Things You'll Need
New motion drive belt
New mower drive belt
Craftsman DLT 3000 riding mowers make it manageable to have a large lawn. They allow you to cut the grass quickly and efficiently. After two years of mowing, the deck belts need to be replaced, as the belts will become misshapen from time-honored wear and tear. In order to safely replace the belts on a Craftsman DLT 3000, you must first remove the mower deck.
Remove Mower Deck
Disengage Clutch Belt
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Position the attachment clutch deck into disengaged position. The clutch is located under the steering wheel.
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Drop the Deck Lift
Position the attachment (deck) lift to its lowest position. The attachment lift is the large lever on the right side of the deck. Place it as forward as it will go.
Remove Engine Pulley Belt
Remove the belt off the engine pulley. The engine pulley is located directly under the engine. Pull the belt that is wrapped around it.
Remove Retainer Rings
Remove the retainer rings, anti-sway bar connecting the deck's center to the mower's frame.
Prepare the Deck
Raise the deck lift up so the suspension arms are out of the way. Move the deck away from the mower and onto a flat surface where the belts can be changed.
Replace Mower Blade Drive Belt
Unwrap Craftsman DLT 3000 Belt
Unwrap the belt around the two pulleys on the left and right portions of the deck, which are called the right and left mandrel pulleys.
Pull the Belt from the Pulleys
Remove the belt off the middle pulleys, which are called the idler pulleys.
Position Belt Around the Pulleys
Pull belt away from the deck. Place the belt around the right and left mandrel pulleys. Position the belt around the inside of the mandrel pulleys.
Replace Motion Drive Belt
Remove Belt From Pulleys
Look under the motor. There will be a Craftsman DLT 3000 belt wrapping around pulleys in between the rear tires and under the motor. Remove the belt from the clutching and stationary idler pulleys -- the pulleys directly behind the pulley under the engine.
Remove Engine Pulley Belt
Pull the belt off the engine pulley. The belt is only attached to the rear pulley, which is called the transaxle pulley. Wrap the belt around the transaxle pulley.
Wrap the Belt
Place the belt around the inside of the stationary idler and around the outside the clutching idler. Continue wrapping it around the engine pulley.
Replace Mower Deck
Lowering the Deck Lift
Place the deck away under the mower and lower the deck lift.
Reconnect the Retainer Rings
Reconnect the retainer rings, anti-sway bar to the center of the deck.
Replace the Engine Pulley Belt
Replace the belt around the engine pulley.
Reengage the Deck
Position the attachment clutch upwards until it locks into place to reengage the deck.
Tip
DLT 3000 tractors were made for a few years and the parts were changed over that period of time. Make sure you purchase the correct Craftsman DLT 3000 belt for your particular riding mower.
Warning
Wear heavy work gloves gloves to prevent your hands and fingers from being pinched.