How to Adjust a Craftsman Drive Belt
A worn drive belt can decrease the operating efficiency of your Craftsman lawn tractor. A loose belt is one sign of wear, but you can't really adjust the belt. The only thing you can do is remove a worn belt from your lawn tractor and replace it. The job is fairly straightforward and doesn't require much mechanical skill. You should be able to replace the belt in just a few minutes, and all you'll need is one tool. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Shut off the mower's engine and engage the parking brake. Disconnect the battery terminal with a wrench to ensure that the motor doesn't turn on unexpectedly while you're replacing the belt. Push the side attachment lift lever forward to lower the mower deck to 1-inch cutting height. The mower deck varies by model, so follow the instructions in your operator's manual to remove the mower deck. Note the belt's path before you attempt to remove it.
-
2
Release the belt tension rod from the locking bracket. This relieves the tension on the drive belt, which snakes around both the mandrel and the idler pulleys. Remove the belt from around these pulleys. Take the belt off from the stationary and clutching idlers, then pull the belt slack back toward the rear of the lawn tractor. Remove the belt from the transaxle input pulley and the engine pulley.
-
-
3
Pull off the drive belt. You won't need any tools to do this. Guide in the replacement belt, looping it around the various pulleys and idlers following the same route as the old belt. Make sure the belt rests in all the pulley grooves and inside all the belt guides.
-
4
Reengage the belt tension rod. Check that the belt has no slack. Reattach the mower deck and reconnect the battery.
-
1
