how to change drive belt on craftsman lawn tractor

A drive belt is an integral component of a Craftsman lawn tractor. The drive belt plays an essential role in transporting power from the pulleys under the tractor's engine to the wheels to help move the lawn tractor. Over time, your drive belt may wear out and require fixing or replacing. In this article, we'll guide you on how to change the drive belt on your Craftsman lawn tractor.

Step 1: Prepare Your Lawn Tractor

The first step in replacing your lawn tractor's drive belt is to ensure your lawn tractor is in a safe and secure position. Turn off the tractor's engine and remove the tractor's key from the ignition. Put on protective gloves to avoid injury.

Step 2: Remove the Mower Deck

Next, you'll need to remove the lawn tractor's mower deck. The mower deck is typically attached with a few pins or bolts and can be easily removed. Once you remove the mower deck, examine the pulleys located on the bottom of the lawn tractor.

Step 3: Loosen the Old Drive Belt

After removing the mower deck, locate the old drive belt located above the pulleys. Use the proper tools to loosen the drive belt from the pulleys by following the manufacturer's instructions. Pay attention to how the drive belt is fastened to the tractor so that you can properly install the new one.

Step 4: Install the New Drive Belt

Before installing the new drive belt, check its size, type, and specifications with the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have the correct part. Begin by looping the new belt over the pulleys in the correct direction and position as indicated by the manufacturer. Ensure that the belt is installed correctly to prevent any damage.

Step 5: Reattach the Mower Deck

Now that the new drive belt is installed correctly, it's time to reattach the mower deck to the lawn tractor. Use the appropriate bolts and pins to secure it to the tractor.

Conclusion

Replacing a drive belt for a Craftsman lawn tractor is a pretty easy process that anyone can do at home. As long as you have the right tools and know the proper steps, it'll be a smooth process. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions when handling any repairs or replacements to ensure safety and proper installation.