Bolens Riding Mower Drive Belt Replacement
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- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
- Parts listed below
How to Replace the drive belts on a Bolens (MTD) riding mower with the Varidrive belt system. The Varidrive system uses two belts rather than 1 belt like most mowers. The rear belt often wears faster than the front however both should be replaced at the same time as the system is dependent on the belts matching.
Part numbers:
Front belt- 954-04001A / 754-04001A amzn.to/2YlcaGr
Rear belt- 954-05040 / 754-0241A amzn.to/2Jt4qOi
belt drive transmission shift on the go 6 speed 7 speed bolens troy-bilt troy-built troy bilt built yard machine machines vari-drive vari drive pulley transaxle variable cvt
Exactly what I needed to see! I was trying to get at it from the bottom and couldn't figure it out. 🎉Thanks!
Edit: You even left parts numbers and links! A+ dude!!
That’s why I gave him a check 😊😊
The VS system is the best and for sure the cheapest to operate, it’s 35 years of proven service 😊
No way would I buy a new hydraulic mower system
I love fixing the older mowers with this system and it’s surprisingly good that there bring the old ones to shop to be rebuilt again 😊😊😊
I’m loving it 😍
this is exactly the video i needed to see. i always watch how to vids before i do the work, saves alot time & hassle & money. thanks for posting much appreciated!!
He doesn’t show how he broke that nut loose?!?
Impact
@@jessecrocker8025how do you get an impact on there?
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I had the wrong manual and wound up disassembling half the damned mower trying to figure it out by myself wit the wrong manual. This is so much easier.....Thank you!
Thanks for this - I have a different model (BL 125/76 T). My front pulley has an easily removable guard and the rear belt setup is different so didn't have to loosen off the pulley. Seeing your video gave me the confidence to go ahead and I managed with 1 spanner, a crowbar, pair of pliers and a big hammer.
Thank you so much for this video! It was just what I needed to get that belt back on!
Thank you very much for posting this video. I own this particular model. The tension spring kept popping off the idler pulley arm where it attached to the frame. I had replaced the deck belt before but had never attempted the others. After viewing this I was able to replace both drive belts. That fixed the problem. Only big problem I had was breaking the bottom bolt loose on the pulleys under the engine. I have got to get a pair of those mechanics gloves.
I grabbed the front pulley with a large channel lock pliers. still managed to tear up my knuckles! be sure to use a closed end wrench or a socket wrench on that bottom bolt so you don't round it off. good luck.
Good tutorial... My belt had broken off and I had a question regarding belt guides. Obviously, the belt went inside the guides next to the pulley but I wasn't sure about the two guides farther out that were bolted to the deck. Your video showed the belt inside those also...Thanks!
Good Video! I had problems with the nut on the pulley. Then I removed 4 bolts from the transmission to the axle. This allowed the frame to move and give me enough room to change the drive belt. Your video helped with the other steps. Thanks! Bob
Man, my mower didn't go nearly so easy lol. Thanks for the info though.
Was it a pain in the ass getting the first nut off?
Great job on doing the video. Exactly the clip I needed, thank you!
Great video, very informative and clear. I ran into trouble using a pry bar on the tension pulley. Ended up taking the spring off of its spot on the frame with a trampoline T-Hook and the belt slipped right on then used the T-Hook to put the spring back.
I just did the same thing on another bolens. It's much easier that way.
that tension pully was a pain. i had to push against it with a hoofed pry bar while my gf put the belt on from the top.
What size are the belts
Great vid.... What a tight space but I got the job done with my man hands....
Hey, just want to say thanks... my mower quit working a couple of weeks ago... turns on but doesn't move into gear, forward or reverse, and after watching this video and looking underneath I think I have found my problem... the drive belt up front has slipped off the pulley. Hopefully following this and switching belts out fixes it.
Many Thanks pfun41 for your instructional video here on the Bolen belts.
Thanks for the video, this helps alot as I will be replacing all the belts.
thanks for the video, it was a big help for me to change out my belt
Awesome thanks. saved my butt👍
Thank you for posting this video. Just what I needed.
how do you get the front pulley of without it moving
Thanks for the video you have explained exactly what I will need to do on my bolens
I have a MTD and the variable drive belt is not long enough. It is the right size belt. I don't know how you did it so easy.
It is far easier to reove the tensioner pulley spring and then put the belt on. I happened on this accidentally when the spring popped off while using the pry bar.
Thank you so much for this video...great job!
Great video
I know this video is old but I'm hoping you still get notifications. I have this exact same mower and for the life of me I cannot find the part # for the rear pulley. Mine is coming out to be 37inches I cant find one anywhere.
Did you use the model number to find a parts breakdown?
After replacing the drive belt on my Bolens the 1-6 speed selector no longer works! It stays on like 1 or 2 very slow. The new belt is the same number as old belt but very tight. I had a lot of trouble getting tension spring back on. Is it too tight? I think spring was off on old one.
The first bolt is not coming off for me. How does anyone get this off?
@pfun41, Thanks for the video. A few months ago, I replaced all my belts. My concern at this point is I'm wondering why my trans belt wore so quickly and my Bolens WILL NOT pull even up the slightest incline. I looked and wondered why the upper variable drive pulley that holds the trans belt has such a wide gap and the "V" part of the belt now sits all the way against the shaft part of the pulley. I noticed you mentioned that the new trans belt will fit tighter, but I can't figure out why my mower will not pull now and just noticed the belt seems to be completely wore out at 2 months old. The belt is not frayed or torn, but is wore out as compared to your new belt installation at 7:58 on video as compared to the way mine looks like yours at :51seconds. My idler pulley is almost all the way against the frame now. Why is the variable drive pulley where the trans belt fits so wide where the "V" fits? Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated, Richie
The gap varies so that where on the pulley the belt rides changes thereby changing the speed. There's definately something wrong causing your belt to wear out, which is why it can no longer pull hills. Look for anything it may be rubbing on.
Thanks. Let me rake a closer look tomorrow and I’ll get back in touch. Thanks Man 👍🏻
I never so much hated on the varidrive system but, never cared for the idea as it didn't seem like it was easy to change the belts on this type of setup however you make it seem easy and when you think about it talking about a regular six speed pearless or hydro such as that found in a craftsman that has just one belt probably isn't really any easy to do
+427 Elevating Productions Depends on the mower. Some Craftsmans you can pull the belt without even removing much of anything, others you have to pull the steering shaft. If memory serves me correct the belt in my ys4500 can come out by just removing some idlers. Deck belts are gravy.
The front one broke into several pieces and i cant find them all to compare for a new belt.
Why is belt replacement always a bear on riding mowers?!?! I was hoping you'd have an easy way around it, but great video!
Thank you!
What size is the front belt? my rear drive broke and it had 46 in marked on it! The front belt was so old I cant see any numbers. I tried a 47" and its too short. is it a 50 " ?
Well you made taking that transmission pulley off look real easy; however, with that bar in the way and the limited access through the battery storage I am finding it nearly impossible to break that pulley bolt free. Any suggestions? No clearance for a socket.
+Cindy Nunya others have unbolted the transmission to get enough space for a socket. I doubt you'll be able to get enough leverage with a standard wrench. Other option is to try moving the bar.
+pfun41 Thank you, we were finally able to get the bolt out.
Yep great video. I'm working on mine. Right now I can't get past the nut on the transaxle pulley. as you know not good access can't get enough torque. Lubed,heated,hammered on there like a snapping turtle. ANY ADVICE!?
smashed my hand pretty good getting that bad boy off
Thanks A million!!!!!!!
This is a good video, but I have some suggestions. The mechanic simply loosens the nut that holds the transmission pulley. I had better success by removing the nut entirely. When installing the new belt, place it around the transmission pulley only--not the varidrive pulley or the tensioner pulley, Then make SURE the notches in the center of the pulley align perfectly with the splines on the pulley shaft. Close is not good enough. The transmission pulley and pulley shaft must align perfectly. Then run the new belt around the varidrive pulley. Finally run the new belt around the tensioner pulley. That will be more difficult than you think, even if you are using a pry bar. I prefer to remove the right rear tire and the bolt that holds the tensioner spring in place. Run the new belt around the tensioner pulley and then muscle the tensioner spring bolt back into place.
If you take the front pulls off does it go back on one way or does it just go back on?
It's keyed so only goes on one way.
Just changed out rear drive belt. Tutorial was very helpful. Now, I only have 1 speed (& it’s not very fast...... about a 3 on a 6 speed). Any suggestions?
Try replacing the front one and make sure its the right part number. Belt length is critical on these.
Same thing , correct belt but speed control is stuck on 1 or 2 (slow). I'm not even sure what that lever does, can't see behind the mechanism. Damn, can this be more complicated?
should that front pulley ALWAYS be turning while the mower is running?
Yes.
I have a older poulan mower,it's like a 38 inch deck and a 13.5 hp motor. I've never had to really change stuff like that but how would I tell what size drive belt I'd need?
Usually Husqvarna/ayp built mowers have a list of common replacement parts on the inside of the hood. If it doesn't have that you can look it up by the model number which is usually under the seat.
Does anyone know how to tighten the belt on the blade>
Thanx man
Hi: then, the bolens tractor has two belts? Thank you!
yes
I replaced my drive belt now it wont climb hills how to adjust?
You might have the wrong size belt. Did you replace both or just one?
I can't get that drive pulley loose to change the drive belt, any suggestions. i used my impact drill didn't break it loose. Maybe I'll get one that has more torque. What's your thought. (anyone)?
Impact driver doesn't have enough grunt. Has to be an impact wrench.
If the pulley won't come off once bolt out put a little heat on it with a torch but not to much heat
I have a problem with the drive belt on the front pulley coming off when I go to higher speed settings. It is the angle of the belt at those settings and I see no keeper to stop it from moving off the pulley. I do see two screws on the retainer legs. Is there supposed to be washers or something on these that keep the belt from coming off?
Barry Wind On the Engine pulley or the Vari drive pulley? There are tabs built into the frame that act as belt keepers for the engine side drive pulley. There are also keepers built into the arm the Vari drive pulley mounts to for the front belt. The rear belt doesn't have keepers as it is always under tension. The belt shouldn't come off under tension, V belts will tolerate a large amount of misalignment.
***** The engine pulley is the one the belt is coming off and there are keepers on three sides. It only does it when I use a higher moving speed setting. I don't really know what is making the speed difference... but I think it is a pulley under spring tension and the belt rides from the inside to the outside and vice versa for the different speeds. I think they call them variable speed pulleys.
Barry Wind Are the keepers bent? They should be straight down and there shouldn't be enough space for the belt to come off. More than once Ive seen people bend the keepers to get a belt off. How old are the belts?
***** No, the keepers are not bent and the belt was put on a little while back and still looks good. The only two times it happened was when I put it in a very high position. I suspect either the angle or maybe the speed pulley. I and others very seldom use those high speed positions. If the speed pulley is not operating to keep proper tension at those unused positions it would allow slack in the belt and throw off of the engine pulley. That's what I think is happening. Speed pulley might need some lub and work the whole range of speed for it to act as it should. But to go through that would be a temporary fix at best since it is seldom used. Thanks for the help.
mine will only run in the fastest speed. what do you think is the problem, could it be a belt that is to loose.. i just got the moawer havent really looked at it yet
Belts are worn. Common problem on vari drive mowers.
I got me a free bolens the other day... The guy said he thought the transmission was out... so I started it today and it drives real slow in 7th gear , wont go in 1st or any other, and it sounds like the belt is squeeling just a tiny bit on the front pulley... is there a pulley that it could be off on or is it just a stretched belt... i havent really looked at it but was looking for a little guidence so i can just go to town without much thinking ahahaha
Probably needs belts.
it is the belt... i fired it up yesterday after it was done raining, and all i heard was the belt squeeling and wouldnt move at all
Great video! ... Why did you change belts in the first place? Was your performance down? ..... I have an MTD. The lawn tractor rolls, very slowly. Could it be that I need to replace one of the drive belts? Which one? Can they just be tightened? Also, I am not sure what a "variable drive" pulley does. Can you explain? Thanks.
The Belts on this mower were badly worn and starting to crack in spots. This mower uses the varidrive system which is sensitive to belt wear. Worn belts can cause the mower to move slowly or not at all especially in lower gears.There is a way to adjust belt tension but if the belts are worn both should be replaced.
This video explains the varidrive system, including the variable pulley.
How the MTD Varidrive system works
*****
Fantastic! Thank you for your reply. I will take a look at the link. :)
In the video, from the link that you showed, you mentioned that some mowers have a pedal on the right side (that is what I have) that makes the mower go faster, the harder that you depress the pedal. Is it a cable that moves the varidrive pulley (or any other pulley), to create more tension in the belt? Is there a way to adjust that cable? Is there another way to adjust the pulley system in order to have the belt to get to the correct positions on the varidrive pulley in order to change wheel speeds. I don't think that I am getting enough wheel speed transferred from my motor speed.
Spam from Google There is a linkage that connects the pedal to the mount for the variable pulley that is adjustable, but if your not getting enough speed I'd suspect your belts are worn. The varidrive system does wear belts faster than a traditional single belt setup and most Varidrive mowers I get have worn belts. I would replace the belts before trying to adjust it. Even if they look ok they could be stretched and worn enough to cause problems.
*****
Okay, bro, thank you for the great video, and thank you for taking the time to answer questions. Thanks again.
ese video es de un 38 0 un 42
38" but they all have the same drive system.
My mower does not have a idler pulley , how do you get the belt on?
You're gonna have to be more specific than that. IIRC this system won't function without the proper idlers.
***** Already got it, you got to take the spring off
Do you happen to remember the length for the front drive belt for the 38" cut model? Thank you
MTD likes to use a proprietary belt style with a smaller contact patch and difference pitch than standard so just getting the same size doesn't work well. Also, no.
What size
was the belt
35 and 1/4 belt works better
I can’t get the varidrive pulley (the one on the engine) to drop down past the beltkeepers to slip the belt off. I got the bolt off the pulley but the pulley won’t budge. I’ve tried prying it and wd40 but no luck. Any suggestions? Driving me crazy!
Excellent video & explanation I really appreciated, take care. 😉👍
How can I get the front pulley nut to break if it don’t want to come off
husband just replaced belt, pto will not engage blades in forward but will in reverse. help!
Greatly appreciate kind sir, even almost a decade later
In your video, when installing the drive belt on the rear lower varidrive pulley, you didn't seem to have to argue with the belt keepers to get it on. I'm stumped on how to get the belt past them. Mine look like the one I can see on your video. Thanks, very helpful.
Just lift up the centersection of the varidrive pulley and the belt should fit right past them.
Thank you buddy
Gee I wish you would have said the size of the belts
Part numbers in description.
Well done. Thanks.
The front pulley turns when I try to remove the bolt
It's turning the engine. Hold the pulley and impact it off or remove the spark plug and insert a bunch of rope to keep the engine from turning.
You can also hold the pulley shaft with a pipe wrench and let it turn until it locks on the frame....
Thank You for this video. Was wondering how I was going to get that nut off the rear belt Pulley and didn't want to damage the transmission