How to Change a Craftsman Mower Deck Belt

Over time, you can lose your mower deck belt’s effectiveness when turning your blades. Changing your deck belt isn’t something you do frequently, so it can be difficult to remember how to do it.

Maintenance is necessary to keep your craftsman-riding lawnmower running smoothly and for many years to come. A properly functioning drive belt is one of the things you should check as part of your routine check-ups. A drive belt connects the mower blades to the crankshaft of the engine, thus engaging the blades. As the belt wears out over time and is continuously used, it will start to crack. Cracks might appear, it might get longer, or it might get damp, causing the belt to slip. In such cases, a replacement drive belt is crucial to prevent further damage. As the craftsman riding lawnmower is relatively easy to disassemble, replacing the belt is a simple task. Step-by-step instructions are provided in this article for setting up a belt on a craftsman riding lawnmower. 

How to Change a Craftsman Mower Deck Belt

Over time, you can lose your mower deck belt’s effectiveness when turning your blades. Changing your deck belt isn’t something you do frequently, so it can be difficult to remember how to do it.

Maintenance is necessary to keep your Craftsman-riding lawnmower running smoothly and for many years to come. A properly functioning drive belt is one of the things you should check as part of your routine check-ups. A drive belt connects the mower blades to the crankshaft of the engine, which turns the blades. As the belt wears out over time and is continuously used, it will start to crack. Cracks might appear, it might get longer, or it might get damp, causing the belt to slip. In such cases, a replacement drive belt is crucial to prevent further damage. As the Craftsman riding lawnmower is relatively easy to disassemble, replacing the belt is a simple task. Step-by-step instructions are provided in this article for setting up a belt on a Craftsman riding lawnmower.

 The old belt must be removed

Take out the cable from the deck bracket by releasing the locking tabs. Idler’s arms are equipped with springs for blade cables. Remove the cable from the socket and move it aside. Last but not least, ensure that all connections to the old cable are disconnected. When repairing any machine, take safety precautions as safety is paramount. This means you shouldn’t use the lever until the Craftsman mower deck is installed again.

In order to set the belt, there are two pulleys. A mandrel pulley is one kind of idler pulley, and one type of idler pulley is another. Take off the pulley that has the old belt already attached. Remove the belt using your hands. Additionally, there is a small belt guide on the pulley. When removing the belt, shake the guide and pulley. Taking off the belt from the second pulley is also similar.

Perform Steps Do in reverse order when installing the belt, cover, shield, and pulley

You will now have to reverse the steps to install your belt and replace the parts you removed previously. You will need to reattach the belt keeper on top of the drive pulley on the transmission to the replacement drive belt. 

Replace the drive cover, connect the height adjuster lever, and attach it with the screws. The next step is to tip the lawn mower backward and secure the handle as before.

When you can access the bottom of the deck again, you will need to wrap the replacement drive belt around the crankshaft end and replace the crankshaft pulley.

When you reinstall the pulley, you will need to align the indentations. The freshly installed drive belt should be rolled onto the crankshaft pulley to ensure it is securely installed.

Make sure that the debris shield and bolts as well as the screws on the bottom drive cover are replaced. Having replaced the blade, blade support, and blade bolt, you will now be able to replace the blade. I highly

 A brand-new belt must be worn

Once we finish the previous step, we can begin putting on the new belt. There are two pulleys on the Craftsman riding lawn mower over which the belt must be mounted. The belt size is determined by the lawnmower. Depending on the model, it can be 42 or 50 inches long. First, put the brand-new belt on the engine drive pulley and move it upwards. Put the brand-new belt on the mandrel pulley using the large belt guide by sliding it between the pulley and the guide. Then slide it onto the pulley gently with your hands. Make sure that the belt sits perfectly in the pulley grooves without lag. The same process needs to be followed to wrap the belt around the idler pulley. Pulleys should move freely when moved by hand.

 Install the Craftsman mower deck again

Under the mower, slide the mower deck under it and secure the brackets, rods, blade cable, and spring. In addition to the components that were removed earlier, secure any other components you removed.

Once everything is secure, pull the right side of the belt out and place it on your PTO pulley. Using the narrow side of the belt, roll it up and insert it into the pulley while slowly rotating the pulley.

When your belt is fully installed, rotate the belt by hand to ensure it is tightly wrapped around each pulley. Splug boots should be installed again.

Do lawnmowers need to have their belts replaced every few months?

In case of lawnmower belt failure, the belt needs to be changed immediately. Mowers that are not replaced will not operate properly. Random belt failures are caused by faults in the belts. Belts need to be changed less frequently as mower usage increases. You must adjust or replace your belt immediately if it becomes loose. It is not necessary to replace lawnmower belts every season, but you should check the condition periodically.

Conclusions

Lawnmowers should be properly maintained, as they are machines. Otherwise, it will always cause problems and will no longer work. An extremely vital component that keeps the blade rotating is the drive belt. Problems with cutting power and jerks indicate belt problems. Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to replace your Craftsman riding lawnmower drive belt. Whenever you feel that a situation is beyond your understanding, ask a professional for assistance. Change a Craftsman Mower Deck Belt.

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