How to install a drive belt on a craftsman riding mower??please help...tried downloading manuel wont come up..

Question

went to managemyhome.com and took 2 hours now says it couldnt do it,need someone with a manuel for a craftsman model number917271024..old green craftsmanriding mower 42 in. cut.

Answer 1

Look under the chassis and make yourself a drawing of the main pulley under the engine, the spindle on either the right or left side of the deck. One of those will have a double belt pulley, the primary belt goes on the top of this double belt pulley spindle. Remember that the tension idler puller rides against the flat part of the belt. If you look at all these pulleys you can logically determine where the path of the new belt will go.

I start by putting the belt on the main engine pulley then slip it over the back pulley up against the idler pulley. Now all that is left is to work it onto the left or right deck spindle pulley. Start by working one edge of the belt on the pulley. Now turn the pulley so it wants to work the belt down and onto the pulley.You need to turn the pulley so it works the belt down into the groove.

The first time I did this I made a top view drawing with some notes on how I put the belt on. I keep it in my tool box along with the top part of packaging that was on the new belt when I bought it at Sears, the belt number is on the package so it makes getting another when a snap.

Answer 2

Drive belt or belt for mower deck?  For the deck there should be a diagram on a label on the deck.

And for the drive belt, if you are having trouble you might want to pull off the deck and then you can see it better.

You might try putting your model number in for the parts and that might get you some pictures that "might" help.  It comes up fine and right away with little trouble.

Looks just like mine. It shows you the shape the belt will be in when it is installed but not exactly the pulleys. But basically the drive only goes around the motor and the trans pulley then there is one pulley on the clutch that tightens it. I think there is a single bar that acts as a guide on the right side so it doesn't move much when loose (not engaged). But it is rather simple.  

Ihave a 10 yr. old grey 917.

Good Luck

Answer 3

look underneath the running boards for the diagram.

the running boards are the things you step on to get onto the mower so you can sit down.

lay on the ground and look up.    i have a craftsman mower and that's where my diagram is.     gave this same answer about a week ago and the asker said the answer was right on.

hope that's where it is on yours.

good luck to ya