How to Change the Belts on a Craftsman DLT 3000 Riding Mower

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A motion drive belt allows the blades to cut better.
Image Credit: fstop123/iStock/GettyImages

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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