Hey all. I have a 2001 sears craftsman riding lawn mower (42 inch cut) and just recently, I have heard a grinding noise and noticed the belt smoking around the front engine pulley. Just to give some further details, the grinding, screeching noise started first as I was driving. And then it would quit. After doing some regular maint. on the mower, I changed the lower belt out and when I cranked it, it ran fine for just a few seconds and then the grinding noise started again along with the smoke. This happened with the mower in neutral and the blades not engaged. What could be happening here?
Sears Craftsman Problem
- Thread starter Scolb
- Start date
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Treemonkey1000
Veteran Member
I would check the idler pulleys. They tension the belt for blades or driving. Those get rusty and crud in them after lot's of use.. Sometimes if the belt is worn and loose that will cause the same problems
ninefinger
Gold Member
Treemonkey1000's advice should put you on the problem. The best advice I can give you is that if it has an engine or a wooden handle do not buy it from Sears.
