I own an LT2000, Model 917.273764. About three weeks ago the original drive belt shredded (10 years old). I looked in my owner manual and at a data plate that's under the hood of my mower. Both listed part numbers for the drive belt and deck belt. I promptly ordered one of each from Amazon. After trying for over four hours to install the drive belt I finally found out it was four inches to short, it was the correct part number according to my owners manual and the mower data plate. I went to my local auto parts store and bought a 86 inch belt to try it. Still two inches too short. Took belt back for a refund and went to my local Sears store. They had the owners manual listed belt in stock. Bought it thinking Amazon had sent me the wrong belt. This one was also four inches too short. Went back to auto parts store and bought an 88 inch belt. YAY, The forth belt worked. Then started on the deck belt from Amazon. It was extremely hard to install and after installation it was so tight that the started wouldn't spin the blades. After a couple of hours of trying finally installed the old deck belt and everything worked great. I called Sears Parts Direct and they told me the correct drive belt length was 87.5 inches and where on earth did I get the part number for the belt I ordered (P/N40294). When I said out of my owners manual and the mower data plate, we lost the connection (really).
Part two: After lots of research I found that the part number in my owners manual and off the mower data plate (P/N 144959) is for a 95 inch deck belt. Some places list it at 95 inches and some at 95.5 inches. I read a lot of reviews and found that a lot of people have experienced the same problem I did. P/N 144959 is often too short and locks up the engine because its too tight. A neighbor and I put in around 12 hours on this mess and he generally knows what he's doing. Still haven't changed out the mower deck belt, but at least I know the correct length. Anyone else had this joyful experience?
Part two: After lots of research I found that the part number in my owners manual and off the mower data plate (P/N 144959) is for a 95 inch deck belt. Some places list it at 95 inches and some at 95.5 inches. I read a lot of reviews and found that a lot of people have experienced the same problem I did. P/N 144959 is often too short and locks up the engine because its too tight. A neighbor and I put in around 12 hours on this mess and he generally knows what he's doing. Still haven't changed out the mower deck belt, but at least I know the correct length. Anyone else had this joyful experience?