100% agree. I've tried to save a few bucks by using aftermarket parts - and it always ends up costing me more. The OEM parts work better and last longer. They're always worth the extra money.
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Great video, very helpful, thank you!!! Fyi, our JD supplier sold us the wrong belt in the right packaging. Very frustrating. Ha ha. Got it replaced and went on like a dream. One other note: did not need to remove the spring. My guy did that the first go round; it was very difficult for an older guy. With the correct belt, he got it on perfectly with no need to touch that spring.
Thanks for posting this video. I too bought an after market belt that only lasted for about 3 mowings. I was changing oil, filter and blades so thought I would put a new belt on at the same time (still had the original John Deere belt) and was very disappointed how soon the belt broke. I have ordered a John Deere belt to replace the after market belt. Hopefully will last as long as the original belt.
There's definitely no comparison between the original John Deere belts and the aftermarket ones (at least the aftermarket ones that I've seen). Thanks for sharing your experience.
I have a JD x304 and have had to replace this same belt 7-8 times. Have used after market as well as OEM belts. The OEM is costly but is better quality belt. You can buy aftermarket and get two for same price as the OEM but who wants to change this 2-3 times a year. This watching this video its best I have seen in explaining the correct steps. Thanks
Good job Chad, really clear and concise. I must say that after watching this, and after having had to replace the drive belt on my Deere GT235, I am convinced that JD (and most other modern mower brands) just like to make belt changing overly-involved and complicated. They could learn a LOT from my 70's Wheel Horse tractors. I can literally remove the deck, change the belt and reinstall the deck-without tools, mind you-all in about 5 minutes. (Having typed this, I realize that I sound like the pair of grumpy old men Muppets that live in the theater balcony!) 🤨😅
@@larrykluckoutdoors8227 I prefer that system. I like separate belts for the deck, and for the motor to the deck. Sometimes I wish that there were still separate belts on vehicles too - instead of one serpentine belt. :)
Glad it was helpful. Usually once it starts slipping off once it's getting stretched out beyond what the spring on the tensioner can handle. Not sure if that's the case with yours - but it might be a good idea to have a spare belt on hand.
My mower is the same i just replaced the belt and blades, but when i went to test it i smell a burning rubber smell. Is there a belt tension adjustment or is that just that tensioner puller... about to take another look it it. Any info would be great
I had that trouble once when I tried a different brand belt. It only lasted a few times and shredded. The next time, I put the John Deere OEM belt on and never had another issue.
My x300 with 42” edge deck lists 2 options on the parts diagram: 154601 (w/ belt tens) and 155525 (w/o belt tens) but not this part number. I’m assuming I have a belt tensioner so I guess I get that one? Anyone have any insight?
So how long did you mow with that belt that you took off I can mow 4 times and my belt that is not the john deere you put on looks just like the belt you took off and it jumps off so is it a belt issue or what
I’m not sure about the difference in construction materials - but there certainly seems to be a difference in quality. The John Deere OEM belt feels like a better quality material.
thank you....i honestly watch this every time i have to change my belt....
That's great to hear! Thanks for letting us know.
Good tutorial. I learned the same lesson with lawn tractors - OEM parts are the only way to go. You actually spend more with cheap parts.
100% agree. I've tried to save a few bucks by using aftermarket parts - and it always ends up costing me more. The OEM parts work better and last longer. They're always worth the extra money.
Thanks so much just changed my belt and blades pretty easy
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great video! thank you
You are welcome! I’m glad it was helpful. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Every comment and click of that like button helps.
Thank you that was very helpful!
Excellent video. The JD manual is a mess. This video makes it so much easier. Thanks
Glad it helped! And thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Every comment (and Like click, and subscription) really helps us grow the channel.
Great video, very helpful, thank you!!!
Fyi, our JD supplier sold us the wrong belt in the right packaging. Very frustrating. Ha ha. Got it replaced and went on like a dream. One other note: did not need to remove the spring. My guy did that the first go round; it was very difficult for an older guy. With the correct belt, he got it on perfectly with no need to touch that spring.
Glad it helped!
Thank you. Used this today to change my belt on my X300. Your video walked me step by step right through it.
Glad it helped! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and let us know. We appreciate it.
Thanks for posting this video. I too bought an after market belt that only lasted for about 3 mowings. I was changing oil, filter and blades so thought I would put a new belt on at the same time (still had the original John Deere belt) and was very disappointed how soon the belt broke. I have ordered a John Deere belt to replace the after market belt. Hopefully will last as long as the original belt.
There's definitely no comparison between the original John Deere belts and the aftermarket ones (at least the aftermarket ones that I've seen). Thanks for sharing your experience.
Excellent & Informative! Thank you for the tutorial, the operator's manual is a futile attempt at best! Happy mowing!
Thank you for watching and letting us know the video was helpful.
I have a JD x304 and have had to replace this same belt 7-8 times. Have used after market as well as OEM belts. The OEM is costly but is better quality belt. You can buy aftermarket and get two for same price as the OEM but who wants to change this 2-3 times a year. This watching this video its best I have seen in explaining the correct steps. Thanks
Thanks for the compliment! I definitely like the OEM belts better. You’re right- no sense in doing this twice or three times as often.
Zack - I have a 304 also and am also already on my second belt this season. You have any idea what makes them go through belts like this?
Very easy install! 😎👍 And good looking mower too! I do like those John Deere mowers! Thanks for sharing, Chad!
Thanks! They do look sharp.
Good job Chad, really clear and concise. I must say that after watching this, and after having had to replace the drive belt on my Deere GT235, I am convinced that JD (and most other modern mower brands) just like to make belt changing overly-involved and complicated. They could learn a LOT from my 70's Wheel Horse tractors. I can literally remove the deck, change the belt and reinstall the deck-without tools, mind you-all in about 5 minutes.
(Having typed this, I realize that I sound like the pair of grumpy old men Muppets that live in the theater balcony!) 🤨😅
I was thinking the same thing! Changing the belts on the older machines was certainly easier.
And the wheel horse did a great job cutting also
My JD Saber 2354 has a belt for the deck and a belt from the motor to the deck
My JD has the two belt setup as well Larry. 👍
@@larrykluckoutdoors8227 I prefer that system. I like separate belts for the deck, and for the motor to the deck. Sometimes I wish that there were still separate belts on vehicles too - instead of one serpentine belt. :)
Incredibly helpful. Thank you 🙏
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Thank you for your very helpful video. Much appreciated!!!
Thanks! Glad it was helpful.
Awesome tutorial. Thank you so much!
Great video. Very clear.
Thank you! We're glad it was helpful.
Thanks Chad. Excellent!!
Glad you liked it!
Very clear video. Went to cut my lawn and the pto did not engage. The belt has slipped off. This video should make fixing it a lot easier, Thanks
Glad it was helpful. Usually once it starts slipping off once it's getting stretched out beyond what the spring on the tensioner can handle. Not sure if that's the case with yours - but it might be a good idea to have a spare belt on hand.
What a difference what a difference between this deck and an x354 42A deck!
Thanks for watching!
Nice tractor!
Thanks!
Lawnmower
Looks nice
My mower is the same i just replaced the belt and blades, but when i went to test it i smell a burning rubber smell. Is there a belt tension adjustment or is that just that tensioner puller... about to take another look it it. Any info would be great
I had that trouble once when I tried a different brand belt. It only lasted a few times and shredded. The next time, I put the John Deere OEM belt on and never had another issue.
Awesome...
Thanks!
Where do you guys get cheaper OEM parts from.
I like to get them from the local dealership when I can.
My x300 with 42” edge deck lists 2 options on the parts diagram: 154601 (w/ belt tens) and 155525 (w/o belt tens) but not this part number. I’m assuming I have a belt tensioner so I guess I get that one? Anyone have any insight?
Does blade orientation matter?
Good question. In my experience - the blade orientation does not matter (as far as lining up with each other).
Do you have a video for deck leveling?
Sorry, I don't. I never have had to make any adjustments to the deck leveling.
So how long did you mow with that belt that you took off I can mow 4 times and my belt that is not the john deere you put on looks just like the belt you took off and it jumps off so is it a belt issue or what
With the non-oem belt - I mowed only about 3 times. I’m already glad I switched back to the OEM belt. It’s much better quality.
You should clean your deck before even starting your repairs
Really? I thought it was pretty clean.
Whats the difference in both belts
I’m not sure about the difference in construction materials - but there certainly seems to be a difference in quality. The John Deere OEM belt feels like a better quality material.
No reason to remove the deck
I've never tried it that way. Is it a difficult process with the deck on? I feel like your wrist would need to bend 3 ways at once.