my craftsman lawn mower belt is loose how do i tighten it?

Question

is there a belt tentioner????

Answer 1

Don't aske me, I'm just a girl.

Answer 2

Craftsman Lawn Mower Belts

Answer 3

Well, when the Craftsmen mower is running the belt is at a different tension then when it is turned off so it is always better to check the belt while the mower is running.

Step 1: Lean down next to the running mower and place one hand firmly on the mower shroud. Get a good grip placing your fingers up under the edge so you don't slip. Be careful not to cut you fingers on the edge or on the rotating blade.
Step 2: With your other hand reach under the seat and place your index and middle fingers around the edge of the belt and pull out slightly. If the belt pulls out more then an inch it will need to be tightened. Be careful not to catch your fingers between the belt and the pulley.

There may be warning stickers at various places on the mower that advise against using this or similar methods, but those warnings are easily disregarded.

Answer 4

My brother-in-law was a Sears lawnmower repair specialist for at least 10 years, but he has "fixed" the same belt problem on my newer model mower at least 7 times in the last year (!)...
three belt slips ago he said he replaced the belt so that I "wouldn't have any more problems with it"
I'm trying to mow the lawn one more time before it snows, but as soon as I pulled it out of the storage unit, the belt slipped off again...
he begrudgingly came over two days later and "fixed" it... I was 20 minutes into mowing (at least a 2 hour job...) when the belt slipped off again...
Afraid to ask him to come over again (he has a bad attitude about most things unless he's has a couple beers under his belt), I tried to fix it myself ~ and even asked one of my brothers if he would show me how to do it so I don't have to depend on some annoying guy to do it for me...
I was informed that it would be too hard to explain & too difficult for me to do by myself (even though I repair cars, plumbing, and Every other thing for my elderly mother because most men I know are too lazy...)
I usually learn more online, so that's why I'm on this site...which, not surprisingly, has an overwhelming number of snarky & condescending comments from men..:{
(There was only one answer that remotely tried to solve the problem...)

Answer 5

You need your model and/or serial number to know if there is a tensioner on the belt, without looking underneath. Usually it is just a pully with a spring to keep tension against the belt, or it may be part of the attached pully system.
If the belt is about 2 years old or older, you may need a new one. If you are mechanically inclined, purchase a belt and go for it! If not call Sears or a small engine repair shop. With your model and serial number you can look up the specs online of how to change your paticular mower belt. Good luck with it :)
...jj

Answer 6

Craftsman Yts 4000

Answer 7

There is usually an idler pulley with a spring tension adjustment . This is used to keep tension on the belt and control slippage.

Answer 8

i would haft to see but here's my blinded guess.there should be 2 or 4 nuts that hold shaft and are in slotted holes in body,loosen and use something to pry in place. just remember someone put it on in the first place by loosening something and in doubt i look at the schematics.also as any moving part,they do wear out either breaking or stretching.

Answer 9

No, sorry. You'll have to have the belt replaced. They'll do it at Sears. Or, you could have a Dad like mine...he'll do it for free! (Okay, who am I kidding?? I always make him a pie).

Answer 10

discontinue the craftsman lawn mower. simply it is a junk, poorly designed machine.

Answer 11

Ditto with the last guy.

Need your model #'s to see what mower you have.
You sound like one of my customers. I have a mower and its broke how do I fix it. Well whats wrong, Its broke says the customer. Duh !!