Replacing Broken PTO Blade Engagement Cable on MTD Riding Mower

Рет қаралды 329,125

5 жыл бұрын

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The PTO or Blade Engagement cable on a riding mower is what makes the blades engage. Over time, they can wear out and break. This video shows how to remove your old cable and install a new one. I always recommend purchasing the OEM cable because the aftermarket cables are typically poor quality and only last a couple of seasons.
Use the Amazon links below to find parts and tools you may need for this project.
MTD PTO Cable - amzn.to/2xsQ5dm
(be sure to check your model number to make sure this is the correct one for your mower)
Ratcheting/Socket Set - amzn.to/2J6VePc
Wrench Set - amzn.to/2xr7146
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Пікірлер: 277

@cmlfarr 2 жыл бұрын

Very professional video. No mic noise, no shaky camera or stupid gimmicks. Straight forward and easy to follow instructions. I never even thought about removing the battery, that tip alone saved us a lot of grief.

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I try to produce quality, helpful videos.

@chrisezelle 11 ай бұрын

👍🏼😀👊🏻

@KindalFerson 21 күн бұрын

Hi @tightwadDIY! I’m a 63 yo woman and if it weren’t for your video and the socket wrench tip I NEVER would have gotten this cable off the mower. I would’ve had to spend big $$$ to have someone else do it for me. Thank you a million times.

@TightWadDIY 20 күн бұрын

I’m proud of you! It’s my pleasure to help others solve their problems.

@brandonlee8400 5 күн бұрын

I had a hard time taking it off with pliers. I should have used a stubby 3/8" open wrench because my cable was still attached.

@chrisn7632 3 жыл бұрын

Outstanding step by step including routing, exactly what I was looking for. Thank you

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

You are welcome. I’m glad it helped you out.

@allenrbrady 2 жыл бұрын

This video was instrumental in giving me the courage to replace the cable on my Craftsman mower by myself. Your tip to remove the battery saved me a lot of futzing-around time. Thanks!

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Great! I’m glad you felt confident getting it done!

@Jerry-oe1zq 2 ай бұрын

Best video I have seen.showing the orientation connecting the pto . very clear video, thanks

@TightWadDIY 2 ай бұрын

Glad it helped!

@johnbobb1835 4 жыл бұрын

This is how videos should be made. Very clear step by step process. Thank you so much

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

John Bobb Thank you. I’m glad you found it helpful. I’m am a teacher tech trainer in my day job so I try to apply those skills here too. Be sure to subscribe!

@markgriffis5970 2 жыл бұрын

Great video and instruction...I used a "knock off" cable...so we will see if it lasts if not I will go OEM. Only problem I had was using enough pressure to get the end to turn up when attaching to PTO handle....finally it did with some force. Appreciate your taking the time to help those less mechanically inclined!

@wendysanders8165 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. My Troy built pony is 7 yrs old and the cable end just snapped. I had no idea where the cable connected to the clutch. You just made this easy!

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Wendy Sanders I’m glad you found the video. I definitely recommend an OEM part. The after market ones are pretty crappy

@lisabarton4640 3 жыл бұрын

Most awesome video!!! Thank u sooo much, have 07 yardmachine , I'm a 58 yr old lady and ur video helped me greatly did it all by myself!

@dynocoach 5 жыл бұрын

Grandma has this issue with her mower...I think. I think this video will help! Thank you for posting!!!

@TightWadDIY 5 жыл бұрын

Just make sure you pay attention to the location of the cable before you remove it and put it back in the same exact way.

@rossmarvin584 4 жыл бұрын

Oh boy, that's easier than I thought. Before watching I figured I'd have to remove the deck too. I'm gonna go replace it right now. Thanks man.

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

I’m glad you found the video. It was a fairly simple video. It should only take about 15 min.

@georgeneidlinger923 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the assist, Mine broke at the spring and the video helped me with the routing of the cable and where to attach the spring..

@team9lounge151 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, had the spring that attaches to the deck break on my Troy Bilt Horse yesterday and this was the exact configuration and replacement I needed to do. Thanks for the video!

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Team 9 Lounge I’m glad you were able to get it fixed quickly!

@team9lounge151 4 жыл бұрын

TightWadDIY not fixed yet, lol. Have to wait on the part, but it will be a snap after this video

@wiggsan 4 жыл бұрын

Now that is how a repair video should be done. Thanks!!!

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Alex Wiggs Thank you! Be sure to subscribe! I have over 175 repair style videos.

@Hank1355 4 жыл бұрын

You do a great job in explaining what you are doing and supported with excellent video. Appreciate the help.

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Hank1355 Thank you for the kind comment. I’m a teacher by trade, so I like to think I’m good at explaining things.

@jessewilliford3775 4 жыл бұрын

Very clear and understandable video! good advice on buying cables--- about to replace 2 mo old replacement cable.

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

JESSE Williford Thanks. I do my best to be clear and stick to the topic. Good luck with your cables.

@philliplanger5530 4 жыл бұрын

Finally figured it out. With the battery out at 8:32 you say it goes into the hole and up. It took three times watching to realize that the cable doesn't go into the hole pictured, that hole is where the battery bracket goes. Phew, got it! Thanks for the video.

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Sorry! It was tight in there and difficult to show everything up close.

@markbir7979 Жыл бұрын

Very clear video! Shows every detail. Great job.

@TightWadDIY Жыл бұрын

I’m glad it was helpful.

@mikesavage2114 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for walking me through it!

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Mike Savage You are welcome! I hope you were able to get yours fixed!

@Humble_Lion337 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man this helped alot need more ppl to do mkre of these brands everyone cant afford the good stuff

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

25MAMOU Let me know if you need something else in the future. As long as the neighbor still has this mower, I will keep making videos.

@michaelandcolinspop 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this. I have a 2006 Bolens that just broke its cable tonight in the middle of cutting. I got to the point of getting the battery out but couldn’t see the connection to the PTO lever. Now, I’ve got it!

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Great! Hopefully the repair goes well.

@ericstrombelline2122 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Excellent video, watched the video, removed the old cable and replaced it and saved a Boatload of money, repairing it myself 😃

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome! They neighbor I fixed this for was out cutting his grass yesterday. It’s still holding up well after a year. Be sure to blow the grass clipping off your mower deck before storing it after each cut. That helps prevent this issue and also decreases wear on other parts.

@user-ym1ul8qp3f 2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks to you Sir. Very good video. I will get my mower going as soon as my replacement cable arrives

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful.

@kkc3009 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent job making this useful video for others thank you.

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I have several mower repair videos so he sure to subscribe!

@atticdiver6741 4 жыл бұрын

Lol, I just did the cable replacement on the Troy Bilt Pony today. There were slight variations, but your video was right on point and helpful. Thanks! Waiting for the part to come in was the hardest part -- I'm missing the two day shipping!?!

@diofer13 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot from costa rica...cable was actually good but since i lost the manual you helped a lot with the battery removal access which cleared the way...just a good cleaning was necessary...

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

Great! I’m glad the video worked for you even if it wasn’t the same situation.

@shoeshow1999 5 жыл бұрын

Nice job and great job on the video work. Thanks.

@TightWadDIY 5 жыл бұрын

Jerry Howell Thanks. It’s tough to video in those tight spaces.

@1mag1n3tv4 4 жыл бұрын

Bro you helped me soooo much man thanks for making vids like this

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

You are welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful. Be sure to subscribe.

@lindaloftus8780 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting video. My cable has broken and needs replacing and since I don't have a way to take it to shop will have to do myself. Your video is very helpful even though it will take me much longer than it took you to replace.

@TightWadDIY Жыл бұрын

Great! I hope you can get it done.

@maryjanepeters7179 10 ай бұрын

Thank you sir. I know this is an older video but perfect for what I was doing today.

@TightWadDIY 9 ай бұрын

Glad it helped

@OhAirUSA 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this. It helps me a lot.

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

You are welcome. I’m glad it helped you out.

@2hgarza 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and tips. I would add that if you have a difficult time putting the wire in the slot on top due to too much stress, that you instead loosen the bottom slot first and then put the wire on the top slot. It is much easier to attach the bottom slot because the bottom spring is nearer to pull back.

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

homer garza Great suggestion. Thank you for adding to the conversation. Be sure to subscribe.

@chuckwhitaker7439 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your video it was very helpful and you did great job of explaining each step

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful!

@artifactsantlersoh Жыл бұрын

Very, very well done step by step. Thanks much for this 👍🏼

@TightWadDIY Жыл бұрын

My pleasure. This is the style used for all of my videos. Be sure to subscribe!

@artifactsantlersoh Жыл бұрын

@@TightWadDIY I wish I could find that darn original equipment part! All k can find are cheap Chinese knockoffs that will surely break right away

@garyjacobsen3407 4 жыл бұрын

As long as you remove the negative battery cable first, you do not need to worry about your wrenches touching metal when you remove the positive cable. Also, viewers should note that there are two types of cable connections that go to the engagement lever. One looks like a flat S (as in this video), and they other is a circular eye that is attached to the engagement lever with a shoulder bolt. They are not interchangeable.

@waynecooper8249 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Captain obvious

@jviews1 11 ай бұрын

I place a rag over positive terminals of ANYTHING before removing ground cable. If battery were to stay in, I would cover the negative terminal for safety once disconnected.

@danabarnhardt3111 2 ай бұрын

Just watched your video, and going to follow step by step as I believe that's what's wrong with my riding lawnmower.

@TightWadDIY 2 ай бұрын

Nice! I hope it works!

@danabarnhardt3111 2 ай бұрын

@TightWadDIY Hi, I ordered the PTO cable, and just got it today, will try to install it tomorrow, hope it goes well. Will have to watch your video again to know how to put it back on... wish me luck!

@danabarnhardt3111 2 ай бұрын

Hey TightWadDIY Just want to let you know, I put the new PTO cable on this morning, took some doing, but got-er-done... Thankyou for posting this video, since my husband passed away I'm having to learn how to do things myself, so your video was so helpful... Thanks again!!!!

@TightWadDIY 2 ай бұрын

@@danabarnhardt3111I’m so glad you felt empowered to do it yourself. I’m very sorry for your loss.

@simongrimmett3204 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate. That was awesome help and perfect for the job.

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

I’m glad it worked for you too.

@shaig4992 Жыл бұрын

Just did it, thx to your guidance. Great video, much appreciated 👍🙏👏

@TightWadDIY Жыл бұрын

That’s great! It’s my pleasure!

@davep9199 23 күн бұрын

Your video was a great help to me. Thank you so much.

@TightWadDIY 23 күн бұрын

That’s great!

@KammeO 3 жыл бұрын

Yay, BINGO helpful video! Thanks! 😁

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

Kamme O Yes! I’m glad you found the video. It’s not that hard once you see the process.

@charlescasselman5559 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, thank you for making, came in handy

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure! I’m glad it helped you out!

@user-sd1kv6tt3z 4 жыл бұрын

Sure helped me. I am now a subscriber! Thanks

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Yes! Welcome to Tightwad Nation!

@kenwest4082 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir. This saved me money and lots of aggrivation

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure. I’m glad it worked for you too! I love helping people save money.

@snapperkc9317 5 жыл бұрын

Another organized, informative helpful video.

@TightWadDIY 5 жыл бұрын

SnapperKC Thank you. I appreciate the feedback.

@gringomuscovy955 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You! I’m grateful for your video!!!

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Your welcome! Hope it works for you too!

@KitCatXIV 10 ай бұрын

Great, thanks for this. Just broke mine and this helps a ton.

@TightWadDIY 10 ай бұрын

Glad it helped

@abelmorales4303 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Appreciate the video.

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

Abel Morales You are welcome. Be sure to subscribe. I have several mower videos.

@justinfisher3827 2 жыл бұрын

Very clear and well lit.

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I’m glad you found it helpful.

@GOLDBEACHBIKER Жыл бұрын

Quick question: After dropping deck to install lower drive belt (quite a task) and deck belt, I have to install a PTO engagement cable as well. Is it better to attach the large spring on the cable to the deck FIRST, then reattach deck, and THEN hook up the engagement cable? My question is about the sequence of tasks. By the way, kudos to whoever thought about the 3/8" socket trick to remove the small plastic tabbed clip that holds the cable to the frame near the PTO handle. That was brilliant!

@TightWadDIY Жыл бұрын

I would install the deck first then install the PTO cable. Yes, the socket trick was very valuable!

@GOLDBEACHBIKER Жыл бұрын

@@TightWadDIY Thanks for the response, TightWadDIY (love that name), I appreciate it. I guess my question wasn't clear - would you attach that beefy spring to the deck plate (almost impossible to do once the deck is in place) BEFORE you hook up the cable to the PTO handle, frame clips, etc? I've heard of folks going from the handle to the deck, which seems crazy.

@danielrmillssr9167 3 жыл бұрын

Very good video. Thank you.

@Jrpyro-hm2vs 2 жыл бұрын

thank you so much for sharing this with me 👍

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome!

@brandonlee8400 5 күн бұрын

Thank you. If your cable is still attached, you can try an open ended 3/8" wrench.

@BigStevevtx 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. It's not rocket science, but I never thought of removing the battery. I'm sure you saved me a lot of misery with that alone,

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Steve G You are welcome. They make that back end really tight so removing the battery is a must. I’m sure you would have figured it out!

@dennislarimore9409 Жыл бұрын

very well presented. Thank you.

@TightWadDIY Жыл бұрын

I appreciate that. It’s my pleasure.

@willieb.1700 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Great video and to the point.

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@markaries8787 4 жыл бұрын

Just what I needed to know,

@jjfunk73110 Ай бұрын

Great video. Mine up and stopped cutting, thought I had a broken belt until I looked underneath. Saw that spring just laying there and the other end with just a bit of cable hanging out. Now I just need to find the part.

@TightWadDIY Ай бұрын

I recommend you get an OEM part. I’ve had issues with aftermarket.

@jjfunk73110 Ай бұрын

@TightWadDIY ordered from mtd's site. Just waiting on it to show up

@johnstinson5372 3 жыл бұрын

Good deal. Appreciate the info.

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

I’m glad it worked for you also!

@markm6444 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, do you by chance know how to put that spring back on that is connected to the frame and the seat? The single spring next to the battery.

@arakassabian5879 3 ай бұрын

Excellent, I will have a go and let you know how I get on.

@randym456 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Everything went great until I started to install the PTO spring on the idler bracket. Any suggestions?

@backyardgarage6823 4 жыл бұрын

What I have for a problem is that my deck is always engaged and the cable has a lot of slack and looks stretched could this fix it

@waltershimmin2357 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure?

@josevasquez8193 3 жыл бұрын

Thumbs Up !!! - very helpful focused video and appreciate you not talking fast !!!

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

I’m glad you found it helpful. Hopefully you can get yours fixed too.

@josevasquez8193 3 жыл бұрын

TightWadDIY - I ordered a new cable @ only $10 and I now believe I can install based on your video !!

@Hookahchefreviews 3 жыл бұрын

Just had mine break at the spring on my cub ltx 1040. So just ordered the part now just waiting for it to get here

@Hookahchefreviews 3 жыл бұрын

@Paul Cox its a cheap part on Amazon and an easy installation I'd go ahead and replace the cable as well.

@WesTexan36 Жыл бұрын

excellent instructor.....

@TightWadDIY Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I’m actually a school teacher.

@tikofann5884 4 жыл бұрын

I have a yard man mower and try as I might I cannot get the spring to go under the brake control rod and still function properly. I had to keep it above the brake control rod. It’s probably a yard man thing. Thank you for the video, you explain it very well.

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Each model has a slightly different configuration but the general concept is the same. I’m glad you were able to get yours fixed.

@wiggsan 4 жыл бұрын

Mine ended up being a sticky cable that I was able to use a little Dri-Slide on. Thanks again!

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Alex Wiggs I’m glad that’s all it was!

@davissunglasses Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video, mine is still engaging the blades, but the PTO handle is sloppy in the off position. I have to hold the PTO handle back to get the mower to crank or hold the handle back when in reverse so the lawn mower doesn’t die.

@TightWadDIY Жыл бұрын

Hopefully a new cable gets this fixed for you.

@JLperformancehorses 2 ай бұрын

Great Video

@TightWadDIY 2 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@alexsinclaire1504 2 жыл бұрын

Great video

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I’m glad you found it helpful. I have several mower repair videos to be sure to subscribe.

@tonyrodriguez2524 4 жыл бұрын

Learned how to hook up that big PTO spring from underneath. Its a nightmare the other way. The previous mechanic hooked up the big spring from the top. Thank You.

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Tony Rodriguez I’m glad you were able to figure it out! It’s easy if you do it the correct way!

@amyreaves8054 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

You are welcome! I hope you were able to get yours fixed!

@googleuser8448 4 жыл бұрын

Question: I have a craftsman lt 1500 that is made identical to that mower. I need to tighten the deck belt. Is there any way of doing that or do i just need to replace the cable. Thinking that spring might be weak. But i keep burning belts up when i mow semi tall grass. They only last about a year and im using gates brand belts. Any ideas 💡

@flamer38544 4 жыл бұрын

Can respond fast please, I have an 06 yard man, mtd designed, I put new belt on it, put the deck back on and now the blades will not engage, idk what's going on, is it possible to stretch the cable or put the spring on wrong? I have the spring turned upside down and hooked where it needs to be.

@Yamacamkaw 2 жыл бұрын

Wish you had a video for how to change the belt on this…. I am not a mechanic, barely even a parts exchanger…. But I am trying I fix my mower I bought, previous owner had it jimmy rigged, and it ran and my goal was to finish the season then do a full tune up.. well one belt snapped, and hit the other or they both went at the same time… doubtful..now I have the belts, and can’t figure out how to get the belts on., All the videos for these tractors are the 4200 not the 3800 and I find yours so I am hoping that you make another video. And this was awesome.

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry! This is a neighbors mower. Would it help if I get a closeup video of the belt orientation? The rule of thumb with belts is that the smaller side of the V faces the center of the pulley on main pulleys and away from the center of the pulley on tension pulleys.

@Yamacamkaw 2 жыл бұрын

TightwadDIY…. Ended up selling it as I was sick of al the jimmy rigged stuff. It was meant to be driven by him or someone that would redo everything.

@patrickm7987 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, concise and easy to follow. Do you have a video on carb adjustment for MTD 4P90HU engine, (or similar). Lacks power, bogging down, fouling plugs, (oily, wet). Fresh fuel, cleaned fuel filter, replaced plugs. Put new air filter, still same problem. Is it time to adjust the carb...or do I have a crap engine? Thanks

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Patrick M I don’t have a video showing that. Try Taryl Fixes All. He has a great channel with loads of info. You just have to be ok with his other fun activities.

@patrickm7987 4 жыл бұрын

@@TightWadDIY Thanks. I've watched a few of his, seems to know his stuff...if you can handle his shenanigans :o)

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Patrick M Haha. Exactly. He definitely has fun with it.

@elizabethbaker5389 3 жыл бұрын

Want to give big shout out for the TightWadDIY! With the help of your video , I was able to change the cable all by myself!. My husband was turned on by his newly-tomboy wife.:)

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

That’s great! I’m glad it helped you get it done! Tell him to stand back and watch while you fix things.

@RomuloFigueredo Ай бұрын

Grasias para cmbiar las correas de trasmision

@riggsron 4 жыл бұрын

On my MTD lawn tractor, the El Bracket on the mowing deck is 180 degrees from yours. When my deck would not engage or if it did, it stopped when it came to grass. I thought the cable bracket should be moved to the inside hole effectively moving the bracket 1/2 an inch back. It worked for a week or so then the cable broke. I think I need to find out the proper position for that bracket somehow. I know its hard to believe a manufacturer could put it on backward, but there is always Monday mornings.

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

I hope you get it figured out. That’s frustrating I’m sure.

@flashgordontech 3 жыл бұрын

my yard machine deck end of cable goes under belt and over brake rod .3/ 8 socket didnt work for me good video

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

Hopefully the video helped you out a little even though yours was different.

@oracles-x1578 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your fantastic video, This is the first time I am doing this and want to do it right. It seems that this is a common problem with this Tractor. Can you please give me the address to get this cable. Thanks for your help.

@itskodax2931 3 ай бұрын

Is there any way to tighten the tension on this cable configuration? Most videos show an adjustable bracket but the one on a t110 is welded in place.

@TightWadDIY 3 ай бұрын

Not that I’m aware of.

@grungelover91 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! I have a question... could a worn out cable cause the deck belt to keep slipping out of place on the pulley?

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Yes. I have a video showing how to change it.

@grungelover91 4 жыл бұрын

TightWadDIY Awesome, ill check it out

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

grungelover91 here you go kzfaq.info/get/bejne/icp3aZScq7OpdZc.html

@philliphall5198 Жыл бұрын

There easy to change but it is best to remove deck and check brging and free up moving parts I AllWAYS replace all the springs also and for sure when you change the belts

@TightWadDIY Жыл бұрын

I really don’t think you need to remove the deck for this issue.

@ralphhoward5269 Жыл бұрын

I saw on ur video that you had a hook like that went on top but mine has a bolt

@TightWadDIY Жыл бұрын

Sometimes models have slight differences.

@SE7ENTYSEVEN 4 жыл бұрын

This helps me out a lot. My craftsman mower is almost identical to this mower in the video. My clutch cable broke on my Craftsman 38" lawnmower the other day. My problem is the cable in the parts manual doesn't match up with the actual cable on my mower. The ends are different that connects to the engagement lever. My broken cable has a loop that bolts to the lever, but the listed part in the manual has a different end piece. I've found a couple of replacement cables for a MTD or Husqvarna that looks like they are the parts I need I just need to make sure the lengths are the same. I know Craftsman put their names on other manufacturer brands, but this is a headache trying to find the right parts since Sears went out of business around here. Any suggestions?

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Chris Reeves Did you buy your mower new? If not, the prior owner may have replaced the cable with an after market version.

@SE7ENTYSEVEN 4 жыл бұрын

TightWadDIY yes, I bought it new from a Sears Outlet store in ‘17 or ‘18.

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Chris Reeves Send me your mower model number.

@SE7ENTYSEVEN 4 жыл бұрын

TightWadDIY Thank you. I had notifications off. I did some research and it ended up being an MTD part. MTD 746-O5124A for a Craftsman LT 1200 38” mower.

@RA-dc5qp 4 жыл бұрын

@@SE7ENTYSEVEN I have a Craftsman that has the same setup. Parts for the mower called for the z end and the mower had the loop end. I got lucky and the cable housing/sleeve had a part number on it. No matter where I looked for the cable, It always listed the cable with the z end. Mine was a Craftsman LT1600.

@Marcus-tz1so 3 жыл бұрын

What’s the OEM part # that you purchased

@philliphall5198 Жыл бұрын

Can’t beat the very simple vs system and belt Cheapest operation period

@TightWadDIY Жыл бұрын

It works well!

@Steveh112 Жыл бұрын

I have a White LT542H, very similar setup, 42" deck. My cable isn't broken and I've never replaced it, unsure if the former owner had. But the problem I'm having is that there's tension on the cable with the PTO lever fully disengaged. It keeps the deck engaged enough that the brake pad does not contact the spindle pulley on the LH side. But when I disconnect the PTO cable from the deck, then it fully retracts and the brake pad is touching the pulley like it should. When I start it up, the blades don't move, but once I engage them, they don't stop spinning after I disengage the PTO. So I'm wondering if there is any adjustment I can do to loosen the tension with it disengaged? Or if someone possibly replaced it with too short of an aftermarket cable? Do you think I should try replacing the cable with a new one, or is there anything else I can do to fix the problem? Thanks

@TightWadDIY Жыл бұрын

I’m betting someone used an aftermarket cable and it’s too short.

@BrianSquiers 2 жыл бұрын

Mine hasn't broken but can these stretch? I have about 5 in of exposed cable at the spring end of my 38-in dual blade Yard Machine. Still not getting the tension I need to fully engage the blades. Very frustrating

@TightWadDIY 2 жыл бұрын

It’s more likely the spring on your tensioner pulley is broken.

@Teamster83 3 жыл бұрын

My cable came disconnected any idea where the spring hooks up

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

Lewis Howery which cable and which spring are you referring to? What mower do you have?

@knowtheway2791 3 жыл бұрын

One thing TightWadDIY.......Our blades are refusing to spin, and it is stuck in the down position for the blades. If we replace the PTO cable, will the blades spin again?

@chrisloh2906 4 жыл бұрын

I need expert advise. This spring broke one end and do not know where it hook up to. The spring is 12" long and on top of deck. Any advise is welcome.

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Chris Loh Is it this exact same model? If so, I will send you a pic.

@chrisloh2906 4 жыл бұрын

@@TightWadDIY Yes, exact same model.

@michaelfornell4467 3 жыл бұрын

@@TightWadDIY send me a photo. Please!

@BrianSquiers 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this! I have the exact model Yard Machine. Now that the PTO is fixed, the blades once again engage but not as strongly as when new. Probably a stretched belt? Is that a difficult job and is it recommended to replace all three?

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

It does sound like a belt issue. I replaced all three on my MTD and I have videos showing how. While the placement will probably be different, you could gain some ideas from my videos.

@BrianSquiers 3 жыл бұрын

@@TightWadDIY awesome and thanks for the quick reply!

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

My neighbor is the one who has this mower. I’ll try to go over there tomorrow to look at his brake system so I can identify possible issues for you. Is the brake still working, it’s just not a strong? Does engaging the parking brake still prevent it from rolling?

@BrianSquiers 3 жыл бұрын

@@TightWadDIY the brake is fine, it's just that the blades don't engage with the gusto they used to. You can feel slight resistance as you throw the lever but you must wait for a few to even know the blades are spinning. In years past, the whole tractor would shake slightly upon engagement and it would sound like a jet engine down there, lol!

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

@@BrianSquiers Sorry! I misread your post. I suggest replacing the main deck belt. That happens when it’s worn or stretched out. You don’t need to replace the drive belt/belts unless you have issues with the mower pulling well in forward or reverse on a hill.

@MrHiglesworth 4 жыл бұрын

had one of these I got from craftsmen. Cable broke right at the top where it connects from the handle. Bought another cable from craftsmen, used it three times and it broke right in the same spot.

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

That really stinks. Do you clean the grass clippings from your deck after eat cut? I suggest always using a blower to clean it off. This helps prevent damage to this cable, your pulleys, and your belts.

@BrianSquiers 3 жыл бұрын

I recently changed the deck belt and cutting performance improved (15 year old dual blade 38” Yard Machine) but still noticing some slipping, “free-spinning” when the blades are engaged, sometimes having to criss-cross in order to get an even cut. The PTO cable has never been replaced and it does pop off once in a while so I know it needs replacing. How much does this part have to do with deck belt tension or is that more the job of the tension pulley?

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

I think the spring on the tension pulley has more effect on belt tightness than the PTO cable. The PTO cable shouldn’t stretch out but the spring and belt can

@BrianSquiers 3 жыл бұрын

@@TightWadDIY The belt was recently replaced so what's the best remedy for the spring? Replacement, modification to make shorter or perhaps a sliding adjustment on the deck of the Yard Machine to change it's position? Thx again

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

@@BrianSquiers I would try ordering an OEM replacement spring.

@BrianSquiers 3 жыл бұрын

@@TightWadDIY thanks for all your help

@tem0079 3 жыл бұрын

My damn cable just snapped on a 4yr old mower. MTD part # 946-05124A is on backorder 'til mid-October. Had to buy a cheapo one from Sears's website (eBay seller) until the factory one comes in.

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

TEM - 0079 Oh no! Back orders are never fun. Hopefully the one from eBay will last for you. Just make sure you remove all debris from the deck once you are finished mowing. Grass build up is the number one cause of damage to belts and cables.

@tem0079 3 жыл бұрын

@@TightWadDIY That's exactly what it was, a whole lot of dead grass i dug out.

@TightWadDIY 3 жыл бұрын

I use my blower to clear it after every cut.

@tem0079 3 жыл бұрын

@@TightWadDIY Ha, i do the exact same thing to both mowers, but this grass was packed in there tight

@jimmcelroy6420 4 жыл бұрын

How/where does the front of the cable attach, at the clutch please?

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

That part is shown at 7:51 in the video. Let me know if you need further clarification.

@Robnap88 4 жыл бұрын

You paid double from MTD for the same exact pt number though! The 946- number. Arent they all the same if that PT # matches whether I buy from amazon or MTD?

@TightWadDIY 4 жыл бұрын

Beaker Bob Third party sellers are very inconsistent. They sell belts that are “similar” instead of exact. That’s why they often list several model numbers it will work with. I only buy OEM for belts and cables.