Replacing Broken PTO Blade Engagement Cable on MTD Riding Mower

Don’t forget to hit those SUBSCRIBE and thumbs up buttons. Ring the notifications bell so you never miss a future video.
The PTO or Blade Engagement cable on a riding mower is what makes the blades engage. Over time, they can wear out and break. This video shows how to remove your old cable and install a new one. I always recommend purchasing the OEM cable because the aftermarket cables are typically poor quality and only last a couple of seasons.
Use the Amazon links below to find parts and tools you may need for this project.
MTD PTO Cable - amzn.to/2xsQ5dm
(be sure to check your model number to make sure this is the correct one for your mower)
Ratcheting/Socket Set - amzn.to/2J6VePc
Wrench Set - amzn.to/2xr7146
Check out a few of my favorite things in my Amazon Storefront:
www.amazon.com...
INSTAGRAM: @tightwaddiy & @bentonart
FACEBOOK: / tightwaddiy
My description includes referral codes/links that allow me to earn points or credit that can be redeemed for products and/or subscriptions. When you use my referral code/link, you are helping to support me and my recommendations! Thank you for your support!

[@cmlfarr]

Very professional video. No mic noise, no shaky camera or stupid gimmicks. Straight forward and easy to follow instructions. I never even thought about removing the battery, that tip alone saved us a lot of grief.

[@TightWadDIY]

Thanks! I try to produce quality, helpful videos.

[@chrisezelle]

👍🏼😀👊🏻

[@KindalFerson]

Hi @tightwadDIY! I’m a 63 yo woman and if it weren’t for your video and the socket wrench tip I NEVER would have gotten this cable off the mower. I would’ve had to spend big $$$ to have someone else do it for me. Thank you a million times.

[@TightWadDIY]

I’m proud of you! It’s my pleasure to help others solve their problems.

[@brandonlee8400]

I had a hard time taking it off with pliers. I should have used a stubby 3/8" open wrench because my cable was still attached.

[@toma0000]

Thank you! This video explains the problem that my mower exactly was faced on and guided me fixing it without hiccups.

[@TightWadDIY]

Glad it helped!

[@chrisn7632]

Outstanding step by step including routing, exactly what I was looking for. Thank you

[@TightWadDIY]

You are welcome. I’m glad it helped you out.

[@allenrbrady]

This video was instrumental in giving me the courage to replace the cable on my Craftsman mower by myself. Your tip to remove the battery saved me a lot of futzing-around time. Thanks!

[@TightWadDIY]

Great! I’m glad you felt confident getting it done!

[@lisabarton4640]

Most awesome video!!! Thank u sooo much, have 07 yardmachine , I'm a 58 yr old lady and ur video helped me greatly did it all by myself!

[@philliplanger5530]

Finally figured it out. With the battery out at 8:32 you say it goes into the hole and up. It took three times watching to realize that the cable doesn't go into the hole pictured, that hole is where the battery bracket goes. Phew, got it! Thanks for the video.

[@TightWadDIY]

Sorry! It was tight in there and difficult to show everything up close.

[@Jerry-oe1zq]

Best video I have seen.showing the orientation connecting the pto . very clear video, thanks

[@TightWadDIY]

Glad it helped!

[@markgriffis5970]

Great video and instruction...I used a "knock off" cable...so we will see if it lasts if not I will go OEM. Only problem I had was using enough pressure to get the end to turn up when attaching to PTO handle....finally it did with some force. Appreciate your taking the time to help those less mechanically inclined!

[@rossmarvin584]

Oh boy, that's easier than I thought. Before watching I figured I'd have to remove the deck too. I'm gonna go replace it right now. Thanks man.

[@TightWadDIY]

I’m glad you found the video. It was a fairly simple video. It should only take about 15 min.

[@dynocoach]

Grandma has this issue with her mower...I think. I think this video will help! Thank you for posting!!!

[@TightWadDIY]

Just make sure you pay attention to the location of the cable before you remove it and put it back in the same exact way.

[@michaelandcolinspop]

Thanks for this. I have a 2006 Bolens that just broke its cable tonight in the middle of cutting. I got to the point of getting the battery out but couldn’t see the connection to the PTO lever. Now, I’ve got it!

[@TightWadDIY]

Great! Hopefully the repair goes well.

[@johnbobb1835]

This is how videos should be made. Very clear step by step process. Thank you so much

[@TightWadDIY]

John Bobb Thank you. I’m glad you found it helpful. I’m am a teacher tech trainer in my day job so I try to apply those skills here too. Be sure to subscribe!

[@lindaloftus8780]

Thanks for posting video. My cable has broken and needs replacing and since I don't have a way to take it to shop will have to do myself. Your video is very helpful even though it will take me much longer than it took you to replace.

[@TightWadDIY]

Great! I hope you can get it done.

[@thehonestwoodcutterbradywe8011]

Thanks for this video.I now have the confidence to order the part,knowing I can handle doing the replacement

[@TightWadDIY]

That’s great!

[@maryjanepeters7179]

Thank you sir. I know this is an older video but perfect for what I was doing today.

[@TightWadDIY]

Glad it helped

[@R65-j5k]

Many thanks to you Sir. Very good video. I will get my mower going as soon as my replacement cable arrives

[@TightWadDIY]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@danabarnhardt3111]

Just watched your video, and going to follow step by step as I believe that's what's wrong with my riding lawnmower.

[@TightWadDIY]

Nice! I hope it works!

[@danabarnhardt3111]

​@TightWadDIY Hi, I ordered the PTO cable, and just got it today, will try to install it tomorrow, hope it goes well. Will have to watch your video again to know how to put it back on... wish me luck!

[@danabarnhardt3111]

Hey TightWadDIY Just want to let you know, I put the new PTO cable on this morning, took some doing, but got-er-done... Thankyou for posting this video, since my husband passed away I'm having to learn how to do things myself, so your video was so helpful... Thanks again!!!!

[@TightWadDIY]

@@danabarnhardt3111I’m so glad you felt empowered to do it yourself. I’m very sorry for your loss.

[@markbir7979]

Very clear video! Shows every detail. Great job.

[@TightWadDIY]

I’m glad it was helpful.

[@wendysanders8165]

Thank you. My Troy built pony is 7 yrs old and the cable end just snapped. I had no idea where the cable connected to the clutch. You just made this easy!

[@TightWadDIY]

Wendy Sanders I’m glad you found the video. I definitely recommend an OEM part. The after market ones are pretty crappy

[@mikecrockett4578]

8:37 am 1st time to catch your channel. Good job, real easy to follow. Thanks

[@TightWadDIY]

Welcome aboard!

[@koryleague8833]

Thanks for the video I was making the project harder than it is😊

[@TightWadDIY]

You can do it!

[@jjfunk73110]

Great video. Mine up and stopped cutting, thought I had a broken belt until I looked underneath. Saw that spring just laying there and the other end with just a bit of cable hanging out. Now I just need to find the part.

[@TightWadDIY]

I recommend you get an OEM part. I’ve had issues with aftermarket.

[@jjfunk73110]

@TightWadDIY ordered from mtd's site. Just waiting on it to show up

[@2hgarza]

Great video and tips. I would add that if you have a difficult time putting the wire in the slot on top due to too much stress, that you instead loosen the bottom slot first and then put the wire on the top slot. It is much easier to attach the bottom slot because the bottom spring is nearer to pull back.

[@TightWadDIY]

homer garza Great suggestion. Thank you for adding to the conversation. Be sure to subscribe.

[@georgeneidlinger923]

Thanks for the assist, Mine broke at the spring and the video helped me with the routing of the cable and where to attach the spring..

[@artifactsantlersoh]

Very, very well done step by step. Thanks much for this 👍🏼

[@TightWadDIY]

My pleasure. This is the style used for all of my videos. Be sure to subscribe!

[@artifactsantlersoh]

@@TightWadDIY I wish I could find that darn original equipment part! All k can find are cheap Chinese knockoffs that will surely break right away

[@diofer13]

Thanks a lot from costa rica...cable was actually good but since i lost the manual you helped a lot with the battery removal access which cleared the way...just a good cleaning was necessary...

[@TightWadDIY]

Great! I’m glad the video worked for you even if it wasn’t the same situation.

[@GOLDBEACHBIKER]

Quick question: After dropping deck to install lower drive belt (quite a task) and deck belt, I have to install a PTO engagement cable as well. Is it better to attach the large spring on the cable to the deck FIRST, then reattach deck, and THEN hook up the engagement cable? My question is about the sequence of tasks. By the way, kudos to whoever thought about the 3/8" socket trick to remove the small plastic tabbed clip that holds the cable to the frame near the PTO handle. That was brilliant!

[@TightWadDIY]

I would install the deck first then install the PTO cable. Yes, the socket trick was very valuable!

[@GOLDBEACHBIKER]

@@TightWadDIY Thanks for the response, TightWadDIY (love that name), I appreciate it. I guess my question wasn't clear - would you attach that beefy spring to the deck plate (almost impossible to do once the deck is in place) BEFORE you hook up the cable to the PTO handle, frame clips, etc? I've heard of folks going from the handle to the deck, which seems crazy.

[@wiggsan]

Now that is how a repair video should be done. Thanks!!!

[@TightWadDIY]

Alex Wiggs Thank you! Be sure to subscribe! I have over 175 repair style videos.

[@kkc3009]

Excellent job making this useful video for others thank you.

[@TightWadDIY]

Thanks. I have several mower repair videos so he sure to subscribe!

[@kenwest4082]

Thank you sir. This saved me money and lots of aggrivation

[@TightWadDIY]

My pleasure. I’m glad it worked for you too! I love helping people save money.

[@charlescasselman5559]

Great video, thank you for making, came in handy

[@TightWadDIY]

My pleasure! I’m glad it helped you out!

[@jessewilliford3775]

Very clear and understandable video! good advice on buying cables--- about to replace 2 mo old replacement cable.

[@TightWadDIY]

JESSE Williford Thanks. I do my best to be clear and stick to the topic. Good luck with your cables.

[@Humble_Lion337]

Thanks man this helped alot need more ppl to do mkre of these brands everyone cant afford the good stuff

[@TightWadDIY]

25MAMOU Let me know if you need something else in the future. As long as the neighbor still has this mower, I will keep making videos.

[@KitCatXIV]

Great, thanks for this. Just broke mine and this helps a ton.

[@TightWadDIY]

Glad it helped

[@team9lounge151]

Great video, had the spring that attaches to the deck break on my Troy Bilt Horse yesterday and this was the exact configuration and replacement I needed to do. Thanks for the video!

[@TightWadDIY]

Team 9 Lounge I’m glad you were able to get it fixed quickly!

[@team9lounge151]

TightWadDIY not fixed yet, lol. Have to wait on the part, but it will be a snap after this video

[@Hank1355]

You do a great job in explaining what you are doing and supported with excellent video. Appreciate the help.

[@TightWadDIY]

Hank1355 Thank you for the kind comment. I’m a teacher by trade, so I like to think I’m good at explaining things.

[@shaig7]

Just did it, thx to your guidance. Great video, much appreciated 👍🙏👏

[@TightWadDIY]

That’s great! It’s my pleasure!

[@simongrimmett3204]

Thanks mate. That was awesome help and perfect for the job.

[@TightWadDIY]

I’m glad it worked for you too.

[@DanielJensen-lp1jp]

Great video, the best I have found, thank you very much!

[@TightWadDIY]

Glad it helped!

[@davissunglasses]

Fantastic video, mine is still engaging the blades, but the PTO handle is sloppy in the off position. I have to hold the PTO handle back to get the mower to crank or hold the handle back when in reverse so the lawn mower doesn’t die.

[@TightWadDIY]

Hopefully a new cable gets this fixed for you.

[@chuckwhitaker7439]

Thank you for your video it was very helpful and you did great job of explaining each step

[@TightWadDIY]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@justinfisher3827]

Very clear and well lit.

[@TightWadDIY]

Thanks! I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@davep9199]

Your video was a great help to me. Thank you so much.

[@TightWadDIY]

That’s great!

[@josevasquez8193]

Thumbs Up !!! - very helpful focused video and appreciate you not talking fast !!!

[@TightWadDIY]

I’m glad you found it helpful. Hopefully you can get yours fixed too.

[@josevasquez8193]

TightWadDIY - I ordered a new cable @ only $10 and I now believe I can install based on your video !!

[@FreedomHasFallen]

Awsome video! Thanks you helped me a lot!

[@TightWadDIY]

Glad it helped!

[@garyjacobsen3407]

As long as you remove the negative battery cable first, you do not need to worry about your wrenches touching metal when you remove the positive cable. Also, viewers should note that there are two types of cable connections that go to the engagement lever. One looks like a flat S (as in this video), and they other is a circular eye that is attached to the engagement lever with a shoulder bolt. They are not interchangeable.

[@waynecooper8249]

Thank you Captain obvious

[@jviews1]

I place a rag over positive terminals of ANYTHING before removing ground cable. If battery were to stay in, I would cover the negative terminal for safety once disconnected.

[@ericstrombelline2122]

Thank you very much Excellent video, watched the video, removed the old cable and replaced it and saved a Boatload of money, repairing it myself 😃

[@TightWadDIY]

That’s awesome! They neighbor I fixed this for was out cutting his grass yesterday. It’s still holding up well after a year. Be sure to blow the grass clipping off your mower deck before storing it after each cut. That helps prevent this issue and also decreases wear on other parts.

[@arakassabian5879]

Excellent, I will have a go and let you know how I get on.

[@tonyrodriguez2524]

Learned how to hook up that big PTO spring from underneath. Its a nightmare the other way. The previous mechanic hooked up the big spring from the top. Thank You.

[@TightWadDIY]

Tony Rodriguez I’m glad you were able to figure it out! It’s easy if you do it the correct way!

[@waltershimmin2357]

Thank you for this video

[@TightWadDIY]

My pleasure?

[@gringomuscovy955]

Thank You! I’m grateful for your video!!!

[@TightWadDIY]

Your welcome! Hope it works for you too!

[@atticdiver6741]

Lol, I just did the cable replacement on the Troy Bilt Pony today. There were slight variations, but your video was right on point and helpful. Thanks! Waiting for the part to come in was the hardest part -- I'm missing the two day shipping!?!

[@BigStevevtx]

Thanks for the video. It's not rocket science, but I never thought of removing the battery. I'm sure you saved me a lot of misery with that alone,

[@TightWadDIY]

Steve G You are welcome. They make that back end really tight so removing the battery is a must. I’m sure you would have figured it out!

[@snapperkc9317]

Another organized, informative helpful video.

[@TightWadDIY]

SnapperKC Thank you. I appreciate the feedback.

[@tikofann5884]

I have a yard man mower and try as I might I cannot get the spring to go under the brake control rod and still function properly. I had to keep it above the brake control rod. It’s probably a yard man thing. Thank you for the video, you explain it very well.

[@TightWadDIY]

Each model has a slightly different configuration but the general concept is the same. I’m glad you were able to get yours fixed.

[@Jrpyro-hm2vs]

thank you so much for sharing this with me 👍

[@TightWadDIY]

You’re welcome!

[@brandonlee8400]

Thank you. If your cable is still attached, you can try an open ended 3/8" wrench.

[@TightWadDIY]

Great tip

[@alexsinclaire1504]

Great video

[@TightWadDIY]

Thanks! I’m glad you found it helpful. I have several mower repair videos to be sure to subscribe.

[@Yamacamkaw]

Wish you had a video for how to change the belt on this…. I am not a mechanic, barely even a parts exchanger…. But I am trying I fix my mower I bought, previous owner had it jimmy rigged, and it ran and my goal was to finish the season then do a full tune up.. well one belt snapped, and hit the other or they both went at the same time… doubtful..now I have the belts, and can’t figure out how to get the belts on., All the videos for these tractors are the 4200 not the 3800 and I find yours so I am hoping that you make another video. And this was awesome.

[@TightWadDIY]

Sorry! This is a neighbors mower. Would it help if I get a closeup video of the belt orientation? The rule of thumb with belts is that the smaller side of the V faces the center of the pulley on main pulleys and away from the center of the pulley on tension pulleys.

[@Yamacamkaw]

TightwadDIY…. Ended up selling it as I was sick of al the jimmy rigged stuff. It was meant to be driven by him or someone that would redo everything.

[@WesTexan36]

excellent instructor.....

[@TightWadDIY]

Thank you! I’m actually a school teacher.

[@willieb.1700]

Thank you, Great video and to the point.

[@TightWadDIY]

Thank you!

[@Hookahchefreviews]

Just had mine break at the spring on my cub ltx 1040. So just ordered the part now just waiting for it to get here

[@Hookahchefreviews]

@Paul Cox its a cheap part on Amazon and an easy installation I'd go ahead and replace the cable as well.

[@elizabethbaker5389]

Want to give big shout out for the TightWadDIY! With the help of your video , I was able to change the cable all by myself!. My husband was turned on by his newly-tomboy wife.:)

[@TightWadDIY]

That’s great! I’m glad it helped you get it done! Tell him to stand back and watch while you fix things.

[@1mag1n3tv4]

Bro you helped me soooo much man thanks for making vids like this

[@TightWadDIY]

You are welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful. Be sure to subscribe.

[@shoeshow1999]

Nice job and great job on the video work. Thanks.

[@TightWadDIY]

Jerry Howell Thanks. It’s tough to video in those tight spaces.

[@backyardgarage6823]

What I have for a problem is that my deck is always engaged and the cable has a lot of slack and looks stretched could this fix it

[@OhAirUSA]

Thanks for posting this. It helps me a lot.

[@TightWadDIY]

You are welcome. I’m glad it helped you out.

[@riggsron]

On my MTD lawn tractor, the El Bracket on the mowing deck is 180 degrees from yours. When my deck would not engage or if it did, it stopped when it came to grass. I thought the cable bracket should be moved to the inside hole effectively moving the bracket 1/2 an inch back. It worked for a week or so then the cable broke. I think I need to find out the proper position for that bracket somehow. I know its hard to believe a manufacturer could put it on backward, but there is always Monday mornings.

[@TightWadDIY]

I hope you get it figured out. That’s frustrating I’m sure.

[@flashgordontech]

my yard machine deck end of cable goes under belt and over brake rod .3/ 8 socket didnt work for me good video

[@TightWadDIY]

Hopefully the video helped you out a little even though yours was different.

[@user-sd1kv6tt3z]

Sure helped me. I am now a subscriber! Thanks

[@TightWadDIY]

Yes! Welcome to Tightwad Nation!

[@wiggsan]

Mine ended up being a sticky cable that I was able to use a little Dri-Slide on. Thanks again!

[@TightWadDIY]

Alex Wiggs I’m glad that’s all it was!

[@Blue2222-v1l]

Thank you!

[@TightWadDIY]

You are welcome! I hope you were able to get yours fixed!

[@mikesavage2114]

Thanks for walking me through it!

[@TightWadDIY]

Mike Savage You are welcome! I hope you were able to get yours fixed!

[@markm6444]

Awesome video, do you by chance know how to put that spring back on that is connected to the frame and the seat? The single spring next to the battery.

[@RomuloFigueredo]

Grasias para cmbiar las correas de trasmision

[@randym456]

Excellent video. Everything went great until I started to install the PTO spring on the idler bracket. Any suggestions?

[@ralphhoward5269]

I saw on ur video that you had a hook like that went on top but mine has a bolt

[@TightWadDIY]

Sometimes models have slight differences.

[@DanielJensen-lp1jp]

My MTD Cable in from left side of deck,hooks on pto bracket completely different,

[@TightWadDIY]

I’m sure there are different models.

[@johnstinson5372]

Good deal. Appreciate the info.

[@TightWadDIY]

I’m glad it worked for you also!

[@Teamster83]

My cable came disconnected any idea where the spring hooks up

[@TightWadDIY]

Lewis Howery which cable and which spring are you referring to? What mower do you have?

[@patrickm7987]

Great video, concise and easy to follow. Do you have a video on carb adjustment for MTD 4P90HU engine, (or similar). Lacks power, bogging down, fouling plugs, (oily, wet). Fresh fuel, cleaned fuel filter, replaced plugs. Put new air filter, still same problem. Is it time to adjust the carb...or do I have a crap engine? Thanks

[@TightWadDIY]

Patrick M I don’t have a video showing that. Try Taryl Fixes All. He has a great channel with loads of info. You just have to be ok with his other fun activities.

[@patrickm7987]

@@TightWadDIY Thanks. I've watched a few of his, seems to know his stuff...if you can handle his shenanigans :o)

[@TightWadDIY]

Patrick M Haha. Exactly. He definitely has fun with it.

[@zozo11037]

My pto lever is on left side by steering wheel how is that hooked up

[@TightWadDIY]

Sorry I’m not sure.

[@danielrmillssr9167]

Very good video. Thank you.

[@itskodax2931]

Is there any way to tighten the tension on this cable configuration? Most videos show an adjustable bracket but the one on a t110 is welded in place.

[@TightWadDIY]

Not that I’m aware of.

[@HagerHay]

Replaced the cable mentioned on the same mower now it won’t start and it ran fine before I changed the cable. HEPL

[@TightWadDIY]

Did you reconnect the battery cables? Check your safety switches too.

[@rogermize3141]

Has anyne had multiple cables break at the spring ???

[@Steveh112]

I have a White LT542H, very similar setup, 42" deck. My cable isn't broken and I've never replaced it, unsure if the former owner had. But the problem I'm having is that there's tension on the cable with the PTO lever fully disengaged. It keeps the deck engaged enough that the brake pad does not contact the spindle pulley on the LH side. But when I disconnect the PTO cable from the deck, then it fully retracts and the brake pad is touching the pulley like it should. When I start it up, the blades don't move, but once I engage them, they don't stop spinning after I disengage the PTO. So I'm wondering if there is any adjustment I can do to loosen the tension with it disengaged? Or if someone possibly replaced it with too short of an aftermarket cable? Do you think I should try replacing the cable with a new one, or is there anything else I can do to fix the problem? Thanks

[@TightWadDIY]

I’m betting someone used an aftermarket cable and it’s too short.

[@BrianSquiers]

Mine hasn't broken but can these stretch? I have about 5 in of exposed cable at the spring end of my 38-in dual blade Yard Machine. Still not getting the tension I need to fully engage the blades. Very frustrating

[@TightWadDIY]

It’s more likely the spring on your tensioner pulley is broken.

[@abelmorales4303]

Thanks man! Appreciate the video.

[@TightWadDIY]

Abel Morales You are welcome. Be sure to subscribe. I have several mower videos.

[@harryhelms8821]

I have an 06 Troy-Bilt riding mower I broke the PTO handle and now when I try to put the bushings in they do not fit please help me install them I'm at a loss should they just slide right in

[@TightWadDIY]

Sorry I no longer have access to this mower.

[@ryanhoffman9178]

Do you have belt routing diagram

[@TightWadDIY]

I don’t but I’m sure you can find one online.

[@oscarfigueroa5744]

Does that cable can get loose by extension of itself? Mine is not stretching long enough to engage.

[@TightWadDIY]

It doesn’t get loose but it does move inside the sleeve. Did you buy an OEM cable?

[@oscarfigueroa5744]

@@TightWadDIY I think I found the issue: wrong belt set up. Thanks!

[@knowtheway2791]

One thing TightWadDIY.......Our blades are refusing to spin, and it is stuck in the down position for the blades. If we replace the PTO cable, will the blades spin again?

[@philliphall5198]

Can’t beat the very simple vs system and belt Cheapest operation period

[@TightWadDIY]

It works well!

[@oracles-x1578]

Thanks for your fantastic video, This is the first time I am doing this and want to do it right. It seems that this is a common problem with this Tractor. Can you please give me the address to get this cable. Thanks for your help.

[@googleuser8448]

Question: I have a craftsman lt 1500 that is made identical to that mower. I need to tighten the deck belt. Is there any way of doing that or do i just need to replace the cable. Thinking that spring might be weak. But i keep burning belts up when i mow semi tall grass. They only last about a year and im using gates brand belts. Any ideas 💡

[@KammeO]

Yay, BINGO helpful video! Thanks! 😁

[@TightWadDIY]

Kamme O Yes! I’m glad you found the video. It’s not that hard once you see the process.

[@Marcus-tz1so]

What’s the OEM part # that you purchased

[@kimsmith5083]

My lawnmower only turns on 4 or 5 it won’t spin in other gears. Help please

[@TightWadDIY]

Sorry I’m really not sure.