Craftsman GT - motion drive belt jam

c3c1 · Jun 14, 2012

I purchased a used Craftsman GT Hydro with 50 inch deck. I think I now know why it was for sale.

Early on the motion belt jumped off the pulley on the transmission, jammed behind the pulley and burned up. It was not real old, but torn up, so I replaced it. About 6 hours running later (3 weeks), it has jumped off again and jammed in the same place. I was quick about shutting down and pushing to the shed. I use the clutch/brake as I mow, and this happened when I did a stop/start to lean and grab a branch/trash. Same the earlier jam.

Since I replaced with the correct belt, is there an adjustment or spring needing replacement to avoid this?

RandyT · Jun 14, 2012

Make sure that the belt guides are in place around the tranny pulley. Also make sure that the transmission support bracket has not come loose. If the bracket has come loose the tranny can rock back and forth throwing the belt off of the pulley.

c3c1 · Jun 14, 2012

Interesting, there are no belt guides near the tranny pulley. I don't even see a place where one might go, or have gone. There is no movement in the tranny position. If I could figure a way to place a belt guide behind the pulley, that would fix it.