John Deere ZTrak Z355e Traction Drive Belt Replacement

Installing a new Traction Drive Belt on a John Deere ZTrak Z355e Zero Turn Mower.
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Thistle Hill Farmstead in located in Eatonton, Georgia.
Links to products used in this video:
Belt GX26401 (paid link) - amzn.to/3dtTDVk
Floor Jack (paid link)- amzn.to/3BooH0S
Jack Stands (paid link) - amzn.to/3qJ5yBZ
Link to installing the Mower Deck Belt: • John Deere ZTrak Z355e...

[@jpredding8866]

Excellent video. My belt had come off, not broken but I was able to follow your video with great camera angles and able to tackle the job. Thanks much.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped!

[@toshlito]

Thanks for showing this, mower came to a stop while mowing & would not move forward or reverse. Looked underneath mower & saw this belt had slipped off, showing how to adjust the idler wheel was the key to getting belt back on.

[@WillyLax24]

Thank you so much for making and posting. Great video showing exactly what I needed.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

You're welcome!

[@greglattanzio3683]

This was a very, very helpful video. I did the same repair on my JD Z525e last week. Pretty much the same "anatomy" on both machines with a few small differences. I found it easier to entirely remove the mower deck though. However, I made a rookie mistake, sort of. I completed the whole belt replacement and I also replaced one of the pulleys that was damaged (I must have caught a small branch or stone or something at some point). Anyway, got everything put back together, tested it and the clutch/transmission...whatever...wouldn't engage and I still couldn't move forward or in reverse. No dice. I did a close inspection of my work and everything seemed ok. I took pics of the layout before I started to take things apart so I was pretty confident. Still couldn't figure it out. So I called a mower repair guy I like a lot but he couldn't get here til tomorrow. I was thinking maybe one or both of the transmissions failed somehow which would cost about $1,000 each just for the parts if they needed replacing. I even began to look at new machines. But I went out about an hour ago to take another look and I suddenly realized I never re-engaged the two levers I had disengaged to release the clutch (or whatever) that allows you to easily push the mower! I re-engaged them and BINGO....back in business. Thanks again!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

WOW! Glad you found that. I have done the same thing. Hopped on and pushed the controls forward and backwards and nothing happened and I was like "what tha" and then remembered those little switches. Glad you got it.

[@bubbajay7522]

Very well explained and, thank you very much!

[@tommypitre5975]

putting the clutch arm bracket back in place is a little rough it has to be right are your screwed this video helped a whole lot for the model z255 there's a lot of video out there but none about the transmission . thanks for this video , a person can see what your doing most others videos all you see is the back of peoples head or hands this one was great ....

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks, glad it helped

[@larryschoof2749]

great video. i most certainly would have taken a lot longer changing out this belt without your help. thanks a million!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

You're welcome!

[@unbereafigendlic8414]

This video is exactly what I needed and only 10 days after you posted it. Great job with the video and flow of content. Liked and subscribed.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks for the feedback. Just getting started with posting.

[@greg9936]

My belt came off because an idle was loose. The part where you tell us how to use a ratchet and extension to move the idler saved so much frustration. Thanks for the great video.

[@three90blue77]

Thank you for making this…extremely well done and helpful!

[@mikeoverman7730]

Very helpful video - saved my Sunday! (belt had just come loose). Thank you!

[@wayneberry8703]

Thanks so much for your very informative and detailed video on the belt replacement, absolutely great 👍🏼

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RMB-h6i]

We used this video today to replace the belt on our John Deere zero turn Z355E. This was the best video out there to use. He explained it perfectly and showed it perfectly. Thank you so much for your video - it rocks!

[@BradKittelTTH]

Best of videos but it does not describe how hard it is to reach the tiny 10 mm nut and bolt, and all on your back looking up with room for a kindigardeners sized hands.]

[@georgesmith2431]

Thanks for the video, somehow i was able to get the old unbroken belt off without removing the clutch brace, but i see you need to removed it to get the new one on.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped

[@cindigreer455]

thank you so much. I feel I can do this without a problem. Great video! thank you again.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks

[@jeffwebb2570]

Thanks for the video. Great step description and easy to follow video.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ConnorGlackin]

This was a great video and thank you for making it. Also nice that this was the actual belt video I was looking for. A lot were called the traction drive belt but were actually showing the mower deck belt, much appreciated!

[@mikealangaloe1774]

Thanks a ton! I was only finding videos for the main deck belt.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad I could help!

[@twarrior17]

Thank you, "Thistle Hill" for an excellent video! 🧐 Great details and camera angles to follow each step.

[@janemorong4970]

I might try to do this backing it up onto plastic ramps. I don't trust jack stands since I'm working on dirt. Great video tho! I've got a new mowing client with 5 acres and I don't wanna bust a drive belt when I'm half a mile into the woods. So I figure before too many more hits, I better replace th ebelt, since this thing is about 3 years/98 hours now, huh?

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

sounds like a good plan. I also always keep an extra drive belt and deck belt. I hate to be half way through cutting and beak a belt.

[@janemorong4970]

@@thistlehillfarmstead9131 how many hours did yours have when it threw its first drive belt, if you don't mind me asking?

[@maryanne4652]

HUST A NOTE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP ON THE ZTURN JOHN DEERE. YOU WERE A BIG HLP MANY THANKS.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad to help

[@tristanharris4384]

Mine looks nothing like this one. It has 4 pulleys. 2 on clutch one one drove and two big pulleys in the middle. It’s hard finding a video with the one I got.

[@noelskehan6299]

Absolutely brilliant video. Saved me a lot of heartache. Thanks

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped

[@Natureb4life]

Hey I’m searching for a video on the z315E with no luck. My belt felt off after hitting a tree root

[@SharneeWaharai]

Thanks mate great video very helpful and easy to do with your help

[@Smalltechguy]

This repair had taken longer for me being that I couldn't find any schematic until your video. Although you have a 355E and mine is a 335E, the routing is the same. I had to drop the clutch cause I wanted to make sure that the crankshaft wasn't rusted thus making for a much longer repair. Great instruction and to the point.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped

[@j3ll1s]

yea like others mentioned this video is great. this was identical on my Z345m.

[@stan5949]

Do you have a video on replaceing the deck lift cable on a J D Z235 mower ??

[@mariodelcid1161]

I did all the procedures but,when i started the mower the belt kept on falling off. Can you help me?

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

This was invaluable for me today. Mine chewed up the belt. I fixed plenty of mowers but not this one. This had the angle I needed to get mine on

[@rickwalt8767]

My belt broke today. Great video. Much better than the “Operators Manual” instructions. Thanks for making the video.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

glad it helped

[@willhaimerl]

Worked perfectly! My belt just jumped off somehow but didn't break so I used this video to put it back on. Thanks!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped!

[@AndyChevrier]

great video, belt is on , but only one wheel is active, not the other, what did i do wrong?

[@redneckfarmer6584]

Thanks for the video. You helped me fix the belt on my john deere z335e zero turn. It wasn't broke but came off somehow. Don't know . Maybe it's stretched or getting ready to break?

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

glad it helped

[@bradleyabell8485]

Great video and very helpful. I got my belt on but then went to turn the blades on and they wouldnt engage. Turns out my pto wire ripped straight out of the clutch. Do you know why it would do that?

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad you were able to find the problem. I hope the wire was not damaged.

[@lonestarlows]

My belt broke today after 15hr use in my z325. Not happy

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Could you have picked up a rock or other debris? I have seen a rock get in the pulley and cut the belt.

[@lonestarlows]

@thistlehillfarmstead9131 I doubt it. I got the belt today and going to replace it this weekend using this video!!

[@lonestarlows]

Thanks to you video I got the mower back up and working. Took me about 15 mins after I got settled in. Thank you!

[@zyft02]

Great video! My belt seemed to jump off the pulley....

[@kermitdfrog77]

I usually don’t write messages… thank you!!!! You are the best!!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

You are so welcome

[@SteveMcCrary-h1y]

Appreciate the video, and it is helpful. Perhaps starting, you could show all tools involved with the project?

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks for the feed back. Good Idea

[@PaulVermeulen-i7q]

Great clear video…one if the better ones I’ve come across!

[@ericphillips9844]

Great video and great camera angles.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thank you very much! its always hard to get underneath and get enough light.

[@unbereafigendlic8414]

I had to watch this video again because I forgot exactly what you did. Very helpful.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mmmgy9727]

me too, and I took screen shots so when I'm in the process of actually trying to put the belt on i can just look at the pics

[@chuckmurphy115]

Thank you for posting this I have a z345m and couldn’t find anything till I came across this. You saved my life I was losing my mind. Great job and a lifesaver.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad I could help

[@shadetidwell8540]

I just came across this. There is literally nothing I could find for a Z345m that would show me in detail how to route the belt.

[@chuckbarstow8738]

Great video. Thanks for that.

[@raulrios5064]

I followed step by step and I went to turn my zero turn on and it moves now back and forward but now my blades don’t engage need halo what can I do

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

when you say the blades don't engage does that mean you pull the PTO button up and nothing happens? There is an interlock which control the blade engagement. One is the seat switch. This ensured that the operator is in the seat. make sure that switch is working.

[@gregcox9205]

When I got to the tension pulley I tried for over an hour to get the belt on it. I had to take the belt off the right drive pulley, put the belt on the tension pulley and pull the belt with both hands onto the drive pulley. Worked like a charm.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Nice job! Thanks for sharing.

[@speedyReedyEnterprise]

Hard to see what goes where with video being upside down.

[@pistolpick4391]

This is my problem but when my belt broke it tore up one of those plastic fans and ripped the clutch plug straight off the mower

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

that's not good.

[@pljschley]

Thank you for this video. I was having a difficult time finding any information on how to replace the belt. I have a z375r. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with it at first. I did see one guy who removed the clutch but that looks like a lot of work and not necessary. Would you or any other readers know if this is the same procedure for the z375r?

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

I cant say for sure on the Z375, but I would think it would be very similar on all the 300 series mowers. You should not have to remove the PTO Clutch to replace the belt. That seems like way to much work. John Deere is good about designing their equipment to be easy to work on.

[@jimmyellington4413]

It was a good video but it was still a pain in my butt to do it all lol

[@berniecaruso8444]

Great video quality, and it worked for my Z530R. Thank you!

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Great to hear!

[@789295]

I noticed your mower has the rear bumper. That was an option I bought for my Z235 mower. One thing I can suggest that makes this job a breeze is to drain the oil, remove the battery, and then stand the mower on the rear bumper. Everything is much easier to see and reach! Just remember to remove the rear hitch first if you have one.

[@tomprendergast7187]

GREAT video. I had to watch a few times, between beers. But got it changed out, running and Happy. Saved me about $350, minus the cost of a 6 pak of PBR!!! Thanks so much.

[@mensspace7013]

This really helped me out, especially the tip on how to move the tensioning wheel

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

good to hear

[@josephkarodeh1944]

Thank you for the best instructive video for replacing a drive belt for John Deere z355 mower. Watching other related videos are a waste of time.

[@jackfentress0281]

What position should the hydraulic release levers be in when they are not needed

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

If you are standing at the rear of the mower the slot looks like an upside down "L". The pin should be to the outside and back. So back to the rear of the mower on both sides.

[@darrenlowry7477]

Mine broke today and I was hoping to find a good video thanks.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

hope this one helps

[@eddiecanada6982]

Great Video!

[@tab-lq2db]

⅘

[@terryrush5585]

Thanks

[@ryanhambleton3433]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks for watching!

[@jackperkins5138]

Very helpful. The same as model Z355R.

[@michaeltodd2061]

That is a 3/8 inch socket and extension, NOT a 1/4 inch. Otherwise, a really informative video and extremely helpful.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

You are correct sir. Good catch. Its funny how the mouth does not always say what the brain is thinking. If I had a dollar for every time I said bolt when I was actually holding a nut I'd be rich. Thanks for the feedback.

[@jipn12]

Just curious. What were you looking for when you were attempting to engage the drive. At 12:48. I just want to make sure there’s not a switch or something I’m missing. Thanks for the video. Tractor died in the field with no drive, but I still have deck operational. Very weird. Thinking a wire might have been severed. Serious bush whacking going one.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

There are two levers, one on each side, which put the hydrostatic transmissions in neutral so you can push or pull the mower while the engine if off. I had set them to neutral when I pulled the mower from the yard into the garage. I had forgotten to place them back in the "run" position. This is why when I first moved the handles nothin happened. I reached back and put them in the "run" position and was ready to go. Sounds like the traction Drive belt broke. This mower has two belts. One drives the hydrostatic pumps/transmissions and the other drives the deck/blades. If the mower will not move I would suspect that the traction drive belt broke. You should be able to look underneath and see if it is still there.

[@lsnyder6924]

Showed me what I needed to know. Thank you very much!

[@mattgibson6144]

Great video that's clear & to the point. I'll have to make a trip to get some jack stands before following it though, as I was hoping I wouldn't have to get right under to do it though. Wife will be happy I'm off to the hardware store I'm sure 😂

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks for the feedback, glad it helped

[@mmmgy9727]

I cut tall branch type weeds and the belt popped off and my zero turn c355e would not move, this video helped to know how to put it back on. Hopefully my girl power will be able to move the tensioner to put the belt on.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

The tensioner should have a square hole that will accept a 1/2" drive socket. If you user an ratchet with extension you should be able to do it. Go Girl Power !

[@djquickentertainment]

Brother thank you for this video it help alot

[@kaybeem65]

Great video, thanks for leaving those last few seconds in the video where you engage and nothing happens and you realize you forgot to throw the neutral pins back into drive mode. I did the whole replacement, kind of a pain, pulled back the arms, nothing, decided to watch the tension pully part again then caught your surprise at the end too!😅

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Yes, I was initially shocked that it did not move... then I remembered.

[@forrestj1964]

Thanks

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

You are very welcome

[@RobertMorgan]

I wonder if this procedure is similar for the z525e.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

I'm not familiar with that mower, but I imagine it would be. I also have a Z920m and the only difference is the location and size of the belt tensioner, but other that that its pretty much the same as my Z355e. I would think that a Z525e would be very similar. Thanks for the question.

[@jabe6935]

Thank you so much ! Would it be possible to do a video showing how to tighten the line for the parking break before I decide to change them out ?

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Great suggestion! Let me look at that.

[@lumberfox89]

You are a life saver. This was a great video!!! Thank you very much.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad it helped!

[@jobyyboj]

Identical layout for the John Deere Z375R, no need to remove the clutch as in other videos.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks for your comment.

[@MrBadseed84]

Thank you Clean and precise video straight to the point

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

thank you

[@JoseGodoy-lc7ze]

I think that machine is how you see it, z235, right?

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

This one is a Z355e. There are several x00 series mowers.

[@JoseGodoy-lc7ze]

my machine is Z 235 John Deere and that same belt broke

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

From the amount of views my video gets, I think its a common occurrence.

[@solo624]

Is thisba common failure , how many hours on your machine 🤔

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

I think it has around 300 hours when it failed.

[@scottfree641]

How often does your Z355e snap belts?? I just bought a John Deere Z345M to replace my Cub Cadet lawn tractor because it was snapping belts on the blade deck twice some times 3 times a season and I got sick of it. And I hope I don't experience this with my new John Deere?

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

We have only has one belt break and that was because the blade spindle failed.

[@scottfree641]

@@thistlehillfarmstead9131 Good to know, thank you.

[@DavidHernandez-ue4fz]

@@scottfree641 I have the same mower as shown in this video and same thing you mentioned about "snap belts"happened to me with this JD maybe 2 3 times per season,trying to replace for Husqavarna,gravely or any other brand,I don't recommend JD mower 48" 😏😏 spending a lot of money and time on replacement parts.!(only 30 hrs on it)

[@Ricky-eo5ym]

Great video thank you. Just wondering how many hours you had on the machine when you replaced the belt and have you had to do the spindle bearings yet or the deck belt.if so how many hours were on the machine for either job.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

I don't know exactly how many hours for each. I did not keep track when I did it. But I had the mower for a little over 300 hours and during that time I replaced a Spindle (the house cracked), The deck belt, and the traction drive belt. The traction drive belt was the last thing I replaced so it had to be close to the 300hr interval.

[@Ricky-eo5ym]

@@thistlehillfarmstead9131 thank you I am using mine for commercial use just wanted to be ready with the parts when the time comes so I don't have any down time. Great videos very clear and decisive.

[@anotherviewphotography4131]

This may be simple to some but I’m struggling, is there any chance you have a video for how to replace the deck belt too. I’ve searched and can not find this specific model shown.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

I can put one together. It's got one tricky part.

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Here is my video on replacing the Mower deck belt... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gImnpauum6aKeJY

[@JoseGodoy-lc7ze]

Do you know how to change the hydraulic oil?

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

The hydrostatic transmissions on the Z355E are not serviceable. i.e they don't have filter you can change. I have seen some videos where people have taken them out, dumped the oil out and replaced it, but by default they are sealed units.

[@aringraveshvac9670]

This is a great video! Mine snapped while going up a steep hill did yours do that as well or did it just snap out of the blue?

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Ours broke while my wife was mowing. She said..."It just stopped moving". I had no idea what happened.

[@aringraveshvac9670]

@@thistlehillfarmstead9131 yes sir mine did not pop or nothing it just stopped going! And when I went to look at it I found that the belt was broken half!

[@lucabrasi8702]

Video starts at 2:20

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

The belt replacement does indeed. However, you would be surprised at folks who do not know how to properly raise and secure whatever they are working on so I thought I'd include that. Thanks for the feedback.

[@techwood2521]

@thristlehillfarm I’m located in your area I been watching all your videos. I’m dealing with the same problem how much to you charge to replace belt

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

I don't work on anyone's equipment but my own. I make the videos to help people who want to try to repair their own stuff.

[@gregcox9205]

I can't thank you enough for this video! It's the only one I could find that's the same as my 255. I don't know how but I got the old belt off(which wasn't broken)without taking off the rod that keeps the clutch from spinning. It almost drove me crazy trying to put the new one back on! Great video! I will definitely like and subscribe. 😊

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad I could help!

[@jamesstanley5761]

You aren’t very good at making videos but thanks .

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Thanks for the feedback

[@louie5598]

Good video mr

[@thistlehillfarmstead9131]

Glad you enjoyed