[Knuckles508]

I have a model 254680 craftsman lawn tractor and I can't fifure out how to get the mower deck belt on. I bought a new craftsman belt from sears according to the parts cooling. For some reason there is a ton of slack in the belt and I have no idea as to why.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance

 

[DJ in WV]

Here's a link to the parts diagram on the Sears Parts Direct web site. It should help you out with the routing. It sounds to me like there is either a problem with the belt routing or you have the wrong belt.

Hope this helps.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Craftsman-Parts/Riding-mower-tractor-Parts/Model-917254680/0247/1509200/00048814/00006?blt=06&prst=&shdMod=

 

[larrybl]

Hope this helps.

 

[Knuckles508]

Crap I'm sorry... I. Already posted a typo haha.

254860, not 680. Its an 18hp briggs and im almost positive its a 46" deck, but maybe a 42". I've seen the parts diagram for it, and that's how I have the belt installed. It just has way too much slack when engaged. I'm quickly removing hair from my head the hard way haha

 

[themidniteryder]

Thats what I hate about the ******** drawings, you take a crap shoot on part numbers, primarily belts. Had one in here a while back that needed a drive belt and the original one was missing so I couldnt measure it. Sears showed part no and a substitute pn. Original pn crossed to a 90", 90 1/2" and a 91" belt. Substitute crossed to a 91" or a 95" or a 95 1/2". Took a gamble on the 90...wrong..so I ordered a 90 1/2, a 91 and a 91 1/2 just to make sure I got one that worked right. :banghead3

 

[Knuckles508]

I got this tractor for free, spent a night and a twelve pack rewiring it and checking everything plus adding a battery. Thing fired right up andi started mowing the next day. And I mowed right over the hundred foot fish tape my plumber left in the yard. Blew the belt and now I'm stuck fiinding something to fit.

Should I just try tractor supply co and get an 84" belt like the old factory one measured?

 

[larrybl]

I got this tractor for free, spent a night and a twelve pack rewiring it and checking everything plus adding a battery. Thing fired right up andi started mowing the next day. And I mowed right over the hundred foot fish tape my plumber left in the yard. Blew the belt and now I'm stuck fiinding something to fit.

Should I just try tractor supply co and get an 84" belt like the old factory one measured?

I have had to make several trips to T/S to find the right belt. Get close then exchange.

 

[themidniteryder]

I got this tractor for free, spent a night and a twelve pack rewiring it and checking everything plus adding a battery. Thing fired right up andi started mowing the next day. And I mowed right over the hundred foot fish tape my plumber left in the yard. Blew the belt and now I'm stuck fiinding something to fit.

Should I just try tractor supply co and get an 84" belt like the old factory one measured?

If it was an accurate measure, yes. I have been known to use a string to fab up a belt making allowances for things such as belt tensioners, slack in the string, etc, the but the string on a belt gauge here or at the local auto parts store and get a good idea of belt length. Some instances you can stand a half inch or more of error, other times you have to be exact on the length, depending on the application.

 

[themidniteryder]

By the way, according to the sears drawings for you model, a 42" deck, the deck belt crosses to a 1/2" x 92 1/2" belt, and I know that is what I have ordered for several sears decks.

 

[Knuckles508]

I gues I'm going to have to get a belt that matches the old ones length. This will be a fun adventure haha. No way the factory replacement is the correct

 

[BMR528]

See if you can find a piece of 1/2 inch rope around anywhere,, Then make a rope belt and install on the deck and adjust to size.. then take it to tractor supply and have them match it with a belt

d

 

[themidniteryder]

See if you can find a piece of 1/2 inch rope around anywhere,, Then make a rope belt and install on the deck and adjust to size.. then take it to tractor supply and have them match it with a belt

d

Much mor accurate than my string method for sure :thThumbsU

 

[gmaster]

Youll be better off doing stuff yourself at tsc, trust me

 

[Knuckles508]

It seems that way... The sears "tech"just pointed me towards a bin full of belts for me to look thru. Then sugested I purchase a new tractor. Thanks buddy! Haha