Lawn tractor belt replacement. Best Mower Belts of 2023

Best Mower Belts of 2023

Mower belts are an essential component of any lawn mower. These belts are responsible for transferring power from the engine to the blades, allowing the mower to cut through grass and other vegetation with ease. Made from durable materials such as rubber and polyester, mower belts are designed to withstand the stresses of constant use and exposure to the elements. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit different types of mowers, and are easy to replace when necessary. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a homeowner looking to maintain a beautiful lawn, a high-quality mower belt is an investment that will pay off in the long run.

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Top 10 Mower Belts

TonGass 42 Lawn Mower Deck Belt for John Deere

TonGass 42 Lawn Mower Deck Belt Compatible with John Deere Lawn Mower. Replaces Part Number GX20072. Deck Drive Belt for Heavy-Duty Use. Compatible with 100 D100 E100 Series

The TonGass 42 Lawn Mower Deck Belt is an exact replacement for John Deere mowers with 42-inch decks. It replaces part numbers GX20072 and GY20570, and is made with high-quality Aramid material for heavy-duty use. The belt is compatible with select models on the John Deere 100, D100, E100, L100, LA100, X100, and S200 Series. Proper fit ensures not only longer belt life but also longer mower life.

LESIONGO 42-Inch Deck Belt

Lawn Mower 42 Deck Belt 1/2 X 96 Made with Kevlar Replacement for MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt 954-04060c 954-04060B 954-04060 754-04060 LT1040 LT1042, Craftsman SPM201671081, John_Deere GX10851

This Lawn Mower 42 Deck Belt 1/2 X 96 Made with Kevlar is a replacement for MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt 954-04060c 954-04060B 954-04060 754-04060 LT1040 LT1042, Craftsman SPM201671081, John_Deere GX10851. It fits models such as Cub Cadet LT1040 and LT1042, 42 decks; for 18 and 19 HP engines, Craftsman: most mowers with 42 decks, John Deere: STX38 ; Sabre: 1438, 1538, 1542, 1642, 1646 and 1742, MTD: Deck assembly G with 42 deck, 2005. It is a great choice for replacing your old mower belt.

Powtol 144959 Replacement Deck Belt for Craftsman 532144959 DYT4000 LT1000 LT2000 T1000 LT1500 T2000 LT3000 AYP 130801 Husqvarna 532130801 CT2050C GTH220 LT150 LTH145

Powtol 144959 Replacement Deck Belt for Craftsman 532144959 DYT4000 LT1000 LT2000 T1000 LT1500 T2000 LT3000 AYP 130801 Husqvarna 532130801 CT2050C GTH220 LT150 LTH145 42-inch Deck Lawn Mower 1/2 X 95

The Powtol 144959 Replacement Deck Belt is a 1/2 wide belt with an outer length of 95 inches and an inner length of 93 inches. It is compatible with Craftsman DYT4000 LT1000 LT2000 T1000 LT1500 T2000 LT3000 DLT3000 LTX1000 42-inch Deck Lawn Mower and replaces OEM Part Numbers: Craftsman 532144959 144959, Ariens 21547027, 21547082, 21547188, AYP 144959, 144959D, 532144959, Craftsman 24690, Husqvarna 531300766, 532144959, and McCulloch 532144959. It fits AYP/Poulan HAGTH220B, HALT150E, LT150, LTH145, CT2050C, GTH220, PP1846, TP1946A, TS1846A Lawn Tractors with 42, 46 and 50 deck.

Compatible with Craftsman DYT4000 LT1000 LT2000 T1000 LT1500 T2000 LT3000 DLT3000 LTX1000 42-inch Deck Lawn Mower

Replaces OEM Part Numbers: Craftsman 532144959 144959, Ariens 21547027, 21547082, 21547188, AYP 144959, 144959D, 532144959, Craftsman 24690, Husqvarna 531300766, 532144959, and McCulloch 532144959

Fits AYP/Poulan HAGTH220B, HALT150E, LT150, LTH145, CT2050C, GTH220, PP1846, TP1946A, TS1846A Lawn Tractors with 42, 46 and 50 deck.

Mannial 144959 Deck Belt (1/2-Inch X 95)

Mannial 144959 Deck Belt (1/2 X 95) fit Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 DYT4000 Poulan 144959 532144959 160855 130801 138255 532130801 532138255 532160855 Husqvarna Poulan AYP 42 Lawn Mower

The Mannial 144959 Deck Belt is a 1/2 x 95 belt designed to fit Craftsman LT1000, LT2000, LT3000, DYT4000, Poulan, Husqvarna, Troy Bilt, Murray, Bad Boy, Snapper, Poulan Pro, John Deere, and other lawn mower models. It is made of durable material and is designed to last. The belt is easy to install and comes with detailed instructions. It is a great replacement for worn or damaged belts.

Husqvarna Genuine 592951801 Long Mower Drive Belt

The Husqvarna Genuine 592951801 Long Mower Deck Drive Belt is a brand new and authentic part that fits specific Husqvarna models Z254F as well as other Husqvarna brands. It is important to order the right part for your model to avoid guessing and ensure proper functionality.

Mower Deck Belt 144959 Replacement for Craftsman 42-Inch Belt

The Mower Deck Belt 144959 Replacement is a blade drive belt that turns the pulley for spinning the blades on mower decks. It is compatible with sears, poulan, Husqvarna, rally, ayp and many other brands of 42 lift lever cable engaged decks. It is also used as the deck belt on 46 and 50 cut riders. It is important to check your OEM# and belt size before ordering to ensure that this is the right belt for your rider.

John Deere GX21833 Covered Deck Belt D140 D150 D160 L120 L145 L155 LA130 Z255 Z355 48-Inch Decks

John Deere GX21833 Covered Deck Belt D140 D150 D160 L120 L145 L155 LA130 Z255 Z355 48 Decks

John Deere GX21833 Covered Deck Belt is a genuine John Deere product designed to fit John Deere 100, D100, L100, LA100, Z200 and Z300 series mowers. It has an effective length of 141.709, width of 0.559, thickness of 0.449 and an angle of 38. It is made of aramid material and is compatible with UTVs.

Craftsman CMXGZAM501009 46-Inch Deck Lawn Mower Drive Belt

The Craftsman CMXGZAM501009 46-Inch Deck Lawn Mower Drive Belt is designed to fit Craftsman lawn tractors and other compatible devices. It is made of high strength tensile cords and specially engineered materials that resist wear and provide superior durability. It is essential to check the wear on belts for proper functioning and optimum equipment performance.

Mower 42” Deck Drive Belt for MTD Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt

Mower 42” Deck Drive Belt for MTD Cub Cadet Troy-Bilt 754-04060 954-04060 754-04060B 954-04060B

This Mower 42” Deck Drive Belt, with Parts No: 754-04060 754-04060B 754-04060C 954-04060 954-04060B 954-04060C, is designed for 42 in. 2005 and newer LT-5 design frames. The belt is made of Aramid cord construction and measures 96-1/2” length X ½” width, and has a protective cover made of Synthetic Rubber-Kevlar Fiber Compound that resists heat, oil, and abrasion. This brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item comes in its original packaging.

C-YONG 1/2-Inch Deck Belt

1/2 X141 1/8 Deck Belt Made with Kevlar for John Deere GX21833 GX20571 145 155C D140 D150 D160 E140 E150 E160 LA130 LA140 LA145 X140 X165 X166

This mower belt is made with Kevlar and is a replacement for OEM numbers GX21833 and GX20571. It fits a variety of John Deere mower models, including the D140, D150, D160, E140, E150, E160, E170, and more. As a mower belt, it is designed to keep your mower running smoothly by transferring power from the engine to the blades.

Basic Information to Help You Figure out the Best Mower Belts

Introduction

Choosing the right mower belt for your lawn mower can be a daunting task. With so many different sizes, materials, and styles to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is the best option for your needs. In this article, we will provide some tips and guidelines to help you make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the perfect mower belt for your lawn mower.

Consider the Size of Your Mower

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a mower belt is the size of your mower. Most mowers have a specific belt size that is recommended by the manufacturer, and it is important to choose a belt that is the right size for your mower. Using a belt that is too small or too large can cause problems with the mower’s performance, and can even cause damage to the mower itself. To find out the correct belt size for your mower, consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer directly.

Consider the Type of Belt Material

Another important factor to consider when choosing a mower belt is the type of material the belt is made of. Mower belts are typically made of either rubber or polyurethane. Rubber belts are generally less expensive and more durable, but they can be prone to cracking and can be difficult to install. Polyurethane belts, on the other hand, are more expensive but are also more flexible and easier to install. They are also less likely to crack or break, making them a better option for heavy-duty mowing applications.

Consider the Type of Belt Design

Mower belts are available in a variety of different designs, and it is important to choose a design that is right for your mowing needs. For example, some mower belts are designed specifically for mowing on steep inclines, while others are designed for heavy-duty mowing applications. If you are unsure about which type of belt design is best for your mowing needs, it is always a good idea to consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer directly for guidance.

Consider the Brand and Quality of the Belt

When it comes to choosing a mower belt, it is important to consider the brand and quality of the belt. In general, it is best to choose a belt from a reputable and well-known brand, as these belts are more likely to be made of high-quality materials and to be durable and long-lasting. It is also a good idea to read customer reviews and compare to make sure you are getting the best value for your money.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mower belt for your lawn mower is an important decision that can affect the performance and longevity of your mower. By considering the size, material, design, and brand of the belt, you can make an informed decision and choose a belt that is right for your mowing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know what belt to get for my lawn mower?

Place one end of the tailor’s tape measure on the mark, then extend the tape measure around the inside circumference of the circle until you reach the mark with the other end of the tape measure. Take your reading from the tape measure to determine the size of the belt.

Are mower belts Universal?

A substitute, or NON-Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), V-belt can be dangerous as it may not disengage completely. For a proper working machine, always use factory approved lawn mower belts. It’s a good idea to take a picture of how the lawn mower belts are routed before removal.

What sizes do lawn mower belts come in?

The common lawn mower belt ordinarily is available in three widths 3/8-inch (approx. 1 cm), 1/2-inch (approx. 1.4 cm), and 5/8-inch (approx. 1.8 cm), as well as various lengths, from 17-inches to 114-inches (43.18 cm to 289.56 cm).

How often should you change your lawn mower belt?

There’s no definite amount of time that a mower belt is supposed to last, but increased mower use shortens the interval in which a belt needs replacement. Simply put, more use equals more wear. Additionally, faulty belts or mechanical failures like a seized pulley can make lawn mower belts break prematurely.

During our mower belt research, we found 6,186 mower belt products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,239 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mower belts list. We found that most customers choose mower belts with an average price of 20.53.

The mower belts are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of mower belts, including TonGass, LESIONGO, Powtol, Mannial, Husqvarna. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,097 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.

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Lawn tractor belt replacement

The maintenance of the lawn is directly related with keeping the mower in a state of repair and ready to clip the grass clean and efficiently. While some items can be delayed for some amount of time or ‘done every so often’, many should be taken care of before the busy season occurs, normally taking place in the springtime.

Keeping in mind that if a shop is doing the work, some typically get booked out for a period of weeks during busy times so there should be some planning for lead times. But these fees and charges for 2023 are still expected to hold.

Preliminary Fees and Rates

From the start, if the mowers and equipment must be picked up and delivered this comes at around 60 to 70 for pickup and delivery on to local areas and if looking at greater ranges, 90 to 100. With most riding mowers requiring the tiltable flatbed to make the transfer. But some portion of the fee might be waived such as in the case of a ‘springtime special’ where a maintenance package is involved.

The hourly shop rates vary and while these normally depend on the type of mowing equipment, for instance speaking of a certified mechanic in a certain area, lower rates are commonly gotten at dedicated repair outfits as opposed to the big name makers. Shop rates for most repairs at a dealer start near 65 per hour to 80 per hour for brands like Kohler, Kawasaki, Toro, and Scagg. While other brands can go to 100 per hour and greater. Still, economical brands at larger Snapper dealers are often reflected in the servicing that may undercut these rates going to 55/hr and possibly lower. though some shops have discontinued the Snapper line altogether much as a result of reported quality issues.

Fees to look at: where the issue being reported for repair is unknown upfront, or it is not easily detectable, such as in the case of a hard starting engine or a sound issue, many repair shops have the 35 to 45 fee to look at and this is normally deductible from charges for the completed work order, not only to credit the customer but towards an effort the gain the work.

Blades

To sharpen blades, there can be a minimal price break if the operator removes and takes the blades in. The going rate to sharpen blades, which may also include balancing, is 7 or 8 for the cutting blade and some sharpeners charge slighly more, around 10 for a mulching style blade.

Reel-type blades cost significantly more to sharpen and this represents a larger portion of the cost of operation for the reel-type mower.

Belts and DriveTrain Mechanisms

Commonly the belts and the drivetrain are associated with the mower size, type brand. Specific, for instance on a 21 walk-behind as opposed to a single blade rider versus a 3 blade 48 deck. Regardless, belts are among the cheapest part to replace and one of the most oft-replaced parts on the mower. Belts themselves are 10 to 35 but the bulk of the cost of their replacement is constituted by the labor to do so. for example if there is simple underdeck access, or the entire deck must be pulled entirely from the undermount, followed by shroud removal(s), followed by reassembly.

Serving the transmission can be as simply as adding fluid, or replacing the fluids and filters (possibly inline) with sometimes difficult and confined access, given the infrequency of this service to this part of the mower. Doing the fluid and filter on some hydrostatic rider transmissions, parts alone, can cost 120 to 140 which has a tendency to stun some consumers. To have the dealer accomplish this can easily reach 275 on up, over 300. Which is one reason some dealers have a tendency to ‘skip over’ this during routine checkups, the price shock can actually act to discourage the customer. However it’s best to be aware of what is itemized both here and elsewhere as fees for parts can accumulate quickly. Its also great to have the shop call beforehand prior to any added work, before you discover that the starter coil or other parts have already potentially been replaced and added to the bill.

Tuneups Engine

Walk behind 21 tuneups: many dealers and repair shops run specials for tuneups that cover such combined areas as blade sharpening, change the oil and filter, lube the fittings, carburetor clean and adjust, belt inspection and washing the deck for around 90 to 100 plus parts.

Riding mower tuneups: to do the fuel filter, oil/filter, spark plugs, grease points, clean the air cleaner and power wash you could be looking at 170 to 250 for most situations. Lower amounts can sometimes be found based on non-dealers of certain engine types: for instance, a repair tech who services Briggs and Stratton and who also is not necessarily a Snapper or other name brand dealer, frequently does fixes for less.

Batteries for engine starting. one thing many operators can do themselves is change out a drained battery. Noting that sometimes, contrary to popular opinion, cranking amps should not exceed an upper cold cranking amp rating to prevent possible damage to the system. the lawn and garden batteries can generally be had for 30 to 50. One measure to help prolong their useful life is to pull and store the unit indoors during the cold months as lower temps during periods of disuse can effectively drain their power ability to recharge. By the same token, adding fuel stabilizer can be a healthy measure in some situations although this has a tendency to foul plugs when it comes to restarting after the ‘set’ period.

For front engine riders. components like a full pump replacement can reach 120 to 140 and more plus labor. Another common replacement on some brand models, is the valve cover which may have originally been made of plastic with an ‘O’ ring seal (a cause for oil leakage when the plastic deforms). for this, to swap out to cast metal, if available, is relatively inexpensive at around 35 each plus labor to install, which is normally fairly accessible.

For work on carburetors (that holds especially during recent years, given the ethanol additive that is claimed to add a gum layer on internal components) beyond the basic clean and set adjust. a rebuild including an internal cleaning (possibly an acid wash) along with a new diaphragm, etc, the bill will likely be 40 to 90. On some models, it makes better financial sense to simply choose an outright replacement.

This Is How Long a Mower Drive Belt Should Last

Your mower drive belt can last a long time. This makes it an effective tool to keep around for a long time. However, there is general wear and tear that can occur to the mower drive belt, and eventually, it will break if you do not replace it.

Under ideal conditions, a mower drive belt will last between three to four years. If you use the mower quite a bit or if you do not take good care of the machine, it may wear out sooner. Wear and tear often makes it hard to keep the mower belt going for longer than four years.

A lawn mower belt can last longer than four years when the mower is kept clean and it is inspected every year.

Let’s take a closer look at how long a mower drive belt should last along with some of the ways you can tell the mower belt is wearing out and needs to be replaced.

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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.

How Long Will My Mower Drive Belts Last?

Your drive belts will be able to last between three to four years, depending on how much you use the lawnmower. There are several different types of belts responsible for:

• Driving the wheels on a self-propelled mower
• Driving the wheels on a garden tractor
• Driving the pumps on a commercial mower
• Driving the deck turning the blades
• Running the grass collection system

All of these items rely on belts to drive them.

This is an additional belt found on a riding mower or a self-propelled mower. It can wear out within four years in most cases and needs to be replaced within that time period. You must look for some of the common signs and symptoms to see whether this part needs to be replaced early or not.

When Should I Replace My Mower Belt?

Unless you notice some signs of the belt wearing out, you should replace the drive belt within four years after putting a new one on. Check the mower out if you purchased it used from someone to see if it is time to do a replacement on your own.

The best way to tell whether a drive belt is worn or very worn and about to break on you is to do a visual inspection of the belt. Some big signs to look for include:

• The belt is shiny with no ridges or bumps. This means the belt is worn and slipping inside the grooves of the pulley.
• The belt has cracksor is torn on the edges. This happens right before it snaps.
• The belt has lots of slack between the pulleys. It will not run efficiently when this happens.
• The belt has more than ½” deflection in it indicating the belt may be riding too far into the pulley and therefore the pulley may be worn out also.

These visual signs will tell you it is time to do some work on the drive belt to make sure that it is repaired quickly, and you can keep using your mower the right way.

Sometimes it is hard to know whether the belt is in bad shape, or those physical signs do not show up right away.

When this happens, it is time for you to look for other signs that something is wrong with the drive belt. You may notice some squeaking or squealing noises when you turn on the mower. This means you need to turn it off and inspect the drive belt as soon as possible.

Other signs that the drive belt is not working well and needs replaced includes:

• The mower stops or has trouble stuttering.
• Lots of vibration throughout the mower.
• The mower may not be running up to its normal pace.
• The mower may not move right away until the belt gets warm.
• The mower won’t go uphill very well.
• You may smell the belt burning because it can’t move the heavy mower.

Even if the belt still looks pretty good at this point, it is time to do some replacement to make sure it does not break on you while mowing. Check the tension springs as they can break or you may have a pulley with dirt, mud or debris stuck in it.

When to Replace a Self-Propelled Mower Belt?

A self-propelled mower is a great option because it can get the work done without you needing to do all the heavy pushing. You do need to be there to help steer the mower. To tell whether it is time to replace this belt, you should look for:

• Squealing or loud sounds from the mower.
• Suddenly needing more force to push the mower.
• The mower is much slower than normal.

When these symptoms start to happen, you should replace the drive belt as soon as possible. This will help keep it from snapping and protects your mower.

When Should I Replace a Riding Lawn Mower Belt?

Similar to what we discussed with the self-propelled lawn mower, you need to replace the belt when it stops working well. Some of the problems that you should look for with your riding lawn mower belt include:

• It is hard to drive the mower compared to before.
• The mower starts to feel like it is stuttering when you drive it. This is a sign the belt has slipped.

When the belt starts to break often, it is a sign that something else is wrong with the mower and you may need to look into that more. Having too many grass clippings in the deck, or an oil leak could cause this problem for example.

How Can I Replace a Lawn Mower Deck Belt?

Replacing one of these belts does not need to be difficult, even if you do not have a lot of experience. Make sure that you have a few wrenches around and some free time to work on them.

We have provided instructions for a standard lawn mower where you don’t have to remove the deck. You may need to remove the deck on your model.

Now that cell phones have phones on them and they are readily accessible, it is a good idea to take photos of the belts and spring before you take anything apart.

We receive a lot of phone calls from customers asking about routing belts on a lawn mower. Having a picture will help you when you go to install the new belt.

A standard lawn mower deck belt replacement looks like this:

• Set the height of the mower as low as possible.
• Take the covers off the mower deck.
• Pull the old belt out. Do this by releasing the tension and pulling it out of the left spindle pulley.
• Find the mower belt idler arm and then remove the hardware above it so you can reach the hook.
• Remove the spring and then put the mower deck back in the highest position

From here, you will need to bring out that wrench to do a little work. Loosen the hardware that holds onto the idler so you can remove this part.

You will need to hold the bolt head under the deck to remove the nut. Always use some caution anytime you reach under the deck of the mower.

With this nut out of the way, you can put the mower deck back to the lowest cutting position. Take all of the hardware that is on the retaining belt keeper and remove it. You should now be able to remove the belt off the clutch pulley, which is located under the engine.

From here, we want to install the new belt in place. The other steps helped to take the old one off. The steps you can use to help with this include:

• Put the belt against the rearmost idler pully. Reinstall your belt keeper.
• Install the belt at the clutch pulley at the back of the unit.
• Return the idler to its position and raise the mower deck to reinstall the idler assembly. Only finger tighten here.
• Reach under the deck and hold the bolt head to help place and tighten the nut securely.
• Lower the mower deck as low as possible.

You can then reinstall the belt keeper into the idler arm and put the spring hook back in place. Check that the belt has the right tension at this point and that it is aligned well in all your pulleys in the mower. Reinstall all the parts on the top of the mower and you are good to go!

Replacing Your Mower Transmission Drive Belt

It is important to watch for your mower drive belt to make sure it can last a long time. When it fails, you may be stuck with a lot of work to help replace it.

By recognizing the signs above and taking care of the drive belt before it breaks, you can keep your mower protected and working well. It is recommended you take your mower to your local repair shop to have the transmission drive belt replaced.

If you bring your mower to your lawn mower repair dealership at the end of every mowing season for inspection, you can save a lot of time and potentially money on repairs. Many repair shops may run specials in the winter during their slower business season.

Check to see if your dealership will guarantee their work the following spring season because you are bringing your mower in to be serviced during their slow times and prior to being able to use the mower for several months.

Information

Read more about lawn mower belts with our articles:

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When Is It Time To Replace Your Lawn Mower Belt?

With summer underway and lush green blades of grass reaching for the sun, it’s time to get out your trusty lawn mower and groom the lawn for a level surface.

Like any machine with a combustion engine, lawnmowers require regular maintenance such as oiling, cleaning, and parts replacement. It’s recommended that you attend to any necessary maintenance your lawn mower needs before it becomes a bigger and more costly problem. Lawn mower belts are one of the components in your mower that you need to keep an eye on.

In this article, we’re going to talk about the signs of wear that indicate that your self-propelled lawn mower needs a belt replacement.

Types Of Mowers

There are push reel mowers that don’t have motors to spin the blade. Their blades spin with the wheels when you push the mower over the grass. This type of mower requires physical force to get them to work and is best suited for small lawns.

Self-propelled mowers are powered by a small motor that cuts the grass and powers the drive system, which makes it move forward on its own without the need for manual pushing. This makes it ideal for mowing hills, plains, and large areas.

What Does A Lawn Mower Belt Do?

To better understand what part your lawn mower belt plays in cutting grass, it’s important to understand your mower’s engine crankshaft configuration.

Once you pull the starter cord, the inlet valves which are connected to the camshaft release a fuel-air mixture. This mixture is compressed by the pistons’ compression stroke and lit by the spark plug, causing combustion. The shockwave from the combustion pushes the piston down and makes the crankshaft spin.

The tension springs on the valves control the opening and closing of the valve by pushing it back down after the combustion stroke. The crankshaft is connected to the camshaft via a drive belt to keep the machine spinning.

The lawnmower blades are also connected to the crankshaft via rear pulleys and a deck belt, so when the crankshaft is driven from the combustion strokes, the blades also start moving.

If all of this is too technical, the simple version is lawn mower belts link rotating shafts to channel the spinning force from the crankshaft to the mechanisms of the mower, i.e., the blades.

What Causes A Lawn Mowers Belt To Stretch?

Over time and use, lawn mower belts can elongate or even break in some cases. When this happens, it also loosens the drive belt’s grip on the pulley system rendering the mower inefficient or slow.

The main reason this happens is because of physical deterioration from prolonged use, which can be expected with any machine part. Most lawn mower belts are made from reinforced Kevlar. There’s no definite period over which stretching or damage can happen, but increased use means it will need replacing sooner.

Another reason for lawn mower belts stretching is the poor quality of material used in making the belt. The best way to avoid this is to compare the replacement belt to your original belt before buying it to ensure it’s the right belt for your machine. You can also buy another one from the original manufacturer.

How Do I Know If My Lawn Mower Belt Is Bad?

If your lawnmower is making a lot of noise, it might be a symptom of your belt’s loosening grip. It’s best to check on it before the belt breaks while being used, damaging the machinery. All it takes is a quick visual inspection to know if the lawnmower belt has reached its expiration and needs replacing.

Here are the signs to check for:

• Smooth edges and evenness throughout the length are the ideal standards for lawn mower blades. If so much as a tiny portion is worn out or chipped away, that’s a potential hazard.
• Examine the part of the belts in contact with the pulleys. If they seem glazed or burned, the belt needs replacing right away.
• Shallow cracks tend to set in after months of use. If the belt appears brittle, it’s at high risk of breaking and should be replaced.

Adjusting The Tension

Replacement is one way of dealing with loose belts; another way is to adjust the tension. However, adjusting the tension won’t solve the problem if the belt is damaged. Adjustments only work in cases where the belt has come loose by accident or improper use, not physical deterioration.

The only way to tell if the belt needs adjusting or replacing is with a physical examination.

After that, adjusting the tension is simple. Inspect all the components of your mower deck. Your swingarm needs to be rotating freely. If it isn’t, try using oil. The cable that is connected to the lever is attached to a spring. The spring should be perfectly stretched but not loose. Problems in these components contribute to the loosening of the belt.

Next, tighten the belt with a cable adjustment and then check the new tension by testing the lawn mower on the grass again.

How To Replace Your Lawn Mower Belt?

Replacing your lawn mower belt is an easy-to-learn skill and should only take a few hours. It’s a good idea to keep a spare belt or 2 on hand, so you don’t need to run out in the middle of the process.

Just remember to switch off the engine, set the apparatus down on a flat surface, and wait for it to cool if you’ve just used it before switching the belts.

• Disconnect the spark plug wire and switch off the ignition as a safety precaution.
• Remove the mower deck covers and disassemble the components to remove the drive belt from the engine pulley, which is connected to the crankshaft. Also, un-secure the belt fasteners.
• Disconnect the mower deck from the main body.
• Take the belt off of the pulleys you see in the mower deck and connect the new belts.
• Reassemble everything in reverse order and re-attach the mower deck to the main body. Remember to secure all the linkages using washers and retaining pins. You can now put the spark plug back in.

Check out this detailed video tutorial for a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

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