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1 Replace a Clutch Cable on a 42-inch Riding Lawn Mower
2 Toro SS5000 Drive Belt Replacement
3 Tighten the Deck Drive Belt for a John Deere LA105
4 Change the Belt on a Craftsman Garden Tractor
Craftsman lawn tractors have a lever-operated clutch system. When the user engages the clutch lever near the steering wheel, it pulls a cable and spring connected to the drive shaft. The clutch plate separates from the flywheel, allowing the tractor to move forward. The clutch cable or lever is apt to break or rust with wear and tear, but installation of a new one is a job that a well-informed tractor owner can undertake with confidence.
1
Open the main hood and remove the two screws holding the gas tank in place. Lift the gas tank from the tractor and place it in a safe location. Look under the clutch lever and locate the electrical switch, then unplug it. Unscrew the handle knob. Use a wrench to unscrew the lever casing as well as the lever retaining bracket. Pull the lever and casing away from the tractor.
2
Squeeze the black knob end of the clutch cable and pop it out from the connection hole in the lever casing. Follow the cable down the tractor, using scissors to cut away any cable ties and pliers to pull any cotter pins. Feed the cable through any additional retaining holes along the way.
3
Use the wrench to remove the bolt holding the cable and spring to the tractor deck. Pull the spring from its retaining bolt. If necessary, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to unhook or pull away the spring from its position.
4
Slide the new spring over the retaining bolt and hook it into place. Bolt the new spring and cable into position.
5
Feed the new cable back through any retaining holes. Attach any cable ties and cotter pins that you removed during disassembly.
6
Screw the new lever bracket into place near the steering wheel. Slide the new cable through the lever mechanism and into the connection hole. Attach the black knob at the end of the cable and snap it into place to hold it tight.
Things You Will Need
Screwdriver
Wrench
Scissors
Cable ties
Clutch cable kit
Clutch lever kit
Needle-nose pliers
Tips
The exact kits to use for replacement depend on your model number. On Craftsman lawn tractors, the model number can be found under the seat.
Each model is slightly different, so it is helpful to make a note of where the cable ties, cotter pins and retaining holes are as you remove the old cable. This will ease the replacement process.
Warning
Never work with a hot tractor as serious burns can occur.
References (3)
Resources (1)
About the Author
Josie Myers has been a freelance writer and tutor since 2008. A mother of three, she was a pre-kindergarten teacher for seven years, is a Pennsylvania-certified tree tender and served as director of parks in her local municipality. Myers holds a Bachelor of Arts in music and business from Mansfield University and a Master of Arts in English from West Chester University.
Photo Credits
Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images
Cite this Article
Choose Citation Style
Myers, Josie. 'How to Install Clutch Cable Parts on a Craftsman Lawn Tractor.' Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/install-clutch-cable-parts-craftsman-lawn-tractor-103392.html. Accessed 26 January 2020.
Myers, Josie. (n.d.). How to Install Clutch Cable Parts on a Craftsman Lawn Tractor. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/install-clutch-cable-parts-craftsman-lawn-tractor-103392.html
Myers, Josie. 'How to Install Clutch Cable Parts on a Craftsman Lawn Tractor' accessed January 26, 2020. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/install-clutch-cable-parts-craftsman-lawn-tractor-103392.html
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