I have a older 42” craftsman deck and the belt keeps jumping off the idler pulley. Is there an adjustment to correct this problem or is my belt possibly stretched since it’s older? Any help is appreciated.
Hello. Sorry to hear you are having this problem. You could try to: (1) adjust the belt keeper, (2) replace the old belt if it is stretched too much with a new belt, and (3) ensure the idler pulley spins freely - replace it if the sealed ball bearing has gone bad. I hope it works out - good luck!
I don't see how that belt in the parts list would fit correctly, it's 95 inches and you need 95.5 inches, or the blade engagement lever will be very had to push up into the detent position. Not a big deal you say but that force is on the shaft from the engine to spin the blades. Not helping that engine to last. Just had this happen with a name brand belt. If that belt works for you you're a lucky guy.
Thank you for your comment. The best procedure is to measure the belt received (OEM or after-market) to ensure it is the correct size. I checked on 6/26/2024 on www.searspartsdirect.com/product/jwwqwwbg3l-0071-917/id-532144959 for this tractor and they indicate the following: Lawn Tractor Blade Drive Belt, 1/2 x 95-1/4-in (replaces 144959) 532144959. I have often seen marketing descriptions change over time on various websites making it difficult to buy the correct replacement parts.
My mower has a pull nob to activate the blades. pulled my deck and cleaned it replaced blades. put all back together but blades do not engage. what am i doing wrong that i am not connecting. THis happed last time i cleaned it. took it to a chop 2 weeks later and hundred plus dollars later got it back ??????????
Thank you for your comment. There is a blade engagement cable and it needs to be undamaged and connected properly to the deck for this lawn tractor. Kindly see 1:55 into my video "How to Connect the Mowing Deck on a 42-inch Craftsman 917271530 Lawn Tractor" (link in the description) to show how to connect it. If you mean you have an electrical PTO clutch pull button, that is a different repair and it could be either an electrical or mechanical issue.
Very informative video. Lots of repair videos on your channel, Are you up for a collaboration? Hipa supplies parts for small engines and maybe we would work together to help more people in the community.
