Craftsman YT4500

[Phogan]

I have a 2012 Craftsman YT4500.
It looks like the drive/fan belt has come off.
What is the best way to get to it to either replace it or put it back on?

I am new at all of this so I appreciate your patience and help!

Thanks
Phogan

 

[Carscw]

I have a 2012 Craftsman YT4500. It looks like the drive/fan belt has come off. What is the best way to get to it to either replace it or put it back on? I am new at all of this so I appreciate your patience and help! Thanks Phogan

When a belt comes off it is because something is wrong.
Most common is the belt needs to be replaced.
Other things could be the engine or transaxle pulley is bent or has came loose.
A idler pulley bearing could be bad or a spring has came off.

If the belt looks thin or looks old replace it.
Look at the pulleys make sure they don't wobble or feel loose but spin free.

 

[Phogan]

Great! Thanks
What is the easiest way to get to all or it?
Lift it up? Take something apart?
Thanks for the help!
Phogan

 

[Carscw]

Great! Thanks What is the easiest way to get to all or it? Lift it up? Take something apart? Thanks for the help! Phogan

Take the deck off.
I have a come along I hook to the front and lift it up so I can get to everything.

 

[Phogan]

Thanks!
Can't wait to take a look.
Stay tuned....
Phogan

 

[tigercat]

I got a 4 year old craftsman (Model # 2885246) yard tractor and it does the same thing. To put the belt on, remove the battery and reach down into the rear pulley and put it back on. You will need to make a guide to keep the belt from popping off the rear pulley. I use a 10 inch bolt that is bolted to the right hand side of the frame. It sticks over the belt just enough so if the belt wants to bounce it won't jump off. The sears tech told me the machine was redesigned and the rear pulley was changed and they omitted the guide that was on the older pulley system. This fall it popped off in reverse, so I added another bolt which in below the belt.

Sears machines went down hill. I won't buy another if they continue to make them like this.

 

[wjjones]

I got a 4 year old craftsman (Model # 2885246) yard tractor and it does the same thing. To put the belt on, remove the battery and reach down into the rear pulley and put it back on. You will need to make a guide to keep the belt from popping off the rear pulley. I use a 10 inch bolt that is bolted to the right hand side of the frame. It sticks over the belt just enough so if the belt wants to bounce it won't jump off. The sears tech told me the machine was redesigned and the rear pulley was changed and they omitted the guide that was on the older pulley system. This fall it popped off in reverse, so I added another bolt which in below the belt.

Sears machines went down hill. I won't buy another if they continue to make them like this.

I think the battery is under the hood on the YT. I just pull the deck, and reach back there place the belt over the fan on one side then turn the fan by hand, and it spins the belt back on. It might have a missing belt keeper, or one is bent out of place if it keeps jumping off like that. If the keepers are there make sure the belt is between the keeper, and the pulley.

 

[davbell22602]

I have a Craftsman YT4500 and the battery in under the seat on mine.

 

[wjjones]

I have a Craftsman YT4500 and the battery in under the seat on mine.

They keep changing it up so much its hard to keep up with. Mine is under the hood right under the dash mine is a YS though so that is why I guess.

 

[davbell22602]

They keep changing it up so much its hard to keep up with. Mine is under the hood right under the dash mine is a YS though so that is why I guess.

Now my DYS4500 battery is under the hood.