How do you get the v-belt off Craftsman mower

All craftsman decks have a belt diagram on the deck usually on the flat stop rear center

Dan, Mower deck belt diagram /replacement links below. "I hope this helped you out, if so let me know by pressing the helpful button. Check out some of my other posts if you need more tips and info."

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deck belt diagram craftsman riding mower Google Search

Drive belt has come off or gears are broken

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/david_66a56a0239b6ab32

My question would be what caused the belt to break. Have you checked under the mower deck to make sure the blades turn freely? Could be that something is jamming them and causing the motor to die. Or even a blade that hit something hard might be bent against the top of mower deck.

the belt you are looking for is a 74A , belt is too loose or not being engaged correctly, check the cables to the pulleys .

motor off= deck engaed turn blade should turn motor and belt fairly easy, NO remove the belt from the motor pulley with deck engaged blades should turn freely.
most decks have breaks on the pullies so if the deck is not engaged the break will be on

it is better to replace the belt then to tighten it

dont understand your question ... get the belt ... it was designed to fit ... there are probably at least three pulleys. put the belt around the motor pulley and the trans pulley then figure out how the clutch or tensioner pulley interact with it.

You need to post the 917.xxxxxx model number for some one to help you. There are about 10 different belts that fit different 42" Craftsman mowers.
You could also go to www3,sears.com and put in the same 917.xxxxxx model number and look up the part number. You do not want to buy a belt just by the size alone but must use one that is made for the machine application. The cheaper ones that you pick up in the local hardware store etc. like a 3Lxxx or 4Lxxx are made for low horsepower electric motors and will not last on your lawnmower.

Check the motor of craftsman LT 2000 riding mower