Replacing a drive belt on a Husqvnarna Mower, to restore lost power.

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In this video, we replace a drive belt because the self propel isn't as strong as it should be.

[@watermanone7567]

Rear wheel drive every time. Also I have seen some of those with the cable stretched out a little, not pulling the belt tight. Great video. Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Waterman one.

[@apatterson8128]

Thank you Home Garage. We appreciate you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I appreciate you A Patterson.

[@chriswoodrow9156]

I have this exact model. I found this video researching the weak pulling issue. I know exactly what to do now. Thank you. I definitely prefer rear wheel drive.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem Chris Woodrow and good luck with it.

[@atanaciomartinez6571]

Hey.. what size is the belt or part number.. I have the same one.. belt broke

[@BULLETENVY]

Man glad you did a video on this model. This a s basically the same engine that I have the governor problem on. Same mower actually. This mower is one of the best mowers I've ever used. I would even rather have a rear wheel drive than an all wheel drive personally.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes the RWD version of this model, is a fantastic mower, nothing wrong with the AWD, but you'll have issues later on withe the pulleys.

[@blipcat3382]

I've been mowing my lawn with a Husqvnarna 6.75 hp rear drive for over 15 years. Only routine maintenance end of every season. Two carb replacements................maybe next season a new belt and maybe a new set of pulleys..............I expect my Husky to last another 10 years at least..............no regrets.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow, your mower is a real workhorse!

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

The nice thing about the Toro personnel pace system is that you are always pushing the mower when the self propel is working. That is usually why their self propel system work for so long. I’ve had mine since 2005 and so far I haven’t needed to change the belt

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're right, the "pushing" motion, activating the self propel system is very ingenious.

[@wildefox1478]

Great video, I personally prefer rear wheel drive which is what my Kubota W5021 mower is and unlike traditional mowers that have belts that wear out it is direct drive driven by a small driveshaft.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

wow, nice mower, thanks for the comment.

[@zerocool6370]

I use a rear wheel drive system as my backyard is a slope and pushing has more traction especially because of the weight is on the rear of the mower with the handle

[@HomeGaragechannel]

for slopes, RWD is great.

[@bugme9085]

Thanks man , I will fix it my self, and great video HG.👍🏽

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Bug me for your time and comment.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I've had and used both front and rear drives and rear wheel drive is a lot better because of weight transfer if nothing else. I like the old Snapper setup because you can fine tune the speeds to suit yourself but if I had a new one with a set motor speed I'd hook up a throttle so I'd have a little control of the travel speed. Good fix and Blessings!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely correct.

[@alexstromberg7696]

These with the awd are really nice mowers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes they really are.

[@electroddxful]

I like rear wheel drive. Great job my friend. 🙏👍🙏👍🙏👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you RayFpv

[@electroddxful]

@@HomeGaragechannel I enjoy your videos a lot. You rock Hone Garage👍👍👍👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

those are very kind words, thanks again.

[@williamsnow1531]

I’ve never had any use to buy a self propelled mower, so I couldn’t answer that question, but your last statement makes sense so it more than likely would be a rear drive mower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you William Snow.

[@liak3422]

super helpful video, thank you so much!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@profsteveitcc3140]

Great video! Great fix!!!!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks 👍

[@tomlewis3658]

My vote is for RWD, having had a few of each style. I like the feel of RWD better. I had a Lawn Chief (1 of the more obscure names that MTD would put on equipment) RWD, model 12A-379B022. The wheels were the same size & design front & rear, except for the ring driven gear attached to the back of the wheel, which you could easily move to the front wheels, so it was possible to rotate the wheels back to front, and extend the life of the drive wheels, which was a nice feature. Now I have a Snapper Hi-Vac RWD, and that drive mechanism is way better - variable speed, completely free wheeling when you have to pull it back to you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're absolutely right about the Snapper, very good Self propel system. thank you Tom Lewis

[@lewiemcneely9143]

2nd this!

[@andreworli4117]

I like rear wheel drive but feel front wheel drive are easier when you have to do a lot of gardens as you can keep the drive engaged and tip the mower on the turn, rather than starting and stopping the drive ,saving time.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make a good point.

[@mikespain8655]

Remember, belts don't so much stretch as the wear on the sides and outer to inner sides. Take that millimeter, or whatever measurement, and multiply it over the length of the belt that it has worn, and there is your problem.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very true.

[@GreggPayne]

My Honda started vibrating like that, pretty bad. I took my blade off and saw a huge wobble on my Honda crankshaft after whacking one little rock. Before junking it, I rotated it toward me and took the biggest hammer I could hold with one hand and whacked the end of the shaft hard until it was straight again. It ran smooth for a couple more years with no oil leak before something else wore out.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice that method does have its merits

[@dcase9182]

Been enjoying your videos for quite some time now. Thank you for your efforts! Want to ask you about wintering equipment, specifically using a fogging fluid in the intake? I have winterized outboards using this method but not other equipment. Thoughts on this practice?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you D Case, I appreciate that. I just made a video, that I haven't released yet, on the subject, but it's a bit overkill, if you only have to store it for a few months. However, if you're not sure when you might get to it again, it's a priceless method.

[@7eis]

This mower also let's you "ride the clutch". Some systems (fwd klippo for a long time) they'll stay engaged fully or not at all. i much prefer this rwd "clutch" over the on/off fwd klippo.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you 7eis

[@butler386]

I have had both and I prefer the rear wheel drive. I have more control when turning. Great job of repairing that machine. Thanks for the video's.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you D Butler

[@jameshedrick6839]

Easy fix. I usually like the rear wheel drive mowers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too James Hedrick.

[@MrGattor33]

Good video once again as always... lol I did have a question about the previous engine that had the bent crank and that is could you and would you replace the bent crank and essentially bring full life back to that old engine?? The engine itself looked almost like it was still really new. Thanks again for another good video 👍🏼

[@HomeGaragechannel]

In theory yes, but in practice no. What happened, was that the owner, did not know how to check the Oil. They said they would remove the dipstick, and there would be plenty of oil on it, But they forgot to wipe it clean, and then insert it correctly. While they used it for another year, with low oil, and with a bent crankshaft, the top bearing wore to an extreme amount. That means I would have to replace the block as well as the the crank.

[@Andrew-fr3bp]

Any tips for removing a blade adapter that's stuck on a FWD Husqvarna HU700F? I'm trying to replace the drive belt and I can't remove the blade adapter from the drive shaft. Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

did you try using a 2 jaw puller?

[@alexandercosta1777]

What is your method for getting a rusty mower deck pack in shape.. also if you do a deck remediation, is heir a specific paint you should use.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it depends on how must rust is there. If it's not too bad, just remove the rust the best you can, and then use a paint that has an agent to keep it from rusting more. If the rust is real bad, don't bother trying to fix it.

[@jjparody8257]

Another suspect is the transmission itself. That appears to be a General Transmission which is often used on various mower brands. I have unsuccessfully tried to inspect & service them in the past but although I can remove the case screws, the shell sides are adhered so tightly that I have never been able to separate them. There is no indent into which a screwdriver could be used for prying. Have you ever opened one, and if so, how? Thanks for the superb video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks I appreciate it, I don't recall opening one "on camera" but I might have a long long time ago. I don't recall what it looked like there tho.

[@joshboyer8449]

I would absolutely love to see some go karts and mini bikes on your channel, if possible

[@HomeGaragechannel]

possibly but I'm still working on a project idea.

[@arminr.5174]

My mower has rear wheel drive. However I never had a self propel mower before so I can't really judge whether rear or front wheel drive is better.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you make good point.

[@1099Kramo]

The same thing happened to me where the bottom part of the handle wore down and broke….and they don’t sell the replacement! But they do for the top part! I was not happy, to put it politely. So I had to improvise. Don’t think I’ll be getting a husqvarna next time.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know how you feel, just seems weird they don't sell the lower part.

[@samuelvelez1643]

Another reason to prefer a conventional mower is the complexity of parts and service for self propelled ones....

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I can see your point.

[@WillsSmallEngines]

great video, what type of equiptment do you liek to work on the most? lawn mowers, weedeaters etc?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice question, I really like working on 2 stroke stuff, mostly blowers, second would be trimmers, and then mowers.

[@WillsSmallEngines]

@@HomeGaragechannel cool i like blowers and mowers

[@shaileshparikh6920]

Recent subscriber. Your videos are informative + easy to follow. I have Husqvarna HU800AWDX mower. problem is i cut about 1000 Sq ft of grass then blade start to rotate and stop cutting. After few seconds, blue smoke start to come out. Self propel does not work. Took it to two repair place. They say 2 out of 3 clutch pullies/wheels are jammed/ chocked and need to replace clutch wires. They do not guarantee repair work and estimates run over $250. Any video suggestions etc..... thank you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hate to tell you, I believe the shop. The AWD drive models are plagued with issues sometimes.

[@darrellclements4446]

I have the all wheel drive model of this mower. The self propelled system works great…..for half a lap around my yard. Then it weakens and will not pull itself at all. I’ve replaced the drive cable and the problem persists. The belt appears to be ok and tensions up nicely but it does appear a little worn. Do you think replacing the belt will solve the problem?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

unfortunately, not only does the belt where, but the both pulleys, will wear as well.

[@darrellclements4446]

Thanks HG. I have ordered the parts and will go back to complete the overhaul to the drive system.

[@ericrichardson3332]

I like my all wheel drive mower over just front or just rear but if I had to choose one probably rear wheel drive although I don't have one that is rear wheel drive but I have a front wheel drive and an all wheel drive but I was giving the mowers for free so I can't complain they work great as is and with front wheel drive mowers I alway left the wheels slightly when turning sharply and let off the drive when needed as to try to keep them as good as possible

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that makes sense to me, more traction the better.

[@ericrichardson3332]

@@HomeGaragechannel yeah and hills climbing with it are much easier too , great videos BTW

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Eric Richardson.

[@ericrichardson3332]

I left one of my front wheel drive mowers out all winter and the drive shaft seized in the bushings and wasn't turning I had it all apart today oiled and back to working again in about 30-40 minutes after I figured out that was what happened at first I thought the cable but nope cable moved freely but everytime I had the belt on it would not pull tension on the belt which had me double and triple checking everything then I decided to take the gear box apart for the drive and tried to turn it by hand that's when I figured out it wouldn't turn the shaft at all , just a reminder to maintenance your equipment or else it may not work when you need it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes it can happen sometimes, the first for me, was on a RWD honda.

[@colesteffens5402]

Rear wheel or even better awd. Lot more power. I also don’t mind using a manual push mower

[@HomeGaragechannel]

as long as it doesn't weigh a lot, I don't mind a good push mower too. No hills though.

[@richardtennant5153]

I never really used one but rear wheel drive. I feel like it'll be better on my 9 foot hill my house sits on

[@HomeGaragechannel]

damn, at what angle is the hillside?

[@brianking1138]

In my opinion the rear wheel drive works better. Some people like front wheel drive because they can push down and pivot on the back wheels to turn. Did you try to adjust the cable tension?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Man I totally forgot to even try and Adjust it, but to be honest, my friend asked me to change the belt anyway.

[@sonnyc3826]

i have a mower much the same its the same engine but different name of mower and i got it started today but the stupid rocker arms again are the probelm i cant find the spec for them anywhere and im jsut getting tired of it..i have 2 mowers that have rocker arm issues and i got both of them to work now i cant get either of them to start..its annoying

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Sonny C.

[@cwatson42785]

hey buddy I noticed my mower is idling low and while looking at it it seems like one of the springs is missing. it's the smaller one of the 2. Any idea where on earth I could find a replacement spring? thank you

[@HomeGaragechannel]

remind me again, which mower you have, so I can look up the diagram for this 2nd spring.

[@cwatson42785]

@@HomeGaragechannel Oh thanks I appreciate it! Can I let you know when I get home from work? It was my uncles. I have a question in the meantime if you don't mind? I went to start my riding mower, it's a craftsman lhs 2000 with a 18.5 briggs motor and I'm having a issue with it not starting, checked the valves and the intake valve isn't moving at all. Just the exhaust valve when I spin motor by hand. Any suggestions what you think might cause that? Bad cam? Thanks for any help!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I would remove the push rod and see if it's bent, and tell me what it looks like. Is the intake valve completely seated closed or is it slightly open?

[@cwatson42785]

@@HomeGaragechannel Ok I know the rod isn't bent, ill have to check but I believe it's closed as the valve is out towards me and not in. If you need any more info feel free to ask. I appreciate the help! And that push mower is a Toro "personal pace self propelled

[@DrummerboysWashersAndMore]

We have a very similar mower that the self propell has gotten very weak on. It’s the same brand, just the all wheel drive version. Now that I’ve seen this video, I feel pretty confident that it is indeed the belt needing to be replaced.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the comment and I'm very certain the belt just need to be replaced.

[@smallengines1018]

I had to replace the wheels for my Honda mower. I haven't put them on yet but I bought them. There $20 per 1 tire. There really expensive.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes more than I was hoping for myself.

[@edrodrigues5623]

Being January I need to look and see if mine is front or rear drive.. 🤔

[@HomeGaragechannel]

as long at it works, is good enough for me

[@timtoro244]

Have a nice weekend!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

You too

[@timtoro244]

@@HomeGaragechannel Thank You

[@flankingfoxtrot]

In regards to carb cleaner can I use WD 40 instead

[@HomeGaragechannel]

It depends, It might work on the rest of the carb, but to break some of the varnish off, you would need carb cleaner.

[@flankingfoxtrot]

@@HomeGaragechannel thanks for the heads up

[@ElviraTovar-ot2pb]

Hi what size is the belt ?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

don't know, I go by part number listed in the diagrams and they don't tell the dimensions

[@adamkreuz9068]

My self propel stopped working and just clicks. Go to replace the belt, it's almost the same size as the old one but now the tension is so tight that the drive won't shut off.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

how did you choose the new belt? by measuring or did you look for the part number?

[@adamkreuz9068]

@@HomeGaragechannel I went by the part number at first but then I discovered some were 64" in length or some where in the 30" area but all the same number. I ended up getting one from Lowe's made for a 22" deck and I held up the old one to it. They are almost spot on. I ordered a belt straight from Husky last night so maybe that will help. Or maybe I'm putting the drivetrain back together wrong

[@RussellBooth1977]

I would go with a rear wheel drive system !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Me too Russell Booth.

[@StevenEverett7]

I much prefer rear wheel drive over front. Of course I prefer my Husqvnarna all wheel drive over the other two!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Steve Everett

[@joshboyer8449]

Have you done any work on mini bikes

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no bikes, some mopeds, and a go pet.

[@davidmollard9832]

Rwd. Front is ok for a level lot but on hills it just doesn't work like rear

[@HomeGaragechannel]

makes sense.

[@baileyhatfield4273]

Genuine thought, for somebody where they may live in the rustbelt, could you not just take the belt off obviously, but then snake it past the blade (easy to take that off anyways) and adaptor ect? Rustbelt adaptors are NOT fun to deal with lol

[@mr1pearl]

I am surprised at the wear of that belt ! I have , I think , the same problem with a mower I have but it is front wheel drive so 🤷

[@HomeGaragechannel]

give it a measure, see if it's worn down.

[@philliphall5198]

Guard is missing, it supposed to have two

[@mgomez5606]

I bought one like this mower for 30. The plastic ring cover under deck is back order and is missing orange cover on the front. Neighbor is going to buy it when I get it. $140 for it.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

nice work M Gomez.

[@dylancollins7254]

I pick is a rear wheel drive mower

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too.

[@999thenewman]

That was a lot of editing and drudgery. Good job. My question is, when is the owner going to get rid of this Husqvarna and invest in a new RWD Toro Personal Pace? (Buy a "reconditioned" one from The Home Depot Tool Rental for $50-$100 less because the new-in-box ones often have damaged wheel assemblies from forklift use and need a warranty claim first.)

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I could only guess. He's the CEO of a large heat exchanger company, so I doubt he'll take anyones advice when it comes to mowers.

[@999thenewman]

@@HomeGaragechannel Not much of a CEO then for all the reasons we can see, and more. :D :D

[@sonnyc3826]

my bad not this one another one i saw you had in a video a 7.75 175 cc husquvarna engine

[@Turningwrenches85]

Looks like here it was the belt that wore down over time that cause that issue.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

That's what I thought, and then someone mentioned if I had tried to adjust the Cable, at the handle, which I had forgotten.

[@Turningwrenches85]

@@HomeGaragechannel that is true also

[@nichols1948]

First, take the wire off of the spark plug, then take a picture before removing anything to verify that everything was properly installed.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

good advice

[@mrmerhtin3625]

I like FWD for faster turns

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes you make a good point.

[@philliphall5198]

About 70% of them are missing the belt guard and it cost 50 bucks to get it Never seen so many mad people who will never buy that brand again.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it makes sense

[@churchboy2112]

First

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Church boy 21