Drive belt replacement Spooked

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

My JD LT-155 is about 12 years old and I don't believe the drive belt has ever been replaced. I have inspected it and there several places where it is cracked, and obvious that it is nearing the end of its life.

Knowing this I have been looking at some U-tube videos, and other information on Google. Now I am spooked about doing this myself.

Looking at the diagrams it looked like all I had to due was loosen the idler pulley and the belt would come off. I then realized the steering mechanize had to be partially dissembled as the belt went on both sides of the steering mechanism.

What spooked me was the u-tube videos. In some they completely disassemble the tractor to change the belt, seat, body, etc. In others, the just removed all of the wheels.

Just what disassembly is absolutely necessary to change the drive belt on the LT 155?

Is this a job that should be done by the dealer and not a DIY. Note: So far I have done all my own service on the tractor, Yearly service, idler wheels on the mower deck front bumper, etc.

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Comments (7)

User
8 years ago
You'll need both the knowledge and the tools. Lacking either there's rarely a happy ending to any project.

Since you've done your own service so far you most likely have the tools.

Just open the John Deere LT155 Technical Manual that you bought, so you could correctly maintain your 155, to the section of drive belt replacement. It will outline and illustrate the steps you'll need to take to R&R the belt.

Make sure you buy a real John Deere OEM belt.

If you don't have the John Deere Technical manual for your LT155 then you've been maintaining on borrowed time. YouTube is not a substitute for accurate tech info but it's really good for learning that other people know less than you do.

You might want to call the JD dealer and get a price for the labor to R&R the belt and compare that cost with the price of the technical manual.

There are three possible outcomes depending on your decision... do it yourself, screw it yourself, or pay the dealer, but you really should have the technical manual.
tomplum
8 years ago
There is a bit going on with these, but manageable if you feel you are up to it. You have to remove the drag link- which is easier to remove at the axle and bring the belt back over rather than play below the tractor. The guides at the idlers come off and the flat idler is also an adjuster. When you put the belt on, let it rest on top of the deck drive part of the stack pulley, then manipulate it over the transmission pulley. It is a good time once you have the tension off the belt to see if there is lots of play in that transmission pulley -or to replace it as the spline wears on the pulley side. I think the adjustment is proper when you have an 1.1/4 " measured at the spring on that tension link. Better too much tension than not enough. BTW sometimes that link will drop down on the arm as you put this together and then you have no drive- so make a mental note where it sits when all is well.
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krnuttle
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks. So some of these videos I have been watching are over kill.

I have always enjoyed working on cars, and the like. I have replaced the back axle on my 52 Ford, replaced the header on a Chrysler slant six, replaced numerous water pumps, and done dother things.

While I believe I could tear the tractor apart to put on the belt. I don't want to do any more than is necessary to do it successfully.
rustyj14
8 years ago
Allow old Rusty Jones to give you some advice: If you have lots of time to waste, then try to do it yer self. If you have the patience of a Saint-try it your self! If you have both of these virtues, then try to fix it yer self. From my past experiences with the kind of machine you have, I'd say have the Dealer do it! I did one of those type of tractor! Took 2 weeks of 3 hour stints in my garage, while my wife wondered what i was swearing at! Finally got it back together, pushed it out side, started it up--and that durned tractor caught fire and burnt itself into a heap of blackened metal!
rustyj14
8 years ago
Rusty says:"Hello to all my friends in this site, who fix stuff! I half-way retired, but it ain;t no fun sitting around doing nothing, so i got back to fixin machines.I am now 92 YOA, and sitting in the rocker isn't doing me any good!
krnuttle
Original Author
8 years ago
Quote: " Finally got it back together, pushed it out side, started it up--and
that durned tractor caught fire and burnt itself into a heap of
blackened metal!"

Do you know what caused the fire?
tomplum
8 years ago
Rusty must have cross posted from the BBQ forum :) Hi Rusty- keep on a kickin'!

I think you've got this Knuttle. BTW, there may be a help article in JD online. They cab be a bugger to locate.