I have a Sears Craftsman riding mower that I purchased new about 12 years ago. It's been very slow
in "pickup" and not very responsive when I try to accelerate all season long. After feeling around underneath,
I decided to replace the mower drive belt, and while I was at it, figured I ought to replace the mower deck belt
as well, since both were original. After a few phone calls, I found that the repair, plus pickup/delivery was going
to cost me between $300-$400 bucks. The two belts cost $60. Since I'm a cheapskate, but have plenty
of time on my hands, I decided to do it myself!
Luckily, I still have the owners' manual which details how to change those belts, and of course, there's always YouTube videos. Not being all that mechanical, it took me most of the afternoon, but after finishing, I took it
for a trial run and mowed for about 15 minutes....VOILA! It works! Acceleration seems to have
returned and it seems to mow as well as before. While I was at it, I changed the oil and sharpened the
blades as well. I'm tired as hell now, but feel like I accomplished something good today!!
