247.29001, R1000 deck belt tension

M

Mark H_NO

Well-Known Member
I have a Craftsman R1000. The model sticker says 247.290001, ser 1e135b20658. It's a rear engine rider, not a zero turn. I've been trying to find out how to adjust tension in the blade belt. The mower seems to throw the belt. I have replaced the belt several times and the guide rod on the idler pulley bracket. The guide rod rides below the cross bar. I have assembled it wrong and broken the guide. The mower works great, but it seems like it could use a little more tension in that belt. I read somewhere that you can loosen the motor mount bolts and adjust tension that way, but that may have been for a different mower. This is my mower, unlike the snapper I'm also working on. I've had another of this model, and it has found a new home.
 
Hi Mark,

Verify that you are using an OE belt. Some aftermarket belts just do not work correctly. Factory belts are often Kevlar or Aramid construction for strength. Parts store belts are not designed for mower applications. Forget even using Amazon, the money you think you are saving will quickly cost you more.
 
Well, it's definitely not an OEM belt. I mostly get them off amazon. They claim to be made for mowers... I don't use generic parts store belts, unless I need something today. This mower doesn't have to work too hard, it's not much more than an hour to cut here. I will look into OE belt though. Thanks for the info.

So, you don't think it is related to tension?
 
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Many after market are spec at 1/2 x 43-1/2. If going with remember to measure the belt before installing.
 
The heavy duty one I just looked up at amazon, link above, is 43-1/2, so is the other one I bought for that mower. Hmmm. Thanks.
 
If I am not mistaken, this has a lever to engage the deck with a cable. The cable bracket attached to the deck on most models like this is slide adjustable to take up excess belt slack.
 
Yes, it is a cable/lever to engage. I looked, but didn't see any adjustment. I read what doc's I could find, with no reference to adjustment. I'll look again. Thanks.
 
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