[@nathanantylerbros2010]

Excellent demo

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks

[@rodneycadwallader5042]

Excellent video. Thank you !!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped.

[@MattTomlinson-p8p]

Thanks from Australia 👌

[@Herbert04]

this would be easier if I had a skinny arm. Getting that nut on the bottom is a S.O.B. I have a Z535r. But you helped.

[@varminthunter]

I have the same model , thank you for this help 🙂

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad I could help

[@gardnerfred4]

Very good. Very helpful. Will that Z355E Deck fit on a Z335E mower?

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

I'm not sure, sorry.

[@derekjung2051]

love it, very helpful, thanks!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks

[@BamaJean]

So how often do these belts break? Replaced first one 3 years ago. Now replacing my second one. Is this normal? Thanks for your video!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

I did not have huge a problem with the belts. I think if you mow in an area with debris that can contribute to belt wear, damage, and breakage.

[@kevinhenry9447]

Great video thank u saved me some money

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad I could help

[@trentwolf413]

thanks for the guidance!!!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

You're so welcome!

[@BBICubicle]

Well done my man. Appreciate all the narrations of what you were doing. Very helpful!

[@rhahwaz]

That was Awesome 👌

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

thanks

[@07ronycabrerajm]

Thank you sir 👏🏼👏🏼

[@maryanne4652]

WHAT A GREAT HELP......MANY THANKS

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped!

[@ytryglitchywater9854]

Sooooo it’s normal for the belt too bounce like that off the main deck pulley ?? I’m just wondering I am to new at this

[@chrispatterson4230]

Great video thanks man

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad to help

[@MrDoom6969]

I just subscribed to your channel..Bought the same mower 7/07/2022..

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

great, thanks

[@cvntf8]

Thank you!!

[@jeffmcmanaway4828]

Great video! Huge help

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks . Glad it helped!

[@bradstemple444]

Hello, I have a JD Z335 mower 2019 model, while mowing yesterday I bumped a small tree stump. The blades disengaged and the rear belt came off the engine pully. I put the belt back on and I could pull the belt pretty easily and everything moved as it should. However, when I tried pulling engage switch I only can hear a click. The blades will not engage now. So, few questions here... I assume my 335 is similar to this one you own. Should the rear engine pully come on without the belt on? Hoping my PTO is not defective and getting the belt back in place will help. Hopefully worst case for me is the belt stretched and a new belt is the correct fix? I am gonna take off the footplate tomorrow and get a better look at things. You did an excellent video here and I can actually see the flow of the belt versus the poor manual diagram. Thanks in advance!!!! Brad

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

I have experienced this before myself. Be sure the blade/PTO button is pressed down to disengage the blades. The engine will not start... just "click" if you try to start it with the blades engaged. I had this happen to be once when I bogged the engine down and it shut off. I tried to crank it again... even with the park brake up, and it just clicked. I discovered that the blade button was still up. I pushed it down and everything was ok. Hope this helps. Let me know.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

After re-reading you post... Does the engine start? and the blades just won't engage? Also there are several safety switches. One on the operator's seat, one of the park break, and one on the blade/PTO button. make sure the park brake lever is up, you are in the seat and the blade/PTO button is down/disengaged.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

There is really nothing on the deck that should effect the blade/PTO. I have ran into a stump with suck force that it broke one of the clevis' that holds the deck to the frame and it was fine once I replaced the clevis .

[@bradstemple444]

@@thistlehillfarmstead9131 Hello... yeah the engine would start up fine and it would drive around. However, when tried to engaged blades nothing would work to engage them. I called JD and they put on a new belt and that seemed to fix this issue. That leads me to believe the stretched out belt was the source of the tension being off enough to cause the problem.

[@varminthunter]

I have the exact same mower and watched this 3 times but still can't get my new belt on . I'm leaning toward the john deere place gave me the wrong size belt . 😢

[@varminthunter]

Turns out there are two different decks for this model z turn and the dealer gave me the belt for the other deck . It was about 1 and a half feet shorter than the one i needed . I thought i was losing it after watching ur video 3 times and couldn't put the belt on .

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

yes, I was told that the 48" Deep deck uses a different belt than a standard 48" deck. There are several part numbers from JD which can make it confusing.

[@hammerdriver5950]

Excellent!!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Many thanks!

[@TulsaTornado]

Thank you Sir!@

[@brettclendanielsr8437]

Help please!! I replaced everything on the deck and I keep breaking belts. I think it’s the spacer on the pulley that has to be removed to install the belt. Is the spacer supposed to be on the top or bottom of the pulley? All pulleys and blades spin freely. Thanks!!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

The space is on the top of the pulley. The pulley goes under the tensioner arm and the bent bar goes on top of the tensioner arm. The bolt goes in from the top and the nut is on the bottom. You can reference minute 5:30 of the video. I hope this helps. Question... When the belt breaks does it break cleanly or is it getting shredded? If shredded, it may be rubbing on something. Be sure that bent bar which is on top of the pulley arm is properly positioned so the belt is not rubbings on it. I hope this helps. Let me know what you find.

[@Herbert04]

helpful. thank you.

[@Pickensprodz18]

Saved me 150 in labor charges

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Awesome, Glad it helped.

[@alberry7490]

Perfect, thanks buddy

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped

[@stevejohnson1211]

Need to add a comment. I got a belt online and it was too short. Went to United Ag and Turf and bought the real JDeere one, but the part number was GX21833. I argued with the guy and he said if the serial is less than 50000 at the end, then this was the right part number, but if it was over 50000 then your listed part number would be the correct one. Just a quick heads up for your viewers and you. Great video by the way.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Good to know. I will see if I can add my serial number. Thanks

[@troyburke9552]

I have the same issue right now. Went to Lowe's and was told GX21833. It has the Z355E listed as one of the models that the belt should fit, but it was too short.

[@stevejohnson1211]

@@troyburke9552 The correct part number I got was GX26422

[@alexisbowen4167]

@@stevejohnson1211 thank you! I think this is our problem and we’ve been working on it for hours! We’ve researched and researched! Going to get this part now

[@jenniferarmstrong2726]

Our John Deere dealer just sold us a GX21833 and we can’t get it on. So should we try the other part number? He said he gave us the right one but the diagram on the packaging doesn’t look like our deck and pulleys.

[@georgeyoung2990]

I followed your instructions to replace the deck belt on my z355r but it will not work. It appears to be locked up.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

One thing to check is the PTO Clutch. Remove belt tensioner spring and then the belt from the PTO Clutch on the engine shaft and see if the pulley turns freely. If not you may have a defective PTO Clutch. Also while you have the belt tensioner loose check the blade spindles to make sure they all turn freely. Also check the idler pulleys. Just make sure none of those are stuck. Let me know what you find.

[@petersclan7558]

thank you

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

You're welcome

[@emmanuelmoshood2373]

Wow this is wonderful ❤️ please what's the belt number or size

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

The John Deere part number is GX26422

[@calebsmith1435]

Was that a brand new belt?? Because I just bought a belt strictly for this model and it's a sob to get on the back pulley

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Yes it was. I understand that there are several configurations to the Z355E deck so it may be beneficial to have John Deere reference your mower serial number to be sure you have the correct one.

[@christiancothran7677]

What is the belt length?? 122 or 142”? They gave me a 122 and I put it on and it’s not working right. The diagrams is shit. 122 is short but a 142 seems long haven’t tried it yet but they say I got it routed wrong and I do not

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Best thing is to take the dealer your machine serial number. There are several decks for the Z335e and they take different belt sizes.