Replacing belts - Craftsman LT1500

[RazorsEdge]

I'm guessing that replacing belts will be alot easier if I removed the mower deck unless someone has an easier way to get this done.

I also see the belt setup over the transmission.Since nobody has replaced these belts,this will be all done over the winter months.

 

[nwjones18]

I haven't replaced them on that particular riding mower, but on most of the newer ones I've messed with deck removal is quite easy and makes changing the deck belt easier and is definitely necessary for replacing the drive belt.

 

[RazorsEdge]

I haven't replaced them on that particular riding mower, but on most of the newer ones I've messed with deck removal is quite easy and makes changing the deck belt easier and is definitely necessary for replacing the drive belt.

This mower has been neglected by the previous owners so I'm finally to the point of installing the new belts over the winter. Doesn't look that hard to get done.

 

[Lubener]

I have replaced a lot of belts on different Craftsman riders and I would remove the deck. Just a handful of retaining clips and it is off. It will make changing the wheel and mower drive belts very easy. Then you have the deck sitting there where you can clean it up, give it a fresh coat of paint and sharpening the blades before reinstalling it.

 

[jeepman3071]

Deck removal is fairly easy on these, and necessary to reach the drive belt. Use high quality or OEM belts if you can, this isn't a job where you want to do it 4 months later because the cheap belt shredded mid-mow. I had this happen to one of my customers, he replaced the drive belt himself but used a cheap Tractor Supply belt. About 3-4 months later it shredded, and got wound tight around the pullies several times and caught in the fan (hydro transmission). Took hours to cut out the pieces of belt and get it untangled.

 

[Lapham3]

With a neglected mochine, I'd also look to check and possibly replace the blade support bearings. Also, after 30 years my deck was rusted enough that I ended up finding a good one and replacing it-good luck

 

[JTK]

Deck removal is a breeze on the LT2000. I've got a ~2008-09 model. You will need to remove it to do the transaxle drive belt.

I've had mine off at least 2x in the ~8yrs I've owned this mower to unwind things like string, etc from a spindle. No tools required, just don't loose any of the clips or washers. I added a nose roller to this deck right after I bought the machine to help prevent the deck from plowing high spots.

Mine still has all original belts, bearings, etc because of my light usage. I bought it used in 2012 for $300.

Depending on the year of yours, it will have a peerless LTH2000 hydrostic transaxle. I haven't touched mine yet, but they're kind of neat in that they have separate sections for the differential and hydro drive. The diff holds gear oil and the hydro holds 15w40-20w50 motor oil.

 

[RazorsEdge]

Got the deck off,really isn't in too bad of shape other then surface rust where grass exits the deck.

Upper belt,lower drive belt and deck belt on Amazon. Getting the upper belt off and transmission belt off I have to figure out how to get them off yet.