Craftsman LT1000 917.271814 Deck Belt Size 95" or 95.5"

[tressler]

Hi, I am having difficulty trying to determine if the deck belt length should be 95" or 95 1/2". I have seen both advertised for this tractor.

Locally, I can only find a 95" belt, which fits and works, but I have noticed that the blades do not fully disengage. Could that be from the belt being 1/2" too short or something else? Perhaps the brakes on the pulleys?

Thanks!

 

[Carscw]

Hi, I am having difficulty trying to determine if the deck belt length should be 95" or 95 1/2". I have seen both advertised for this tractor. Locally, I can only find a 95" belt, which fits and works, but I have noticed that the blades do not fully disengage. Could that be from the belt being 1/2" too short or something else? Perhaps the brakes on the pulleys? Thanks!

I always ran the 95 belt. Check the blade brakes. Also makes sure the idler pulley is released all the way back.

 

[bertsmobile1]

95.5" is the correct size.
That makes it a special size which by virtue of low volume ends up being twice the price of std belts and so stocked only by mower shops.
Standard belts go up in 1" incriments

And yes that 1/2" can make a difference.
Also the type of belt makes a difference.
Clutching belts must be wrapped

Also spindle brake pads make a big difference.
You need all 3 to be right or the blades will not stop spinning

You can check the real belt size by dropping the part number into the Gates part finder
gates.com/all-search-tools/automotive-interchange-search-results
Then check the Gates belt number in their catalogue ( click on the links )

 

[tressler]

Thanks for the advice and information. I am taking the deck off this weekend to clean and paint it... will give me a good chance to inspect the brakes and disengage cable/mechanism.

I guess I will use the 95" belt as it is new, and look for a 95.5".

 

[tressler]

You can check the real belt size by dropping the part number into the Gates part finder
gates.com/all-search-tools/automotive-interchange-search-results
Then check the Gates belt number in their catalogue ( click on the links )

By the way... Gates says it is 95.24" so I am not going to worry about less than 1/4".

 

[bertsmobile1]

By the way... Gates says it is 95.24" so I am not going to worry about less than 1/4".

OK. you caught out me being lazy and not checking detail :ashamed:
I will now bend over and you can swing your boot at the screen I will take my punishment like a man.

I work on a lot of LT100's in their various colours and stock that belt from Stens which has a 265-xxx number signifing it is not a standard size

 

[tressler]

OK. you caught out me being lazy and not checking detail :ashamed:
I will now bend over and you can swing your boot at the screen I will take my punishment like a man.

LOL, not a problem.... I won't kick you.... Just glad I can use the belt I have. I will reply with my findings about the brakes after I remove the deck this weekend.

 

[bertsmobile1]

LOL, not a problem.... I won't kick you.... Just glad I can use the belt I have. I will reply with my findings about the brakes after I remove the deck this weekend.

Belts were the hardest thing to get my head around till I found that Gates site
The design teams obviously just plug the numbers into an equation and out pops things like 104 & 19/32" or 98 & 31/64".
What I don't get is the ordering & inventory department dosn't jump in and say lets make it 105" and move the spring hole 0.005" or fit a softer / longer spring get the assembler stroke the hole once with a file etc,etc.

 

[tressler]

Update...

Took the deck off, scraped it clean... painted it, inspected the pulleys, oiled them... put everything back together with my new 95" belt and cut the grass!

After the cleaning and oiling the moving parts... the brakes seem to work better... still doesn't stop immediately, but defiantly better than it was.

I did notice that the "pads" are worn about halfway where the make contact with the pulleys... so new brakes may be the answer... But, they are a bit expensive....

Anyways, Thank you for the help!

 

[bertsmobile1]

Troll around the web for NOS motorcycle brake linings.
This material is softer than car linings, and you want some from an 8" brake.
Cut it wet with hack saw and drill it on a low speed again wet.
Dry it out put some soper glue get on the pad and pop rivet it back onto the old brake shoe.

I use tractor brake band from an external brake but it only comes 4' lengths