How To Replace A Variable Speed Pulley On A John Deere Plastic Transmission (D105) 

Support the channel! Grab yourself a Taryl T-Shirt, Coffee Mug, Tools & More! Shipping Worldwide Daily from the Taryl Apparel online store! www.TARYLFIXESALL.com

Dear Taryl, my name is Suzann and I am almost 60. Because of your video, I was able to drop the transmission (D105), replace the pulley and put it back together. My husband was sure something was wrong, but he is out right now, mowing our lawn. I would never have even considered doing anything like this. Thank you for saving us so much money on time and repairs. You are awesome!

The screw/spring/washer is completely doable without removing transmission. Compress spring with vice grip, wrap cable ties around it, then insert new washer and spring (if lost) and screw on top.. This converts hours to minutes. GT who makes the tranny says they test these out for many hours. couple of failure points is the one here described, and grass debris getting stuck at the top of the tranny where the shift (forward/reverse) engages. blow the top of the transmission with a wet dry vac or compressed air hose and it will prevent damage if you discover its hard to shift into forward or reverse. Do NOT force it, then you break the plastic. GT asked Deere to put a grass guard over the shift mechanism to prevent this, and Deere refused. Like any CVT, no pulling wagons, attachments, etc will strain the tranny. also, its filled with grease not fluid, and the axle seals are not removable like the other transmissions GT makes. It's a cheap lawn tractor which is designed for 1/4 -1/2 acre with no slopes,inclines. If you have greater needs, this is NOT the tractor for you. Everything is plastic now, so unless you want to drop 3k on mower, this is fine for once a week mowing. good maintenance, and careful attention to some additional things (deck spindles with zerk fittings do not work, since the bearings are sealed-pumping in grease does nothing, so plan to replace).

Great video, favorite part @ 22:30 "It's a bolt its not the space shuttle" lol... Love it

Thank you, Taryl! We just had to replace the variable speed pulley on our John Deere (D105). Your tutorial is awesome, memorable, & we could not have done it without you!

Taryl Fixes All....You Rock... I replaced the 2 sets of pulleys above the transmission in my D105 today. This is the second time it's been replaced. 1st time under warranty from John Deere back in 2018 (99 hrs). This time they would not touch it.....so I did it with the help of your video (198 hrs). It took me sometime to get the parts, dropped the tranny, installed the parts and it runs like new. Problems: a) the CVT pulley screw was half off and the compression pulley was warped b) I noticed a crack in the bracket that holds the second pulley assembly that shares the belt from the CVT pulley. In all I spent about a day and $270 in parts from John Deere. Sure beats a new tractor (if you can find one) for now until it breaks again. Thanks Again !!!

"How To Replace A Variable Speed Pulley On A John Deere Plastic Transmission (D105)" is extremely informative. I accidentally broke the screw in the pulley shaft and eventually was able to remove and re-tap for the next size. I have a D105 that is older than Sept, 2013 and so the MIA12482 - CVT tranny pulley & belt kit had a belt that was much wider than the original belt that they put on in 2013 during initial build up of the mower. In the kit instructions John D. states that you have to purchase the kit for the other CVT pulley and I found that this is not true. My mower runs a lot faster, but works well. Thanks again Tayrl for the well put together video!!!

Thanks for the video!!! 79 hours on mine and replaced this today while watching your video. Took 8 hours and stopped for Sunday dinner for a while. Changed my blades too since I was "doing".

Thanks for this -- my 5-yr-old D105 was my first riding mower purchase and I didn't know any better... now I can at least keep it going a little longer and save up for something better-built next season!

Thank you so much for this very clear, concise (and comical) how-to!! You saved me hundreds of $$ no doubt. This gal was able to replace the pulley for $17 with the help of my 79 year old father. No more JDs after this. God bless you, sir!

Thank you, Taryl!!!! Just got out from under my D105 "JUNK", troubleshooting whilst watching your video. It was a HUGE help to me!! My top washer is still good so then I hear you say the hexing on the plastic can strip so I am guessing at this moment maybe that's it. Then I notice the spring is broken! So, I see we can't get buy the spring, so I'll get that kit you mentioned. Anyway thanks again! I'll use your video to guide me! And thanks for the good humor. It will help those of us with high blood pressure laugh a little and live another day!! Ciao! God Bless!!

Hi Taryl, thanks for the entertaining videos. I have a John Deere RX95, 1988 model, still running after 34 years. After each use, I use a gas powered blower to blowout everywhere, including the engine area, transmission area, the deck top etc, I think this helps keep the mechanisms clean/free to move.

Thanks Tayrl, thanks to your instruction completed this job in no time. Mower was slow to engage in both forward and reverse. Found that the hexagonal shaft had spun to where points were on the flats got stuck in position and didn’t allow vertical movement of the variable speed pulley.

Big fan first time caller lol. Just wanted to say thanks. I have the v tech briggs rider and thanks to your sump pump gasket video i am able to mow again. Thank you kind sir and sirs!!!!!!

Great video!! Thanks for sharin' ur knowledge! Plastic transmission?!?! They must have no shame! Tragic!

Thanks, another mower that makes me feel better about my 1993 MTD Lawn General.

Thank you Taryl, for this great video. You saved me 2 grand. I was about to junk my D105 and buy a new mower. Replaced the pulley and now my 5 year old John Deere runs like new again.

That thin cap wearing and popping off is very common. I put a thick washer on top with a little longer bolt.

Sunday morning + Taryl Fixes All new video = A perfect day 😂 You gotta love the "Road Warrior" rolling battle......awesome job gentlemen

A little sanity on Sunday morning. Thanks Taryl.

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I had to replace the whole transaxle, but was able to do it with ease after watching this video. You made this repair stress free for me so thanks.

My good man even if you don't like this model tractor your video was totally entertaining yet very helpful. I followed you from start to finish and now my mower drives like brand new. This may not be the best model mower but mine is still running strong. Thank you for all your time making these videos you are awesome sir.

from the comments below it looks like this pulley has to be replaced at 5 years because mine is 5 years old and needs replacing. thanks to taryl and his videos i have been able to fix my own mowers and save a lot of money. about to tackle this variable speed pulley. couldn"t do it without you Taryl

Quirky presentation with excellent, well thought out details. I just finished following your steps for this exact fix. Waiting for the blue thread locker to set up plenty as I don't want to go through this process again. Thank you!!!!

Your video saved me!! Can't thank you enough for this.

John Deere will start painting those plastic transmissions silver. To look even stronger lmao

Thank you so much! This video was incredibly helpful. Your step by step instructions helped me greatly with my John Deere E100. Couldn’t believe how much debris was packed into the trans housing.

That lawnmower chase scene was epic 😂. Poor Ronnie, he doesn’t know when to quit.

Thank you for posting this video, I'm planning to work on one of these soon. His pulley is still together so it may be the adjustment that other videos show. Trouble with shifting and not working or pulling in forward or reverse. I can rotate the pulley and it will slowly move the mower forward. The shifting rod had come lose and I was able to get it back in place where it belongs. I probably will remove the trans if the adjustment doesn't fix the problem. I'm sure there is a build up of debris like seen in this video. Good info! Many thanks! May GOD bless you!

Thanks! Your video was exactly what I needed. I watched your video and was able to repair the variable speed pulley on my JD D105. Now I have to try it out!

The intro is CLASSIC! I appreciate the music and the hits! Well done!

good job taryl i can see why he brought it to a real pro . love ronnie an them guys

"D" is for disposable in the model number. Is 105 the number of expected hours of use before disposal?

Steamy pile of green plastic is right.

Not always looking to spend time watching through the theatrics, but there's great content in these videos. Thanks guys.

Thank you so much for this video! This helped me and my buddy fix this problem on my tractor and it works now! Really appreciate the information! 👍

wow your videos have been so helpful while i have been fixing my lawn mower and they are funny too i think i am going to buy some of your merchandise keep up the amazing work.

Very entertaining and the way you explain things T is very easy to understand. Thank you so very much Taryl

Thank you. Your video was very helpful. I used a stronger washer and a better screw. Parts cost were under $1.00.

Got mine done, thanks for the well done video.

Love taryls reaction to the trans when it's out haha know the exact feeling

Gotta love those high speed lawn tractor chases lol. Great video as always :-)

I know that you have tried this. But, I remove the deck and jack up the front end to gain access. The other trick that I use is to use zip ties to compress the spring when installing.

Excellent video Taryl,Junior and crew as always. I can't believe John Deere would build a POS like that,the customer should place a consumer complaint on that D105 and any other"D"model that uses a plastic transmission. But equally as important,the customer has to be smart enough with his or her dollar not to buy such things in the first place and to ask the right questions before purchasing something like this in the first place. The customer should inspect the equipment while it's on the showroom floor and ask questions like:..."is the transmission user serviceable?,is the transmission plastic or cast aluminum?"(as in transmission oil and filter changes) If the customer abandoned products like this from the start John Deere will no longer be able to produce and or build such crap, the only reason why a plastic transmission exist in the first place is because the consumer isn't educated enough to understand what they're really getting into, if they would fully understand what they are getting into this product will cease to exist.

Thank you so much for this video. My mower is running today thanks to you.

Did this myself 2 years ago with 100 hours on the meter. I added another washer under the screw head (19:19) and some gorilla glue to help spread the load/wear over a bigger area so it wouldn't pop off/wear out so soon.

Loved the video, saved me over $600 and I learnt lots, so well made, thanks for all the hints and great use of correct terminology 🎉😀🙏👍

I had a Murray zero turn a few weeks ago that had a broken plastic fan on one of the hydrostats. As its owned by mtd, looking up parts, the fan and the driven pulley is only available as part of the hydrostat assembly, not separately. And it only retails for....$1,300!. And there's 2, the tractor only sold for $2,200 new in 2012, so it's obvious they don't want you fixing it. Anyway, by comparing and measuring the shaft of the hydrostat, I was able to source a new fan from a different make of mower and get it fixed. I've noticed a lot of Matt's lines have lots of non serviceable parts. Many of their cheap trimmers only list complete carbs, no overhaul kits are listed. No one cares about making a product that lasts, they want the consumer to throw away and buy new.

Excellent video bro. You have the best diy video's that I have seen yet. Seriously! Just about all the other videos have a speach or volume problem. You also do everything with just comen sins step's and description of what to do and what's next. Awesome and thank you for taking the time to do it right.

Great video! Thank you so much for sharing!! I'm 82 and can't afford to have a repair shop do it for me so I'm gonna giver a try! Love your videos.😊😊👌👌

Thanks for doing this video. My mower now goes twice as fast. I put the release lever upside down and had the drive belt on the outside of the bracket. 😅 I also left the wheels on it which made it a little harder.

The M4 screw broke off in the shaft on the one I worked on so we welded in the 3/8 16 stud and used a nylok locknut and heavier washer. Now it will never come off

Thanks for the video, saved me a trip (and $) from going to my local John Deere dealership. First time watching your channel, my sides are hurting from laughing.

Thanks to you I just fixed my crappy tractor. Thank you sooooo much.

Outstanding video as always. Thank you

I used to work at a rideon factory. All those major components were installed while the machine was upside down.

I wonder if the plastic trans also has plastic internals?! It’d be interesting to see one apart. Another schooling by Taryl & gang. Lovin my edumucation. 👌🏻😂

Thanks now I know what 2 parts I need I need the one you just fixed thanks for the part number and I need the forward and reverse gear that the linkage hooks up onto the transmission. Thanks again Have a wonderful week ✌️out 😎

Very informative! I'm in the market for a riding mower, I looked at the John Deeres, I'm not buying anything wit a plastic transaxle in it.

Imma take the John Deere D105 off my Christmas wish list. Whatta POS!

WOW, so glad I kept walking past these at Lowes and went with a Cub XT-2 , I know the Cub is not the best in the world, but dang it's sure better than one of these for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You do you! It's not the Space Shuttle! LOVE this!!!

Yeppers you are! I really like that wrap around to protect the sides!

Doesn't look much used either! Disposable mowers now ? Poor Ronnie, horizontal again😆

When ever you go buy a tractor make sure it's a metal transmission not a plastic one I have some Craftsmans BY AYP not newer MTD Craftsmans..... My old Craftsmans by ayp and weed eaters and Husqvarnas work good for me just check the transmission to see if it's crap or good.... Btw love your videos

Excellent video many thanks

Thanks for the video. You put a good spin on your fixes. Very humorous yet educational. I have changed my opinion of John Deer mowers. Is there one you recommend over the others?

THANK YOU TARYL!!! For showing me what mower not to buy. Plastic? Junk? Whatever. Its all about $$ plastics cheaper, yes i mean cheaper in more ways than one! revved up yooper

Plastic is disgraceful in an application like this. Especially coming from John Deere where one would "expect" to be of a higher quality due to their higher pricing schedule! They say you get what you pay for....not really!

Great video, thx for sharing.

Great episode Taryl, hilarious as always! They just keep manufacturing lawn equipment cheaper and cheaper these days, plastic transmission on a lawn tractor, what a joke. I'd stay clear of any tractor with a cheap plastic garbage transmission that's not serviceable, it will cost you big money if it fails and needs replaced!

Taryll thanks for the long video and the tips hard to fill your shoes when you retire

Oh you can fix I had one dry out and would not work well grease dried out internally so I found a good spot to drill a hole on it and put a grease zerk in the case and then pumped grease into it freed it right up worked well for 5 or 6 years more. Quick tip of the day.

THIS EPISODE and others like this one is WHY I ONLY use & rebuild my 10 to 30 year old Snappers, I LOVE it when folks want to scrap them where they can go buy the disposable mowers LOL

HOW do you keep such clean?? I use my hand held blower to blow in all the area I can find under seat & battery compartment & under the tractor

A washer between the Torx and the cap might prevent it from pooping through so easily.

You made that look easy daryl..good video

Wow. I just bought a d105 after my old craftsmavarna blew up on me, got a great deal on it because it needed a new camshaft because the decompression broke off, thought about keeping it but now I'm convinced I better sell it while it's functional.

I do have a john deere d130 and it does have a k71 tuff torq transmission and it is all metal so the higher end ones are better and the lawn tractor is really good too

I know you're following john deere's recommended repair procedure, but I still think blue locktite would be better than using crazy glue, to me, that's just "crazy" lol

Taryl viewing some of the different videos I see you using a (Dewalt) power tool can you give me the description of it or some recommendations for a good one to use ?

I pulley swapped my engine pulley to a 7 inch on my d105 and moved my top speed from 7mph to like 15mph and rides wheelies like crazy

Could you switch the plastic trans for a tuff torque transmission and how hard would it be to convert

I almost passed this video by when I saw the goofy teeth. I'm sure glad I didn't because silliness aside, this is a top notch instructional video. Saved me a lot of time, aggravation and money. Great job, thanks!

What a piece-o-junk! I'll stick to my 1978 John Deere 210! It does everything I ask and begs for more! Great video guys! Keep them coming!

I just got one of these kits but was wondering why the belt looks so loose on this thing? I hope it does its thing when im done..

Thanks for the How-To. Ended up buying the Pulley Kit (MIA12482) and found out I didn't really need it. I found two other issues. 1) I had so much dust, dirt, and grass clippings on top of the transmission it was impeding the full range of motion of the variator pulley. 2) The screws holding down the variator pulley had worked their way loose. I still replaced all parts that came in the kit and now it's running like it were new. Any tips or clues as to what is keeping the accelerator from fully returning? I have to lift it up with my foot in order to change from forward, neutral, and reverse?

I saw a video where you have to adjust the drink holder to make it shift better.

just like the big 3 auto makers there are the big 3 riding mower makers ayp mtd and murray ; i have found out that in my opinion if you stick with a mower that is made by ayp it is usually a better mower ; ayp stand for american yard products by the way thanks for the hat taryl fits my noggin just right ! great vid as always ; i have went threw that same problem only the transaxle was fine but i had to remove it to replace a leaking fuel tank ; great vid as usual

Is there a trans that you can convert it too ... Like an older model

If I wanted to switch the transaxle to a better one, which one do you recommend?

Jr.. Good birthday present for your dad is a magnetic parts tray! 😎

What kind of pliers are those?! The ones you held the shaft with when you took the screw out of the shaft?

Try using a spring compressor they use to take door springs out out a small Vale tool

Question for you d105 how do you remove the control leaver the one where the throttle bar attaches too? Everything is plastic and keep breaking

I've worked on a few of those RS800 units. The axle seals come out as well leaking grease . I put plates on axle ends keeping seals in. They are a pain

Crazy video for sure Merry Christmas to You’ll

How do you tune the carburetor with the three screws? H L LA On a weedeater stihl fs44 ??? Pozdrawiam z polski

Hi Taryl Great video as usual. Have you ever done a swap to a hydrostatic transmission from these CVT units ?. Thanks John

Hi, great video, where did you put the locktite?