How To DIY: Craftsman LT1000 Lawn Mower. Deck Removal and Pulley Replacement.

This Description May Contain Affiliate Links. 💥 Maxpower 9376 Deck Idler Pulley ---------------- amzn.to/2QGMr8B
💥 Husqvarna 532173437 Flat Idler Pulley ------- amzn.to/2WPcqAt
This video provides step-by-step repair instructions for replacing the small flat idler pulley (or deck pulley) on a Craftsman riding lawn mower. The most common reason for replacing the small idler pulley is when it breaks, causing the blades to not cut.
Additional Part for the Craftsman LT1000 Mower. I have bought all these parts myself and can verify that they work with my Craftsman LT1000 Lawn Tractor.
👉 Craftsman Replacement Deck Belt -- amzn.to/2JXv9U3
👉 Heavy Duty High Flow Blades --------- amzn.to/2W7lL1W
👉 Electric Starter Motor ---------------------- amzn.to/2WcTffc
👉 Replacement Deck Blade Spindle --- amzn.to/2ES0mEl
👉 Deck Mower Shield Deflector ---------- amzn.to/2JU7xzS
👉 Deck Sheild Torsion Spring ------------- amzn.to/2MGvMUz
👉 Deck Deflector Shield Pin ---------------- amzn.to/2IjewPo
👉 Deflector Shield Pin Push Nut --------- amzn.to/2KrbFXE
Tools used to complete this repair:
👉 Gerber MP600 Pro Scout Multi-Plier ----------- amzn.to/315Cfvm
👉 Crescent 170-Piece Mechanics Tool Set ---- amzn.to/2WexBHI
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🐟 Fishidy: www.fishidy.com/u/54c84b3766b...
🌐 Website: thejungleexplorer.com
Please Note: In the event that a product used in this video has been discontinued, the product link will be replaced with a comparable product from the same manufacturer if available.
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links
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[@thejungleexplorer]

Thanks for visiting my channel and watching this video. If you enjoyed it, please punch the 👍 thumbs up button under the video. If you want to be notified when I release a new video, hit the SUBSCRIBE button and ding the BELL 🔔. Thanks for the support!

[@jaxongraysen2992]

You probably dont care but if you are stoned like me atm then you can stream pretty much all of the latest movies on instaflixxer. Been binge watching with my brother recently =)

[@cainrory3632]

@Jaxon Graysen yup, been watching on instaflixxer for since november myself :)

[@glenhill2034]

it be better to paint the pulleys before putting it on to keep them from rusting faster. and the blade engadger pully spring you should put a washer over the spring before putting the pin in. just helpful hint.

[@Jacky-DavidWBelt]

Needed this! I got my grandfather's LT1000 and it keeps snapping the belt. Now I know what to do to fix this. Thank you Sir, this is what KZbin should be for.

[@davidhoover3407]

Ok thank you. I’m going to rebuild the whole deck including the spindles and pulleys.

[@thejungleexplorer]

You are welcome. I am glad the video helped you out.

[@rubenvandermeij1556]

You saved my life on this...and by life, I mean a couple hundred dollars at the mower shop - thank you!

[@TheExquisiteRoofer]

You are amazing! This helped me so much and thanks for linking the parts! I hope you set it up so you get a cut. You deserve it!

[@rodneyclements4386]

Thanks for posting this video. VERY helpful and to the point...for deck repair. I have the same mower. Thanks again!

[@robertT1930]

Great video! Your camera shots were exactly what I needed! Thanks!

[@thejungleexplorer]

Thank you for commenting Robert H Muhammad! I am so glad the video was helpful.

[@bassinbillRC5300]

I replaced both spindles. One had a dry and almost seized bearing. I used the original spindle pulleys. Nothing wrong with them. Both round spindle brackets had gunk and rust on them. I scraped off as much as I could and wire brushed the surface. Dried with a heat gun. Lathered up all surfaces with bearing grease to protect it from further damage. I took photographs before I took this thing apart so I can put it back together exactly as it came off. Put on new deck belt next day. Looking forward to running it on my lawn.

[@thejungleexplorer]

Awesome! I bet it is gonna run much better now.

[@hb-p9473]

Thank you for your most information video. With your help I took the deck off our Craftsman and replaced the broken v belt, not bad for girl power. I wouldn’t have attempted it without seeing your video. I had phoned the repair guy but he’s not visiting properties because of Covid fears. Cheers + many thanks from little old UK.

[@thejungleexplorer]

So glad I could help. Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate it.

[@hd28pickerduffey59]

No problem, it's just that you had put the other part of the belt back on. You did a great job explaining all the steps you have to go through. I know it helped me over all.

[@thejungleexplorer]

Thanks. I try my best to be helpful.

[@robertbecker2910]

I’m staring at the belt waiting to get hooked up to the drive pulley as I hear him say “it’s easy if you know what you’re doing”!

[@thejungleexplorer]

Thank you for commenting Robert Becker! I am so glad the video was helpful.

[@Mike-su8si]

He's right it is easy if you know what you're doing.

[@Natedoc808]

Thanks so much for the links to parts in the description

[@thejungleexplorer]

Thank you for commenting Natedoc808! I am so glad the video was helpful.

[@carrieallen222]

Thank you so much This video was very helpful

[@thejungleexplorer]

Thank you for your comment. I make these videos to help people. I am glad it was helpful to you. Can I ask you a favor? Covid has hit everyone hard, including me. I would really appreciate it if you could help me too. If you found this video helpful, I would sincerely appreciate it if you could share it or my channel one time with someone else that it might help. Thanks again.

[@palorodriguez8579]

Good job. Thank U.

[@MrAmez666]

Thanks a million 🙏

[@philliphall5198]

I just walked in house from shop for breakfast, been welding up deck cracks on a mower like yours that belong to a old man who passed away. He had bent the deck in so he just cut one blade off about a inch on both ends and out of balance bad. His family sold it to me with 4 brand new tires installed and 2 new blades and deck belt. I was laughing when I seen what he had done to keep it mowing Well deck jacked out and welded it all up, next new spindle brging and paint it last

[@thejungleexplorer]

Awesome

[@MrGibratan]

Very good videi thanks you the info

[@thejungleexplorer]

My pleasure

[@davidhoover3407]

Did you find that your pulleys were not turning and conversely the belt would not turn and began smoking?

[@thejungleexplorer]

No. My pulley housing was broken causing the blade to hit the deck.

[@itowbig]

you forgot to put the washer back under the spring other wise a good video Thank You

[@andyhamilton8940]

He saw it after the deck was back under the mower and threw it up on the running board.I noticed too. This is the reason I was watching because I forgot how mine went back on!

[@thejungleexplorer]

I sure did

[@DeniseSlack]

I need to replace the left spindle (under the black cover) and new blades...do u have part numbers for those? I’m assuming that’s what my issue is..I can reach under and freely spin the blade...I can also turn the pulley and feel the bolt that hold the blade spin when I manually turn then pulley... is that a bad spindle? Or do I just need to replace the blade?

[@thejungleexplorer]

The part numbers nd links are in the description

[@cooleyhigh7468]

How do you put the belt around the power pully is there a tension bolt

[@thejungleexplorer]

No tension bolt. You just looped it on.

[@adamsullivan1915]

Have you ever had to replace the break blade clutch with another manual one. I cant find any videos anywhere on it about how to do it

[@thejungleexplorer]

Sorry. I have not had to do that. When I do, I will be sure to make a video of it. I found a video that might help you right now though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqG6m2uvn7B5m6M

[@adamsullivan1915]

@@thejungleexplorer Thanks I really appreciate that. But I mean the clutch right above the pulley that you have to take belt of to remove the deck. The one that turns directly from drive shaft

[@moffenvetas7805]

This was an easy to understand video, very good, thank you very much, but not easy to buy V-belt for cutting unit for my Craftsman lt 1000, 2006 model here in Norway, so can you tell me where I can buy the right V-belt for my Craftsman LT 1000 2006 model 11.2 kw? in advance thank you Regards Johnny Vetås

[@thejungleexplorer]

Glad it helped. Get all my parts through Amazon here in the US. I am sorry that I don't know where to get part in Norway.

[@_Ramen-Vac_]

I have a Yardman -branded by Sears just before their main stores closed, it's very similar, so I was thinking the idler bearing/pulleys are pretty standard on these tiny tractors? -also shouldn't I get new Teflon lock nuts?

[@thejungleexplorer]

You may be right, but I have no experience with Yardman riders, so I can't say for sure.

[@_Ramen-Vac_]

@@thejungleexplorer eh, stuff's not that costly, plus we got Prime. Thanks for the video J-E

[@Mike-su8si]

If you don't have the money or prime it is

[@_Ramen-Vac_]

@@thejungleexplorer extremely similar.. still sitting there too lol got a Honda powered Toro push mower.. getting some exercise is gudd.

[@lynnmoore6599]

Any idea how to replace the front deck wheels? I have searched with no luch

[@thejungleexplorer]

Sorry, I do not have a video on that subject.

[@colinstarr2271]

Great video; thanks. Replacement was easy, but left me with a weird, unexpected issue: the belt is too tight! I've followed the diagram on the deck, and it's the same belt I'd been using, but now the blades are engaged even when the blade engagement lever is in the off position. It's also really hard to move the lever into the engaged position, also suggesting things are too tight. Any idea what the problem could be? Thanks again!

[@thejungleexplorer]

May experience is the new belt are generally tight at first but if you give them a good mow, they will loosen up. Kind of like a new pair of shoes, you have to break them in. I would try that first. Give the belt a good mow and see if it helps. If not, there are some adjustments that can be made, but I don't have a video for. I bet there is another tuber that does though.

[@colinstarr2271]

@@thejungleexplorer Thanks for the reply! I actually used the same (old) belt, which was why the tightness surprised me. I'll google around some more. Thanks again!

[@raptorav1]

Loosen up the bolt on the left pulley bracket and move pulley towards the outboard side. This will adjust the tightness of the belt. I adjusted mine within 3/8s away from the belt rubbing on the pulley bracket. This will also allow full disengagement of the blades. Make sure to re-tighten pulley bracket bolt.

[@philliphall5198]

Best to replace the springs on deck every 5/6 years 😊

[@BigAlWillis]

are these supposed to have deck wheels? I see you have the same bracket on the side as our mower does. we don't have wheels either bought it used.

[@thejungleexplorer]

I got mine used as well, but to my knowledge they did not originally come with deck wheels. Of course, as with anything, there could have been many different styles of the same model of which some might have had deck wheels. Bottom line is, it works fine without them. I have had mine for many years and mowed thousands of acres and never had a problem with it not having deck wheels.

[@jenv2402]

This is an older video, I hope you'll respond. The pullys you replaced seem okay on mine. It outer pully, left side. Basically I was mowing then grind happened, belt started smoking a little which also makes me think it's left pully. Luckily I stopped mower before it burned up belt. I believe it is the far left pully under the safety plate (plastic cover) that I don't have. It isn't freely turning. Is it pretty much the same labor replacement as the ones you did? Also when I disengage blade it takes a min to stop while having the grind noise. I've pulled the deck out several times, easy peasy. So just replace pully or also do the spindle? So frustrated with mower. Unrelated to pully issue... Engine does the wa wa wa as I'm mowing. Repair guy couldn't figure out why. Its mainly at start of mowing but starts doing it again while mowing. I don't know what to do about that. No experience in engine repair. Oil is good, new spark plug and repair guy adjusted the valves. I have to rest the lawnmower as well as it loses its umph. Over heating? It's very hot here plus grass/weeds are 2" tall right now. I hope you're still checking comments! Thank you!

[@thejungleexplorer]

Answer to question 1. Just replace the bad pulley. You can probably buy a whole kit with belt spindles and pulleys for under $100 and then you will have the parts for when the other goes out. Question 2. It is the carburetor. Try running a some Sea Foam in a your gas to see if it clears up. If not, replace the carburetor. A new will run you under $40

[@affordableappliancerepair9883]

Good video, the only thing you did do wrong was not putting on the washer when you attached the cable. You should put the washer back so your cable will not go down that shaft. Other than that, it was a good video.

[@Moontanman]

My LT1000 has a 38" deck, are the parts the same?

[@thejungleexplorer]

I am not sure. You might check here to be sure: www.searspartsdirect.com/brand/0247/craftsman-parts

[@Natedoc808]

Amazed your bearing failed before your spindles! My bearings are the originals and have smoked 4 spindles

[@thejungleexplorer]

Thank you for commenting Natedoc808!

[@phooesnax]

There is a washer you missed under cable. I know by I lost mine and it keeps the cable trapped under the Clevis clip

[@thejungleexplorer]

Very true. I realized it after I was finished with the video but it was too late to change the footage. Hopefully, youtube will one day provide a way to edit videos in place, so I add this part without having to delete the video and lose all its progress. There are several of these types of things that I need to edit, but the only way to do it now, is to delete the video and re-upload a new version and that takes a ton of work to do. KZbin used to have ana on-screen writing system where I could add notes after the video was uploaded, but that got completely rid of that system, so now there is no way to add a note once a video goes live.

[@phooesnax]

Irony is I know the part you were explains. Was trying to a view of that washer which your video confirmed! I thank you. Jim

[@phooesnax]

Mike Colder not grease-able...sealed In my experience spindles go first.

[@holleyww]

Also you forgot to reinstall the belt in your video. I've found that it's easier to install belt before all the pins get installed.

[@lashiagall5411]

How do you replace the drive belt

[@Tommyr]

You have to remove the battery and battery cage to access the back large pulley.

[@thejungleexplorer]

Thank you for commenting Lashia Gall!

[@brucewayne4211]

You forgot to install the washer on the second pully just above the spring.

[@scocornwell834]

I was checking the comments to see who else saw that.

[@thejungleexplorer]

Thank you for commenting Bruce Wayne!

[@Retro_80s_Guy]

Great video....but a couple of times you say "pull this pin here" but you are zoomed in and it's not clear where these pins are....

[@thejungleexplorer]

Yeah. Sorry, I do not have a camera man to follow me, so I have to position the camera for each shot myself. I job like this is rather simple, but you have to get up off the ground and change camera angles a hundred times, it can be exhausting. I would be nice to be able to pay a camera man to shoot for me, but my channel just does not make that kind of money. I hope one day to get there, but am not there yet.

[@henryjolin2495]

A great video but it's the wrong model for me thanks

[@thejungleexplorer]

Thanks. Hopefully some of it is helpful.

[@alexvillalobos519]

What size belt does that take

[@thejungleexplorer]

This is the one I bought for mine: amzn.to/2zS2FUO

[@alexvillalobos519]

I bought a 95x1/2 works great next question is why doea my lt 1000 backfire when i shut it off

[@thejungleexplorer]

@@alexvillalobos519 The backfires are probably caused by the valves being out of adjustment, which is quite common on these OHV Briggs motors. If left too long, it could cause it to throw a rod. It is not a hard task to adjust them though. Unfortunately, I have not made a video yet on how to do this, but there are some other channels with videos about this you might check out.

[@alexvillalobos519]

@@thejungleexplorer awesome man thank you

[@ron-py3ct]

did all that, still have 2 nuts & bolts to take off

[@thejungleexplorer]

Might be a different model

[@darth1000blue]

You forgot the washer that goes under the spring, and I think you should clean the deck and paint it before putting it back under, just my opinion.

[@thejungleexplorer]

👍

[@RemyAlphaElite]

You didnt put the washer over the pulley that the spring goes onto, before you put the clip in. Thats important to do.

[@thejungleexplorer]

👌

[@Mike-su8si]

You need deck wheels on each side of the back of the deck or your pulley plate will break off from the deck how mine did all because it didn't have those wheels to help support the deck That's something you should ad onto your mower if you wanna keep mowing with it and to avoid this bad problem the plate breaks right along they're weld line because of rust and only 2 arms holding the deck up in the front with the deck up high puts more weight on the plate cause the deck just dangles. Yours is plenty rusty so it'll break the same way mine did without those wheels on it I'm gonna put some old wheels on mine I've already rewelded the pulley plate back onto the deck so just needs the wheels now then if I knew it was gonna break i would have put the wheels on the deck sooner but I didn't know

[@thejungleexplorer]

Mine is original from the factory. It did not have wheels. It is over 15 years old.

[@Mike-su8si]

@@thejungleexplorer you should buy some then for it mine didn't have any neither but it does now

[@Mike-su8si]

@@thejungleexplorer I thought i was out of a mower after that piece broke off the deck it ruined the new deck belt that was on it when that broke on the factory welds I was mowing with it on 4 then got to the middle of the yard and started to notice the grass looked like it was being cut way to low so i kept mowing then right when i got done it broke and the deck was dragging on the ground then I said to myself damn its always something breaking on these old mowers

[@chiselbitdog]

you forgot your washer when you replaced the spring

[@thejungleexplorer]

Yep. I sure did.

[@hd28pickerduffey59]

Put the belt back on the front.

[@thejungleexplorer]

🤔😕??

[@hd28pickerduffey59]

The front belt had not been put back on . Now, you may have done that after you stopped recording, but, at the end of the video, the viewers see it detached.

[@thejungleexplorer]

Humm.. Sorry, I didn't think most people would not know how to silp the belt over the pulley. It is really simple.

[@roymiller3018]

As a very newbie, you didn't show hooking the drive belt completely back.

[@thejungleexplorer]

Sorry. It really is pretty easy. If you have trouble, let me know and I will shoot a clip to show you how.

[@Mike-su8si]

Yours needs sanded and repainted that things just waiting to break how it is now then your gonna have a worse problem than just a few bad pulleys if you still have that mower look into buying 2 deck wheels and deal with the rust

[@thejungleexplorer]

Still runs fine. No problems with the deck. I live in the desert.

[@Mike-su8si]

@@thejungleexplorer you should look into finding some wheels for it it just dangles like mine use to it wobbles from side to side as your mowing and riding it craftsmen put really cheap weld lines on the pulley plate that's on the deck they're welds stuck to the deck but not much to the plate part that all of your pulleys are on If you couldn't find the riding mower deck wheels you can probably weld any other wheels of that size on weld some push mower wheels on it I might show the deck on a short video some time then you or other people can see i have other craftsmen decks they all need extra welding put on to or they're pulley plates could break off to without it i know they would without those wheels

[@Mike-su8si]

@@thejungleexplorer you'll not be cutting nothing when that deck breaks cause they put cheap welds on the thing they're all made the same mine is the same mower and same deck probably the same Briggs engine but it'll snap off right on the weld line