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craftsman 42in deck lawn tractor drive belt problem

14 years ago

Hi! I am replacing the main drive belt (from the engine to transmission) on a craftsman 42 in deck lawn tractor (its an old one). but now im having probems putting a new one on. since i forgot how the old one came off.. and i cant find any diagram. the only one on the tractor is of the deck belt to the blades. can anyone please help me? im not usre what im doing wrong. it used to be when you push the cutch down it wouldt move but when u let go it does, but now its the opposite, the belt is rubbing on things and squeals, so something is definitely wrong. any help is greatly appreciated

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Comments (9)

rcbe
14 years ago
Somewhere on that tractor is a plate with the model number, serial number, etc. It's often found on the underside of the tilting seat pan. The model number will take the form of xxx.xxxxxxx.... like "917.243500" or similar.

Go to the Sears parts webpage, enter that model number and then take a look at the exploded parts list diagram for the mower deck. Chances are you will be able to see how the belt is meant to be routed. Also - while at that website - you MAY be able to download a copy of the owner's manual for that machine.
foxyroxy111298
Original Author
14 years ago
I went to that page before. It just shows a belt, but not how its routed and Im not sure where to download any manual. When i went to look for a manual, it was going to charge me $11. I was hoping just to find a free diagram
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Stick a fork in it--it is done! But: Check the main drive belt for wear and fraying of the edges. Also, if the engine uses an electric clutch to operate the mower deck, you might need an air impact wrench to remove the stacked pulley on the underside of the tractor. This due to the fact that the crankshaft has to be held tight, and if you have an electric clutch down there, it is hard to hild the crankshaft when trying to remove that electric clutch.
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"I don't know hardly anything about these things so I could use some advice"???. Do you have owners manual? Do you know if it's manual or Hydraulic? Do you have any mechanic skills? Can you find the data plate and list the information off it? (usually under the seat, a big long number usually beganing with 917XXXXXXXXXXXX) Advice?? start reading up on the type and function of your LT. To have any chance of making repairs you will have to have a working knowledge and a IPB of parts. also a general knowledge of pre-ventive maintenance to keep the LT in running condition. If you lucky and got the manual dirve tranny it could be the drive belt which is up under the deck. the deck will have to be removed and routing of the belt observed before taking it off. usually there is routing instructions under the foot rests depending on the model. this is why we have to have basic information of the type of LT beings sears makes several models of the LT2000
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Yes, the drive pulley is alot smaller than the blade clutch and you have to go over that to get to the drive pulley. I just came in from working on it with my uncle and it looks like maybe the belt they sold me is about an inch to short. I did try to reverse the pocedure like you suggested and I could not get it over the fan fins on the top of the transaxle. I'm gonna go to the repair shop in the morning and get the next size up belt and try that. Thanks for the help
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rcbe
14 years ago
Care to share that model number here ? Lotsa different craftsman 42 inch lawn tractor models made in the past. Mebbe someone can help with that extra info....
archangel2003
14 years ago
It can't be that hard to figure out.

There is usually a diagram somewhere on the tractor.

I assume it is either missing or too well hidden?

At the most there should only be 5 pulleys under there for the transmission drive.

The front drive pulley (@ the engine) and the driven pulley (@ the transmission) and both should be obvious.

That only leaves three to deal with between the front and rear end pulleys.

On one side between the drive and driven pulleys, (the return side where the belt goes towards the engine from the transmission also where the power is transmitted and the belt is tight when running) there should one solidly mounted guide pulley.

On the other side between the drive and driven pulleys (where the pulley goes from the engine towards the transmission and has some slack that can be taken up with a tensioner), their should be the two tension pulleys.

One pulley that is spring loaded creating the tension and one pulley near it that the tension is levered against.

So all you have to do is find the one (or 2) pulley that are mobile, or spring loaded and can move.
One will have the "V" grove and one will be flat for the back of the belt.

Just pull the tension pulley, slide the belt between the two pulleys with the correct side facing the corresponding pulley face, and let the tension pulley pull the belt tight.
tomplum
14 years ago
Many have the diagram under the footrest...
mownie
14 years ago
***"I am replacing the main drive belt (from the engine to transmission) on a craftsman 42 in deck lawn tractor (its an old one)."***
Want a specific answer? Provide some "specific data", like the "asked for" Model number.
Elliot Paulsen
6 years ago
Check out this video it covers the whole process of replacing the belt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWb3W16PRZM
Roger Harrison
6 years ago
on my craftsman 42" deck, LT1000 model the pulleys on the mandrels are setup with a V like shape to match the belt. The other two idler pulleys are flat, orient the belt to match the pulleys and you shouldn't have an issue.

Also check the idler springs and break arms, I had to replace all of those on the deck I was just working on.
darrell young
6 years ago
Could possibly be under the foot rest panel. You will have to look at it upside down. Mine is under the left side.

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