Drive Belt Coming Off.

[NCMau]

Craftsman 24 HP, 54", Mod 917.20403. The machine is about a year old with 50 hrs.
This is the second time the drive belt came off. You have to take the deck off in order to to put the drive belt back on track. This is problematic, especially for me due to a health issue. Is this problem common with this machine? Is there something I can do. Everything with the pulleys and keepers seem to be in order.

 

[577jersey]

I would make sure the tensioner pulley and spring are functioning correctly..make sure the belt has plenty of tension,,if not the spring may be stretched out,,i have seen weak springs come from the factory.

 

[BlazNT]

Mowing really tall stuff will also cause the belt to be dislodged.

 

[mechanic mark]

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/model-part/917204030/0247/1509200/1411335p/00003.html

First inspect belt for cracks etc.

Is belt item 56 with part number 420807?

 

[bertsmobile1]

There is no mower that requires you to remove the deck to replace the deck belt.
Some might require one or more hangers to be remover, but full removal of the deck, not right

According to the manual the only thing that needs to be removed are the belt guards.
If you can not get to the screws that hold them in replace them with either wing bolts or socket headed cap screws.
If you go with the wing bolts put the thickest O ring you can get that is tight on the shaft to prevent them slacking off during use.