How do I get the lever to shift to lift the mower so that I can replace the belt? 19hp, 42", year unknown craftsman turbo

There is a lever in the rear of the rider that allows you to disengage the transmission. It is intended to make the rider easy to push around. Make sure that hasn't gotten activated. The lever is usually located just above and to the right of the hitch plate (where a trailer would attatch). Sometimes it is located under the seat near the seat hinge. Hope this helps.
Good luck.

You should not need to remove the deck or the clutch cable just to change the belt.

• ensure mower clutch lever is in the off position
  

• lift the front of the tractor approx 24 or more inches.

• lower the mower deck as far as it will go

• locate & remove the cotter pin from the right (discharge) side mower lift arm where it attaches to the rear of the mower

• release the lift arm from the mower deck to allow it to drop (it will hang from the other 3 points)
  

You should now have plenty of clearance to change the belt. Remove the belt from the engine pulley first and replace the new belt on the engine pulley last that will make it easier to change the belt.

If this is helpful please vote yes, Thank You!!

yea most likely the idler pully, not to tight tho. thats the one that doesnt DRIVE blades

Sounds like you PTO cable is broken. Part # 175067. It goes from the lever on the dash down to a deck mount and hooks to the idler pulley. When you lift the lever, it should pull the pulley and idler arm towards the rear of the deck to tighten the belt to engage the blades.

is this perhaps a hydro trans? if so, try putting the shift lever in neutral, then let off the brake pedal, use the shift lever to go forward and to neutral to stop - same with reverse, don't even use the brake pedal except for emergency stops. if it's a manual shift, it's possible the belt is incorrect, and/or the belt guides are bent or the belt is improperly routed - the belt guides are important as they allow the belt to "blossom" off the engine pulley, reducing the "shock" load when engaged - hope this helps

You have to post the model number from under seat. Not all Craftsman decks are the same. There are 38", 42", 46" w/3 blades, 46" w/ 2 blades, 52", etc.. Better yet, Get the model number under the seat (starts with 917) and go to... http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action Then enter the model #, hit search, then scroll down to Browse Subcomponent List and click on Mower Deck. There's your diagram.

42 inch poulan belt broke on mower deck diagram to replace new belt

Check proper belt routing. These models are a little tricky. Also check tensioner spring.

the trailing edge goes up, i just put mine on