Thanks so much. Got mine changed with no deck removal. I jacked mine up from the rear and lowered the deck to lowest setting. Your directions were great
I so appreciate your video. I'm a 56 year young lady and I am tired of taking it up the derriere when it comes to lawnmower repairs. I can't find a teenager that will get off there phone long enough to earn money cutting grass but when you do they tear up your mower. So I've repaired two flat tires, cutting blades and now the deck belt so that $1600 that everyone is trying to get me to spend on a new mower is going to take me to visit my son and see his new home and visit with my daughter in-law and get to know her better. Coming to you from Pensacola FL I again thank you. If I can send a picture of the mower and myself I will. I named him Yuke, the mower
Here is a tip for flat tires especially of you have thorn bushes like I do. Get you some Slime tire Sealant from Wal-Mart. Check for instructions, and you won't have flat tire issues anymore unless you get something super large like a bolt in there. Good luck ma'am.
@@69ChevyGarage thank you sir. I purchased the tire repair from Walmart and started teaching my granddaughter to cut grass today. Well she learned all about the mower today. Where to put gas, oil and so forth and she's has a verbal test tomorrow then she gets to drive riding mower. I'll let you know if we get a flat or two lol. Thanks again😎
Thank you as well! We wouldn't have been able to survive these belt issues without your great videos!!!!! The one regarding the belts for the transmission was extremely helpful!!!! I personally appreciate your detailed instructions and explanations.
Thank you. I followed the instructions and was able to put on a new belt. Looking at the instructions in the manual would not have been enough. Great video
I made the same mistake on my craftsman r110. (Same mower)... Initially my deck was not raising or lowering...lost a bolt, replaced out with one I had in my bucket. Then ... Once the deck height situation was sorted I mowed half the yard and the belt failed. This is a great tutorial... I was having the same issue after I put the belt back on the front pulley and keeper. I was almost at wits end until I found your video. It seems these keepers are a common thing to fail on these MTD rear engine mowers. I love the mower. It's perfect for my property. Thanks so much for posting this. Also. The irony of the neighbors landscape dude cutting grass is hilarious... Cheers, sir.
As an old coot, I loved this video. You covered the concerns I have, like exactly what dimensions the mower has. And, exposing the engine maker, ability to pull hills. Thanks, you helped.
Saved me a lot of time. My guide and the retaining spacer fell off. I only saw the guide laying on the deck and reinstalled it. I didn't know the retaining spacer part flew off somewhere and when I ran the mower it starting smoking. I kew then something else was wrong.
Great Video. Researching this for my poor neighbor his belt broke. I have a Craftsman which is a lot harder to replace the blade belt which I just recently performed.
Hello from Saint Augustine! Your video was very helpful. I hit a stump which broke the bolt that holds the tensioner pulley in place and then it shredded the belt. Your information saved me a lot of headaches. Thank you!
Brilliant Peter. Hard to find maintenance on this mower (mine is the same but under the Craftsman label). Now to change the spindle. 😕 Thanks for taking the time. Jason from Alabama.
Very useful video I changed my belt , I didn’t remove the Polly assembly in your beginning step , I just removed the belt keeper screw, it is enough space to do that
OK, since purchasing this lawn tractor I've learned real fast what a design nightmare it has been for customers. Thanks for the tips/video btw. According to a small engine repairman, the belt slips off on these mowers at the lowest cut settings. # 1 and 2. The reason being, that the angle on the belt is too steep. The tech also advises to install a new belt once it's slips off b/c of possible damage. (I'm off on a journey to find me a belt tomorrow) MTD of Ohio has over the years purchased name brands that are defunct or near their retirement stages. Cub Cadet, YardWorks, Troy Bilt, Craftsman...etc. They also manufacture these tractors for smaller distributors. Same mowers, different badging, but they all have the same flaws. Mine sat in a Home Depot for so long the battery wouldn't charge. I gave it the old load test and it was DOA. But b/c I'm foolish, I tried charging it overnight anyway...DOA. According to customer comments on the HD website, their mowers failed after a couple of uses. But this belt design flaw and the plastic mulcher guard have given customers unnecessary angst and frustration. Imagine buying a $1500.00 dollar mower and the first 3 days trouble shooting only to discover a dead battery. Then the belt slips off on it's first mow.
***N.B....the key is universal. You can buy spares at the local hardware stores for $5 bucks. Look for "Arnold mower key" in search. Many universal parts available through the MTD website or local Lowes, HD, local hardware stores.
Well, I've used the mower for 6 years now, and its worked flawlessly this whole time. Yes there are definitely some minor issues, but overall it's been a great mower. The original deck belt lasted until this season. The drive belts were replaced by me 2 years ago, and probably need to be done again soon.
@@rochelleahearn7793 Nope. Closest one is in Niagara Falls NY.159 km away.(100 mi.) But parts are universal. MTD makes this mower under a dozen of their brand names and others, so getting parts is not a problem. I bought a deck belt locally and installed it myself. Took 2 hours though. I needed a box cutter and pick/hook tool to extract the melted rubber and rope from the pulley spindle. Not so pleasant.
@@robertlee4172 I miss Niagara falls. That's where I cross the boarder at for five years while driving a semi. I am greatful to have a home and somewhere to plant my feet but I miss the traveling and waking up to different sights and sounds and the pure splendor of what a beautiful place Earth is. Thanks for the smile in my heart from the memories you reminded me of. Have a great day dear sir😎
Thanks for the tutorial. My bracket that holds the idler pulley broke in half. Looks like an easy repair and since I have the part out I'll change the belt also. This mower has been in the shop about 4 times for broken stuff and it's only a 2019. I don't know why it brakes down so much I have a flat lot and little to no obstructions. It's not that great....
I'm about to attempt the same thing even though my model is the R110. Everything looks the same as my mower. The belt popped on me so I just need to buy the new belt and put it on!
Good to know. Last time I dropped the deck and I managed to squeeze my finger and it's still a little stiff to this day. One tip is to make sure you thread the belt through the cage at the back properly. I didn't and it pulled the belt out first time I lowered the deck.
Mr Diamond there appears to be a part missing on your belt tensioner there should be a metal arm that rides the under side of the undercarrige that adjust the attitude of the belt tensioner as you raise and lower the deck height . I can see part of the arm but the remainder is missing posssibly broken off the arm should have a plastic sleeve encapsulating the part that makes contact with the undercarrige .
I don't see any such part on the parts schematic...can you ID the part here: www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/manufacturer/troy-bilt/13-lawn-tractors/2016-models/tb30r-13cc26jd011-2016/deck
Hey man thanks u so much for all the info with u video it's made the job alot easier thanks alot ..so much detail im like a professional now because of u
Thanks so much!! Wow alot of really great important info. So Sorry That you had to go through that. But all the more appreciative that you shared it!! Blessing to you and yours!
This video was perfect, got it done in 20 minutes thanks to you! Have you dealt with the drive belt? I have intermittent problems with this mower not going into forward or reverse.
@@petedymond It Def. Was!!! I didnt know there is 3 belts in this mower!! It was a little tuff to get it done but its done! To anyone changing drive belts when doing so change all of them to avoid doing the process over and over. Thank you Peter for helping the craftsman community! Great videos!
I am having an issue with the parking brake not engaging most of the time. On occasion it will. It still brakes fine, but the parking brake has basically stopped working. If you come across this issue, I am hoping you can do a video. Thanks. Great info.
@programmingchicago The brakes works fine on my TB30R but I had the same parking brake issue. Using a flashlight, I looked inside the steering column cover in that opening next to the brake pedal and I saw a huge mound of grass clippings😱. I used a long flathead screwdriver and raked most of the clippings out through the hole opening next to the brake pedal. That worked because I am able to engage my parking brake now.
Great video again. Thank you! I learned from doing the other belts) and your video) that this one would not require removing the deck. Anyway, the one thing I noticed that was different on my Tractor, was the spring placement. You went from the top in and down. Mark 8:25 My Tactor had that reversed and was fed up, which came from the manufacture this way and maybe does make better productive functioning sense based on the mechanism function in itself, that would hold better.
if you look at the diagram to the right of the parts break down you will see it more clearly as it protrudes off of the belt tensioner and rides the continuos rod that provides a guard for the deck belt as it loops around the crank shaft pulley that drives the deck belt .
You're correct! Great catch. I'm ordering one now. Jacks Small Engines has several in stock which suggests its a common order part. Thanks, now I'll have to make a follow up video!!!
i have a cub cadet 30H, keeps throwing the belt..i keep putting it back on, just like here..only thing i haven't done, is to bend the keeper bolt tang down/in some..now i will..thanks
Too make working on the TB30 easier, use 2 upside down plastic 5 gallon buckets tip the mower up on the RH side and push the rearward bucket under the back tire. It will seem the mower is about to topple over, but, it is not. Not yet anyway. Now you can work on the deck & save your back. !
I am trying to buy a similar belt at a local shop do you know or does the cardboard on the new belt product have the thickness and length of belt? I know it’s says 24 to 30 but I’m guessing that’s just the blade size not the actual dimensions of the belt. I would appreciate it
Hi Peter, thank you for all of your great work here, can you please advise, i can't seem to find any information on how to change or service the *DRIVE* belts/belts (your very well done video here is of course in regards to the blade belt, I know, but I'm at my wit's end, so hoping you might be able to help). Might you have any guidance on that procedure, sir? I use my tb30 quite a lot, as the grass grows very quickly here in the very hot and moist TN summers, and after her very first season from brand-new, my tb30 already needed new drive belts (I paid a Troy Bilt authorized repair center to replace the factory belts after the mower would't even move after startup from winter storage). Well, now I'm about 1/2 way through my second season, and the replacement belts are already starting to slip now after about a dozen mowing sessions, causing slow/poor performance when not on perfectly flat ground. I've been searching, but it's tough to find info on tb30 drive belt servicing. I also searched for info on drive belt service for the 30" craftsman and cub cadet variant of this mower, assuming their drive belt construction/configuration would be similar...but no dice there, either! TIA for any recommendations you might have, good sir! I do love my little mower, she's perfect for our home, where we have lots of little obstacles to maneuver around, etc., that make using a larger mower not preferred for us....hope I can figure this out, it doesn't seem sustainable for me to have to PAY every season for new belt replacement...and I DO prefer DIY wherever possible....well, again, TIA! :^)
I did change the drive belts a couple of years ago. It was quite a job. The belts should have lasted longer than that! Mine need to be done again and I will make a video. For whatever reason all the blog / forums suggest that OEM belts work best on this mower. Sorry I can't be more helpful. When I get the time I'll make that video
Just noticed... That washer is supposed to go on top and the narrow bit goes in the hole. Thus the nut and bolt secure the washer to the deck and the arm rides it as a bearing. The way you have it, it's going to wear more and work loose.
Peter, Have you had any issues with the brake clutch not releasing sufficiently to cause the mower to travel at a crawl? I start the mower, set it to 3. 4. 5 or 6 and release the clutch and "occasionally" it runs at a crawl (very slow). I then get off the mower and physically lift and push/pull the brake clutch and then it will operate normally. But doing this is getting old. Any idea?
Just so I understand, when you release the clutch pedal in the selected speed, the mower just crawls? I suspect its a worn drive belt. There are 2 belts that are used to transfer power from the motor to the transmission. They both get replaced at the same time. (There really isn't a 'clutch' in the typical sense, just slack in the belt that gets taken up by a pulley when you raise the pedal.) I've done them once, and need to do them again but I haven't made a video of the process because it was pretty challenging. I will try to make this the next video!
@@petedymond Thank you for your quick response. This gives me a better understanding of what is actually going on. You are the first to provide a very good rationale to my issue. I really enjoy your videos and I appreciate your response. Thank you.
My Craftsman 30" rider is now on it's ninth season- the only real problem I've had- besides a couple of bent blades- is the belt- and have put maybe 5 or 6 on the past five or six years. The 9/16 nut that goes through the spring on the pivot assemble keeps coming loose- I have to tighten it before every mow- and I've been meaning on getting a longer bolt so I can double bolt it firmly- I did that once but it came off the short screw shaft and I still have to tighten- Locktite doesn't hold it either. Anyway, that tends to make the pivot assembly loose allowing the belt off. I see at the very first shot of this that the belt holding pin of this newer model had a flange at the bottom- if I can find a large flat washer I may try to install one, or fashion a flange, but in the course of this vid and pin replacement- THAT disappears. It may help hold the belt on. The problem grows more in focus as I work with it and vids are on here. I kept forgetting how the belt routed and ruined one or two with poor installation. If they still sold these- I'd buy another, but now they have disappeared. Everything over 38" always uses two belt- too big for my small yard and twice the problems probably. I change the oil every Spring and the Chinese motor has run flawlessly. A float charger through the winters in my Florida shed gives me about 4 or 5 years on the battery now.
stopped the Video at 10:19 and you can see a part is broken off that is bolted on the Tensioner the tensioner guide rod. The end with a plastic bushing made on it that goes over and moves under the belt guide.
im having issue starting my craftsman model.it doesnt click or anything.the safety btton by chute is pinned back but it still does nothing.what else can i check
Do you have battery voltage? If so then make sure the blades aren't engaged. There are several cut off switches. The deck chute, clutch pedal, blade pto and seat.
The locking mechanism is part of the speed selector switch. To release it, depress the brake pedal all the way down and move the speed selector lever. If it's stuck then it's something in the selector lever hanging up
Peter, I noticed that your idler guide rod is broken off. Mine just broke off after replacing my belt and blade. My mower is rattling real bad now with the blade not engaged. When I engage the blade it still rattles but the belt slides off that bolt with sleeve you put a nut on and stays on the other two pulleys. I originally put the thing with the catch on top and thought that was the issue, but am still having the same issues. Is that idler guide rod needed? Trying to figure out this rattle.
I can't seem to find any diagram for the deck engagement connections to the handle on the other side. The cable is still attached at front base of handle but the handle has play in it and won't engage. It looks like a spring or something else could be missing but Troy bilt is no help and no diagram for anything attached at the back side of the base where the nut attaches it to the frame.
Try putting in your model number here:www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/manufacturer/troy-bilt/13-lawn-tractors They have several parts diagrams
Why not spare yourself a knuckle busting from working in tight spaces and just remove the deck? It's only three cotter pins and you have mega room! And you could have replaced the retainer without having to pull extra parts off the deck.....I'm just saying.....
I actually busted a knuckle getting my finger pinched in the deck. This way is much easier, trust me. There's plenty of room in there for this job unless you're Andre the Giant.
Thanks so much. Got mine changed with no deck removal. I jacked mine up from the rear and lowered the deck to lowest setting. Your directions were great
Wow! Great video. I just replaced my blade belt & it went great but I couldn’t have done it without your video.
I so appreciate your video. I'm a 56 year young lady and I am tired of taking it up the derriere when it comes to lawnmower repairs. I can't find a teenager that will get off there phone long enough to earn money cutting grass but when you do they tear up your mower. So I've repaired two flat tires, cutting blades and now the deck belt so that $1600 that everyone is trying to get me to spend on a new mower is going to take me to visit my son and see his new home and visit with my daughter in-law and get to know her better. Coming to you from Pensacola FL I again thank you. If I can send a picture of the mower and myself I will. I named him Yuke, the mower
Here is a tip for flat tires especially of you have thorn bushes like I do. Get you some Slime tire Sealant from Wal-Mart. Check for instructions, and you won't have flat tire issues anymore unless you get something super large like a bolt in there. Good luck ma'am.
@@69ChevyGarage thank you sir. I purchased the tire repair from Walmart and started teaching my granddaughter to cut grass today. Well she learned all about the mower today. Where to put gas, oil and so forth and she's has a verbal test tomorrow then she gets to drive riding mower. I'll let you know if we get a flat or two lol. Thanks again😎
@@rochelleahearn7793op
Thanks so much. Your video is the only one that gave me a concise view of how to put the belt on properly.
Thank you as well! We wouldn't have been able to survive these belt issues without your great videos!!!!! The one regarding the belts for the transmission was extremely helpful!!!! I personally appreciate your detailed instructions and explanations.
So glad the videos were helpful! Thanks
Thank you. I followed the instructions and was able to put on a new belt. Looking at the instructions in the manual would not have been enough. Great video
I made the same mistake on my craftsman r110. (Same mower)... Initially my deck was not raising or lowering...lost a bolt, replaced out with one I had in my bucket. Then ... Once the deck height situation was sorted I mowed half the yard and the belt failed. This is a great tutorial... I was having the same issue after I put the belt back on the front pulley and keeper. I was almost at wits end until I found your video. It seems these keepers are a common thing to fail on these MTD rear engine mowers. I love the mower. It's perfect for my property. Thanks so much for posting this. Also. The irony of the neighbors landscape dude cutting grass is hilarious... Cheers, sir.
Thanks for your comment! I'm thrilled that my video helped 🙂
Thank you for making this simple! I did not think I was going to be able to replace the belt myself until I found your video!
Thats great to hear. This is why I put up these videos!
As an old coot, I loved this video. You covered the concerns I have, like exactly what dimensions the mower has. And, exposing the engine maker, ability to pull hills. Thanks, you helped.
Great video…
I’ve got the same job ahead 🙂
Saved me a lot of time. My guide and the retaining spacer fell off. I only saw the guide laying on the deck and reinstalled it. I didn't know the retaining spacer part flew off somewhere and when I ran the mower it starting smoking. I kew then something else was wrong.
Great Video. Researching this for my poor neighbor his belt broke. I have a Craftsman which is a lot harder to replace the blade belt which I just recently performed.
Hello from Saint Augustine! Your video was very helpful. I hit a stump which broke the bolt that holds the tensioner pulley in place and then it shredded the belt. Your information saved me a lot of headaches. Thank you!
Brilliant Peter. Hard to find maintenance on this mower (mine is the same but under the Craftsman label). Now to change the spindle. 😕 Thanks for taking the time. Jason from Alabama.
Very useful video I changed my belt , I didn’t remove the Polly assembly in your beginning step , I just removed the belt keeper screw, it is enough space to do that
OK, since purchasing this lawn tractor I've learned real fast what a design nightmare it has been for customers. Thanks for the tips/video btw. According to a small engine repairman, the belt slips off on these mowers at the lowest cut settings. # 1 and 2. The reason being, that the angle on the belt is too steep. The tech also advises to install a new belt once it's slips off b/c of possible damage. (I'm off on a journey to find me a belt tomorrow) MTD of Ohio has over the years purchased name brands that are defunct or near their retirement stages. Cub Cadet, YardWorks, Troy Bilt, Craftsman...etc. They also manufacture these tractors for smaller distributors. Same mowers, different badging, but they all have the same flaws. Mine sat in a Home Depot for so long the battery wouldn't charge. I gave it the old load test and it was DOA. But b/c I'm foolish, I tried charging it overnight anyway...DOA.
According to customer comments on the HD website, their mowers failed after a couple of uses. But this belt design flaw and the plastic mulcher guard have given customers unnecessary angst and frustration. Imagine buying a $1500.00 dollar mower and the first 3 days trouble shooting only to discover a dead battery. Then the belt slips off on it's first mow.
***N.B....the key is universal. You can buy spares at the local hardware stores for $5 bucks. Look for "Arnold mower key" in search. Many universal parts available through the MTD website or local Lowes, HD, local hardware stores.
Well, I've used the mower for 6 years now, and its worked flawlessly this whole time. Yes there are definitely some minor issues, but overall it's been a great mower. The original deck belt lasted until this season. The drive belts were replaced by me 2 years ago, and probably need to be done again soon.
Not sure if there in your area but Tractor Supply keeps all parts for the Troy built mowers in stock.
@@rochelleahearn7793 Nope. Closest one is in Niagara Falls NY.159 km away.(100 mi.)
But parts are universal. MTD makes this mower under a dozen of their brand names and others, so getting parts is not a problem. I bought a deck belt locally and installed it myself. Took 2 hours though. I needed a box cutter and pick/hook tool to extract the melted rubber and rope from the pulley spindle. Not so pleasant.
@@robertlee4172 I miss Niagara falls. That's where I cross the boarder at for five years while driving a semi. I am greatful to have a home and somewhere to plant my feet but I miss the traveling and waking up to different sights and sounds and the pure splendor of what a beautiful place Earth is. Thanks for the smile in my heart from the memories you reminded me of. Have a great day dear sir😎
Thanks for this video - made the belt replacement a quick and simple job!
Thanks for the tutorial. My bracket that holds the idler pulley broke in half. Looks like an easy repair and since I have the part out I'll change the belt also. This mower has been in the shop about 4 times for broken stuff and it's only a 2019. I don't know why it brakes down so much I have a flat lot and little to no obstructions. It's not that great....
I'm about to attempt the same thing even though my model is the R110. Everything looks the same as my mower. The belt popped on me so I just need to buy the new belt and put it on!
Good to know. Last time I dropped the deck and I managed to squeeze my finger and it's still a little stiff to this day. One tip is to make sure you thread the belt through the cage at the back properly. I didn't and it pulled the belt out first time I lowered the deck.
Just had to do it again. Not a great life on that belt...
Thanks a whole heap mate. I am over in Tallahassee and greatly appreciative.
Thank you for making this video. It has helped me greatly.
Very detailed and informative video. Very much appreciated.
Mr Diamond there appears to be a part missing on your belt tensioner there should be a metal arm that rides the under side of the undercarrige that adjust the attitude of the belt tensioner as you raise and lower the deck height .
I can see part of the arm but the remainder is missing posssibly broken off the arm should have a plastic sleeve encapsulating the part that makes contact with the undercarrige .
I don't see any such part on the parts schematic...can you ID the part here: www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/manufacturer/troy-bilt/13-lawn-tractors/2016-models/tb30r-13cc26jd011-2016/deck
I believe he was referring to number 3? just noticed that mine had broken off
“Flies off and disappears in the yard.” Story of my life. Lol.
Yup off to the land of the Missing Sock
Hey man thanks u so much for all the info with u video it's made the job alot easier thanks alot ..so much detail im like a professional now because of u
Thanks for posting. I have noise coming from under the deck. Wish me luck.
Thank you, your video helped guide me through replacing the belt!
Excellent vid, Pete.
And nice mod to the keeper bolt. I am going to look into the same....... 👍
Thank you I have to replace mine as in tall grasss the blade stops moving .
Thank you again ..
Good job. Helped me a lot. Very well presented. Liked the extra tips.
Glad it helped! Thanks for commenting
Thank you so much
This was super helpful nicely done, I live in Keystone Heights and work in Jax
Cool! Thanks for watching, I'm glad it helped
Thanks so much!! Wow alot of really great important info. So Sorry That you had to go through that. But all the more appreciative that you shared it!! Blessing to you and yours!
Thanks Mike, glad it helped!
This video was perfect, got it done in 20 minutes thanks to you! Have you dealt with the drive belt? I have intermittent problems with this mower not going into forward or reverse.
My mower wont move foward or backwards. Did you ever find out why?
@@JAVIERMARTINEZ-pn7nm it will likely be the drive belts. I'm trying to make time to create a drive belt video
@@petedymond It Def. Was!!! I didnt know there is 3 belts in this mower!! It was a little tuff to get it done but its done! To anyone changing drive belts when doing so change all of them to avoid doing the process over and over. Thank you Peter for helping the craftsman community! Great videos!
I am having an issue with the parking brake not engaging most of the time. On occasion it will. It still brakes fine, but the parking brake has basically stopped working. If you come across this issue, I am hoping you can do a video. Thanks. Great info.
Hey I made a video on adjusting the brakes
@programmingchicago The brakes works fine on my TB30R but I had the same parking brake issue. Using a flashlight, I looked inside the steering column cover in that opening next to the brake pedal and I saw a huge mound of grass clippings😱. I used a long flathead screwdriver and raked most of the clippings out through the hole opening next to the brake pedal. That worked because I am able to engage my parking brake now.
Great video again. Thank you! I learned from doing the other belts) and your video) that this one would not require removing the deck. Anyway, the one thing I noticed that was different on my Tractor, was the spring placement. You went from the top in and down. Mark 8:25 My Tactor had that reversed and was fed up, which came from the manufacture this way and maybe does make better productive functioning sense based on the mechanism function in itself, that would hold better.
if you look at the diagram to the right of the parts break down you will see it more clearly as it protrudes off of the belt tensioner and rides the continuos rod that provides a guard for the deck belt as it loops around the crank shaft pulley that drives the deck belt .
You're correct! Great catch. I'm ordering one now. Jacks Small Engines has several in stock which suggests its a common order part. Thanks, now I'll have to make a follow up video!!!
Yes sir I have the same mower but the yard machine version and I changed the belt the same method that is the deck belt
Excellent video! Thanks!
Excellent advice and explanation. Most useful. Many thanks!
Glad it was helpful, thanks for commenting!
i have a cub cadet 30H, keeps throwing the belt..i keep putting it back on, just like here..only thing i haven't done, is to bend the keeper bolt tang down/in some..now i will..thanks
It maybe the other piece that's broken, see the comment about that. I just got the part in and I'll post a video this weekend about it.
The comment from David Herring
great video.. You helped a lot of DADS...
Very helpful video, thank you .
Too make working on the TB30 easier, use 2 upside down plastic 5 gallon buckets
tip the mower up on the RH side and push the rearward bucket under the back tire.
It will seem the mower is about to topple over, but, it is not. Not yet anyway. Now
you can work on the deck & save your back.
!
Thank you for helping me figure this out
Started right up, cut smooth
I am trying to buy a similar belt at a local shop do you know or does the cardboard on the new belt product have the thickness and length of belt? I know it’s says 24 to 30 but I’m guessing that’s just the blade size not the actual dimensions of the belt. I would appreciate it
Great video. Do you have one on changing the drive belt??
th-cam.com/video/vORj3teT0Fo/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
Great Video just what I needed.
Thanks, glad it helped
Thanks 🙏 you very very helpful u made it so easy
Awesome video my man, thanks much
Excellent video, solved my problem. Thanks.
Is that spacer sleeve on the tensioner supposed to be able to spin? Seem like it should but mine won’t after it is tightened. Thanks! Good video!
I don't think so, it's just to keep the belt from jumping off when you disengage, so the belt isn't riding on it.
Mr Dymond it is part number three in the parts diagram
Thank you.
Hi Peter, thank you for all of your great work here, can you please advise, i can't seem to find any information on how to change or service the *DRIVE* belts/belts (your very well done video here is of course in regards to the blade belt, I know, but I'm at my wit's end, so hoping you might be able to help). Might you have any guidance on that procedure, sir? I use my tb30 quite a lot, as the grass grows very quickly here in the very hot and moist TN summers, and after her very first season from brand-new, my tb30 already needed new drive belts (I paid a Troy Bilt authorized repair center to replace the factory belts after the mower would't even move after startup from winter storage). Well, now I'm about 1/2 way through my second season, and the replacement belts are already starting to slip now after about a dozen mowing sessions, causing slow/poor performance when not on perfectly flat ground. I've been searching, but it's tough to find info on tb30 drive belt servicing. I also searched for info on drive belt service for the 30" craftsman and cub cadet variant of this mower, assuming their drive belt construction/configuration would be similar...but no dice there, either! TIA for any recommendations you might have, good sir! I do love my little mower, she's perfect for our home, where we have lots of little obstacles to maneuver around, etc., that make using a larger mower not preferred for us....hope I can figure this out, it doesn't seem sustainable for me to have to PAY every season for new belt replacement...and I DO prefer DIY wherever possible....well, again, TIA! :^)
I did change the drive belts a couple of years ago. It was quite a job. The belts should have lasted longer than that!
Mine need to be done again and I will make a video.
For whatever reason all the blog / forums suggest that OEM belts work best on this mower. Sorry I can't be more helpful. When I get the time I'll make that video
Peter, we need that drive belt replacement video! My mower doesnt go forward nor reverse
Thanks a lot for this video it was certainly helpful!
Hi thank you so much, I have exactly the same problem. Could you please tell me the bolt and sleeve part numbers?
Cheers and have subscribed 😊
Sleeve link is in the description. You'll probably need to source your own bolt with nut as the threads in the bracket have probably been chewed up.
They want 45 dollars for a sleeve...
Could you give me a rough idea of the dimensions of the sleeve and I will make one. Thanks again
Just noticed... That washer is supposed to go on top and the narrow bit goes in the hole. Thus the nut and bolt secure the washer to the deck and the arm rides it as a bearing. The way you have it, it's going to wear more and work loose.
Thank you, you are awesome.
Thanks so much. News I can use.
Do you have a video to help me figure out how to remove the entire cutting deck?
Bien explicado lo tratare de aser ami tractor
Peter, Have you had any issues with the brake clutch not releasing sufficiently to cause the mower to travel at a crawl? I start the mower, set it to 3. 4. 5 or 6 and release the clutch and "occasionally" it runs at a crawl (very slow). I then get off the mower and physically lift and push/pull the brake clutch and then it will operate normally. But doing this is getting old. Any idea?
Just so I understand, when you release the clutch pedal in the selected speed, the mower just crawls? I suspect its a worn drive belt. There are 2 belts that are used to transfer power from the motor to the transmission. They both get replaced at the same time.
(There really isn't a 'clutch' in the typical sense, just slack in the belt that gets taken up by a pulley when you raise the pedal.) I've done them once, and need to do them again but I haven't made a video of the process because it was pretty challenging. I will try to make this the next video!
@@petedymond Thank you for your quick response. This gives me a better understanding of what is actually going on. You are the first to provide a very good rationale to my issue. I really enjoy your videos and I appreciate your response. Thank you.
Hi this helped me a lot thank you 🙏
My Craftsman 30" rider is now on it's ninth season- the only real problem I've had- besides a couple of bent blades- is the belt- and have put maybe 5 or 6 on the past five or six years. The 9/16 nut that goes through the spring on the pivot assemble keeps coming loose- I have to tighten it before every mow- and I've been meaning on getting a longer bolt so I can double bolt it firmly- I did that once but it came off the short screw shaft and I still have to tighten- Locktite doesn't hold it either. Anyway, that tends to make the pivot assembly loose allowing the belt off. I see at the very first shot of this that the belt holding pin of this newer model had a flange at the bottom- if I can find a large flat washer I may try to install one, or fashion a flange, but in the course of this vid and pin replacement- THAT disappears. It may help hold the belt on. The problem grows more in focus as I work with it and vids are on here. I kept forgetting how the belt routed and ruined one or two with poor installation. If they still sold these- I'd buy another, but now they have disappeared. Everything over 38" always uses two belt- too big for my small yard and twice the problems probably. I change the oil every Spring and the Chinese motor has run flawlessly. A float charger through the winters in my Florida shed gives me about 4 or 5 years on the battery now.
A lock washer under the pivot assembly nut should solve the loosening bolt problem.
I would get a locknut (sometimes called a nylock) and that should solve it
Thank you. this helped me very much.
stopped the Video at 10:19 and you can see a part is broken off that is bolted on the Tensioner the tensioner guide rod. The end with a plastic bushing made on it that goes over and moves under the belt guide.
Yes, see the follow up video!
Very helpful... Thanks
im having issue starting my craftsman model.it doesnt click or anything.the safety btton by chute is pinned back but it still does nothing.what else can i check
Do you have battery voltage?
If so then make sure the blades aren't engaged.
There are several cut off switches.
The deck chute, clutch pedal, blade pto and seat.
How do you a stuck brake pedal on one like this. Can't get it to release
The locking mechanism is part of the speed selector switch. To release it, depress the brake pedal all the way down and move the speed selector lever.
If it's stuck then it's something in the selector lever hanging up
Does the belt go on the pulley with he backside touching the brake or no?
I'm not sure what you mean? The belt just goes around the pulley itself
excellent!
Thanks!!!
great vid
Peter, I noticed that your idler guide rod is broken off. Mine just broke off after replacing my belt and blade. My mower is rattling real bad now with the blade not engaged. When I engage the blade it still rattles but the belt slides off that bolt with sleeve you put a nut on and stays on the other two pulleys. I originally put the thing with the catch on top and thought that was the issue, but am still having the same issues. Is that idler guide rod needed? Trying to figure out this rattle.
@peterdymond
Thanks in advance. Hope you can help me. I love your videos btw.
Watch the update video, it talks about that
@@Eatoffthefloor OMG. Thank you. Did not see that.
I can't seem to find any diagram for the deck engagement connections to the handle on the other side. The cable is still attached at front base of handle but the handle has play in it and won't engage. It looks like a spring or something else could be missing but Troy bilt is no help and no diagram for anything attached at the back side of the base where the nut attaches it to the frame.
Try putting in your model number here:www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/manufacturer/troy-bilt/13-lawn-tractors
They have several parts diagrams
The reason your belt was able to jump off the idler, before you bent the bracket down, is that you have a broken idler guide rod.
Watch the follow up video!
My belt came off because of the metal square holder broke, any idea of the name of the part?
Belt Keeper Deck part number 74706126A
Can someone please tell me what part number the idler sleeve is?
Thanks
In the description there is a link to the parts diagram on Jack's small engines.
How much would the tb30r lawn mower deck would cost me.
The whole deck assembly? No idea. You can look up parts online.
The "handle" that keeps the adjusting pully level, is broken off.
Yup, I figured that out. Watch the part 2 video
Hey Peter, where in Jax is that engine place you mentioned? Thanks!
Jacks Small Engines is a website. If you need mower repairs then Nichols on Beach Blvd is the place to go!
Ok yes I’m aware of both of those. Thank You. I guess I can thought you said Jacksonville small engines. 😅
🙏
👍
Why not spare yourself a knuckle busting from working in tight spaces and just remove the deck? It's only three cotter pins and you have mega room! And you could have replaced the retainer without having to pull extra parts off the deck.....I'm just saying.....
how did you bend that bracket? at 10:00.
I actually busted a knuckle getting my finger pinched in the deck. This way is much easier, trust me. There's plenty of room in there for this job unless you're Andre the Giant.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video!…very helpful!
also in jax... thats whats up
You r missing a rod that holes the pulley level when
Yes, well aware of that. See the other videos!
Here's one climbing a hill, not bad! th-cam.com/video/I3KmjAKAT-I/w-d-xo.html do you have hills to mow?
Thanks!!!