Replace Your Troy-Bilt Drive Belt the EASY Way (Tutorial)

[@baldeagle242]

Welcome to the BALDEAGLE242 channel! In this video, we're diving into a common issue that many riding mower owners face - the dreaded variable speed drive belt slipping problem. If your mower takes off slowly, struggles to pull, or just won't budge, you're in the right place. We'll walk you through a step-by-step tutorial on diagnosing and fixing this issue so you can get back to mowing your lawn with ease. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking to save money on repairs, our video covers you. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll learn: Common causes of variable speed drive belt slippage Tools you'll need for the job Detailed steps to replace or repair the belt Tips and tricks for preventing future belt problems Don't let a slipping mower belt ruin your yard work. Follow along with our expert guidance, and soon you'll be enjoying a smoothly operating riding mower once again. If you find this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up and consider subscribing to our channel for more informative tutorials and troubleshooting guides. Have questions or need further assistance? Drop them in the comments below! Thanks for tuning in, and let's get that mower back in tip-top shape! Listed below are tools I use in my shop and on my daily adventures. Mini Tire Changer for mower, go-kart, and most small tires. amzn.to/31eHgGp The drill bits I use are lifetime-warranted Molybdenum from Drill Hog. www.amazon.com/dp/B010US18BG/?tag=eagle0f1-20 Hand crank trailer winch with strap with safety hook amzn.to/3jTBzEL Titanium MIG 140 Welder Works with Flux Core (No Gas needed - 110 volts) amzn.to/3mqj3oP Titanium MIG 170 Welder Works with Flux Core or Gas (110 or 220 volts) bit.ly/3k8GUrD Amazon Wish List a.co/cWseC8V As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links are provided to help you find the products I've used in this video. Clicking these links will take you straight to the products on Amazon and help support this channel without costing you anything extra. Get the Motion Hero Pack that I use in my videos for Only $37 one-time investment. Use unlimited times on your own and client videos! baldeagle242--videohero.thrivecart.com/motion-hero-pack-1/ If you're a KZbin video creator, TubeBuddy is an excellent program to evaluate your videos and make recommendations to help you attract more viewers. www.tubebuddy.com/Baldeagle242 BALDEAGLE242 Facebook group facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068248886396 00:00 Introduction - We will show you what the problem is 00:15 Quick Demonstration 00:44 The First Thing you need to do when you start 01:54 Do you need to remove all fluids? I'll show you why I do if you click here! 02:06 Top side method - I'll show you a better way later in this video. 02:28 Should you flip your mower over on it's side? 02:38 Simple checks before you get started 02:52 Belt part numbers you will need for this job. 03:10 How this "Transmission" works 04:19 The Best thing to do if you have this issue is click here, and I will show you how to fix it!

[@RepairGang]

06:54 best part of this video. Good job again great repair

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you my friend. I’m trying to keep the full length videos coming now that I’ve gotten my shop clean and organized again. 🚵

[@Thomas-y4q8j]

The Best Video I Seen Explaining the Symptom and explicit Repair, Can't Thank You Enough !

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you! I hope to see you around on other videos.

[@Big_Johns]

Nice job Steve, those are truly a pain in the butt though. 👍

[@baldeagle242]

@John Klem They are not my favorite for sure but I don’t think I’ve ever had one with this style speed controller that I haven’t had to replace something on it.

[@Big_Johns]

I threw tools across the shop one day due to one of these. 🤣

[@baldeagle242]

@@Big_Johns I want to see that video. 🤣

[@Big_Johns]

no hablo ingles 🤣🤣

[@baldeagle242]

🤣👍

[@Paperchaser98]

Very good detailed video I’ve been fighting an hour trying to muscle on that small belt and with your help was able to get it done in 15 minutes appreciate your video

[@baldeagle242]

+@Paperchaser98 Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! I’m glad it helped! Hopefully you’ll find other videos I’ve posted interesting or useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@johnwhan7288]

Dam you don't s---t around. Most concise and accurate on this subject i've seen. You whaked it. THX

[@baldeagle242]

+@johnwhan7288 Thanks for watching! Here’s a link to other videos I’ve posted that you may find useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@tinkeringtaylor3053]

Excellent video Steve, you make it look so easy 👍👍

[@baldeagle242]

@Tinkering Taylor Thank you my friend. I think I’ve had to do this on almost every one of these things I’ve ever gotten. It’s the number one reason most people give up on them and get rid of them. Really not that difficult, it just takes a little time. 😁👍

[@GoKartsorGoneFishin]

This will definitely help another of people

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you, I hope your right. There are plenty of them out there with this problem. 😁👍

[@Jeanclaudevanderfield]

Wonderful, clear, and informative video!! Thank you so much for all the effort and time put into creating and sharing this!

[@baldeagle242]

@@Jeanclaudevanderfield thank you.

[@rogermcdonald1607]

Nice job as always Steve! Im definitely sold on using OEM belts as i learned the hard way on a RWD toro with the blade brake system. ✌🇺🇸

[@baldeagle242]

These things are supper tuff on belts. The Stens belts seem to work if OEM belts are not available but it really is worth spending the extra money for the better belts. The cheaper no name belts are likely not to last a single season.

[@kencurtis228]

TY for Sharing

[@baldeagle242]

You are so welcome. Thanks for watching 😁👍

[@philliphall5198]

It’s really clean under it , looks new 😊

[@baldeagle242]

Amazing what a little pressure washing can do. 😁👍

[@RT-me3wn]

Damn it, I just want to mow my lawn. Why do I have to take the thing half apart just to replace a freakin' belt?

[@philliphall5198]

I really think this is the simplest and least expensive system there is and I buy as many older ones I can get 😊 They will be running 30 more years from now ❤

[@philliphall5198]

Great job and no wasted time or my time, way I like it 😊

[@baldeagle242]

+@philliphall5198 Thanks for watching! Here’s a link to other videos I’ve posted that you may find useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@gatorsworld]

I liked your content and decided to subscribe. I come from Grampy!`s Workshop which gave me the idea to check you out.....CHEERS

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you! I hope to see you around on future videos. 😁👍

[@bobbyd6680]

Changed all three belts on my 2011 42" Pony and didn't have to do nearly as much disassembly as this, other than the deck removal. I just removed the transmission pulley, removed the trans idler pully spring. Just had to wiggle and fangle NEW thicker trans pulley belt around till I got it past belt keeper. Took it out from the battery box, and then the drive belt is easy after removing the engine pulleys, all from laying under the bottom of the tractor. Took over an hour, but this was my first time tackling all 3 belts (in 13 years).

[@freedommowers420]

Excellent video as always Steve. I like this alternative method for these drive belts. Just got one yesterday that is doing the exact same thing. Hope things are good your way 😎🇺🇸🦅

[@baldeagle242]

@Freedom mowers Thank you Alex! I don’t think I’ve ever had one with this style speed controller without a belt or pulley issue. It’s great to see you putting videos out again! You’re doing great on camera. If others reading this haven’t seen Alex in action check him out here! 👇 youtube.com/@freedommowers640?si=cs1FpeUKJVdHJK7M

[@freedommowers420]

@@baldeagle242 yes almost everyone of these mtd vari drives I’ve dealt with has at least one of those issues as well as the steering bushing or shaft. Thank you for the kind words and page share. I’m having fun making videos, and have a ton of winter projects.

[@baldeagle242]

@@freedommowers420 you’re welcome my friend. I’ll be looking for new videos. 🍿🥤

[@B.Arnold-22964]

Very good explanation.. Ive always disliked these variables I have one now only 3 years old with a primary belt broke. Laying on its side great idea . I have a chain hoist I've pulled them up with yet this way seems best especially home owner do it yourself. I also lube that secondary small pulley armature that moves with spring I've seen those so rusty they barely move . I have always used those Sten belts no issues. Thanks for video!

[@vincentshelpfulhints4085]

Great Video as always.. Honestly you make a some what difficult job seem easy.. Thanks for sharing

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you! I try to avoid buying these things but every time I say that one comes up free or really cheap and I’m off again. 😁👍

[@karlschwab6437]

I have the same problem with my MTD riding mowers and on one of them, I lost one of the springs in the system! Now, where is the attachment points? I think this video is going to help me. Like others before me have said; what a great video; thanks for doing it, sir!

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you, and let us know how it goes with yours.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Nice job explaining this transmission system. I have a mower with the same sort of system. This was a great video to show how to change the belts!! Take care!!

[@baldeagle242]

Thank you my friend! I still need to get your sticker on my sticker board. 😁👍 This thing is going well. This time of year I start putting them in storage till the spring rush hits.

[@franiside7930]

I have to change the belts on my troy bilt tr30 is this process similar

[@baldeagle242]

Believe it or not that the mower i’m recording a belt video on today. It will probably be a couple weeks before I get around to editing it but it is a much simpler belt to change. You’ll need to order a 43.5” belt. There are 3 push clips, a safety plug for the deck chute and an engagement cable. With only one blade on the TB30 is as easy as sliding the deck out, removing the belt guard and one guid bolt on the engagement pulley. If you want a good quality Kevlar belt this is one I recommend on Amazon that will fit perfect on the TB30. amzn.to/4eqvTMK

[@johnanderson3405]

Thanks for the tips. Going to look at my mother in law’s mower that stopped moving. Looks kinda like a pain in the butt to change belts. I have a Hustler Raptor that is WAY easier to replace the belts. 😮 I’m just gonna take my trailer down and drag it to my garage. This isn’t the easy job I was hoping for.

[@baldeagle242]

@@johnanderson3405 Hustler mowers are nice to work on. There was definitely thought put into working on them when they were designed.

[@LewisMowersandBoats]

Very informative brother 👏 thanks for sharing 👍 🙏

[@baldeagle242]

+@LewisMowersandBoats Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching! Here’s a link to other videos I’ve posted that you may find useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@jasonsharer5432]

Thank you!

[@baldeagle242]

+@jasonsharer5432 Thanks for watching! Hopefully you’ll find other videos I’ve posted interesting or useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@aronbechiom565]

Just replaced the lower belt...seems too long.. Then I found your video. At the end, just before you set it on the wheels...it appears your belt is loose also...like mine. Is that normal ?? I have a Sunbelt "cross ref'd" from Lowes...along with the upper belt too. Because the long belt looked too loose.. I adjusted out all the threading on the rod..still looks too loose. Test drove it.. intermittently quits pulling, but am able to move in all the numbers..1-7.

[@baldeagle242]

@@aronbechiom565 Yes, when the peddle is all the way down the drive belt will be very loose. If it’s to tight the transmission will not fully disengage.

[@amandabrigman]

Help! Can you give me any suggestions on how to remove the whole front pulley? I have the bottom bolt out, both belts removed from the drive and deck pulley and have used penetrating oil over and over for 2 days and cannot get it to drop down. I am trying to remove the whole motor from frame to swap out.

[@baldeagle242]

I plan to make a video on this but the best way I’ve found is to use an air chisel right in the center of the crack shaft. You can put a bolt in it to avoid messing of the treads or just retap the treads if you can’t get the chisel to stay on the bolt.

[@philliphall5198]

Heat it and try a air hammer or puller😊

[@philliphall5198]

I use a impack hammer on shaft and keep socking it and pull down on it 😊

[@philliphall5198]

Thanks 🙏

[@TheTrailblazer1974]

Won't tipping the mower spill flood oil gas battery acid?

[@baldeagle242]

@@TheTrailblazer1974 I explain all of that in the video.

[@brianleeper5737]

@@baldeagle242 The video shows the mower being tipped over with the battery in it. I'd remove it next time. They can leak if they're tipped over.

[@philliphall5198]

Just replace all the deck springs every 3 years and keep the old ones for back up and order new ones again 😊😊😊

[@brianleeper5737]

You'll want to remove the battery before you tip the mower on it's side. They can leak acid if tipped (unless it's an AGM battery; unlikely on a riding mower).

[@baldeagle242]

+@brianleeper5737 I most have overlooked it in the heat of the moment on this one. You are 100% correct that it should be removed before the mower is tipped over. Maybe this explains the pair of jeans I have with large white holes in them. 🤔 Thanks for watching! Hopefully you’ll find other videos I’ve posted interesting or useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@brianleeper5737]

@@baldeagle242 I've watched a few of your videos and they are useful. I saved this one for when I need to change the belts on my Troy-Bilt Pony.

[@timhawkins2502]

Who was the da engineer who designed that belt system!!?? I'll stick with my jd 455 and 720 !

[@baldeagle242]

I’m sure someone paid them big bucks to design it as cheaply as possible. My father has a 445 (gas version) with 2400 hours on it. He still uses it to move trailers and stuff around his property.

[@timhawkins2502]

2000 hrs on mine and have only replaced 2 deck belts and 2 batteries= you have a great channel, keep up the great work!

[@baldeagle242]

@@timhawkins2502 Thank you, my friend. I hope to see you around on future videos.

[@titlicker3229]

I paid 900$ for my troy bilt pony like 15 years ago, it came with a trailer and im still using it to mow my 3 acre lawn. Its cheap for sure but i dont think the engineering is bad at all, to get 15+ years out of a 900$ mower from lowes it couldn't be that bad

[@chrismorgan6149]

That mower is missing the gas pedal

[@baldeagle242]

+@chrismorgan6149 🤷🏻‍♂️Thanks for watching! Hopefully you’ll find other videos I’ve posted interesting or useful. kzbin.info/aero/PL5_ZXmQpcjpac4UV8OW8g-IWVCR8tqy79&si=RKfnQL-PAcZFy67a

[@alvenokondyles6632]

Actually you made it complicated

[@baldeagle242]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Masonfox8272]

Hey there bald eagle do you got any old liscense plates you can send me or any stickers if so what’s your email also love the vidoes

[@baldeagle242]

@Mason Yes! My email address is on my about page. Send your address and I’ll get some out to you.