Swapping the pulley on your lawn mower can significantly impact its performance. Whether you’re looking for more speed on flat lawns or more torque for hilly or thick grass, a pulley swap can help you get the most from your mower.
In this guide, we’ll explore pulley swap basics, performance effects, and safety tips, and include a detailed pulley swap chart of various mower brands to help you make informed choices.
Lawn Mower Pulley Swap Chart
| Brand | Model | Stock Engine Pulley | Stock Trans Pulley | Speed Pulley Swap | Torque Pulley Swap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ariens | IKON XD | 4″ | 9.5″ | 6.5″ Engine Pulley | 5″ Trans Pulley |
| Ariens | Zoom 42 | 3.75″ | 9″ | 6″ Engine Pulley | 4.5″ Trans Pulley |
| Bad Boy | ZT Elite | 4.5″ | 10.5″ | 7″ Engine Pulley | 5.5″ Trans Pulley |
| Bad Boy | Maverick | 4.25″ | 10″ | 6.75″ Engine Pulley | 5″ Trans Pulley |
| Bobcat | ZT2000 | 4″ | 9.25″ | 6.25″ Engine Pulley | 4.25″ Trans Pulley |
| Bobcat | ZT3500 | 4.5″ | 9.5″ | 6.5″ Engine Pulley | 4.5″ Trans Pulley |
| Craftsman | T110 | 3.5″ | 8.5″ | 5.5″ Engine Pulley | 4.5″ Trans Pulley |
| Craftsman | LT2000 | 3.25″ | 8.75″ | 5.25″ Engine Pulley | 4.25″ Trans Pulley |
| Cub Cadet | XT1 Enduro | 4″ | 9.5″ | 6.5″ Engine Pulley | 5″ Trans Pulley |
| Cub Cadet | LTX 1040 | 3.75″ | 9″ | 6″ Engine Pulley | 4.5″ Trans Pulley |
| Dixie Chopper | Magnum HP | 4.5″ | 10.5″ | 6.8″ Engine Pulley | 5.2″ Trans Pulley |
| Dixie Chopper | Classic | 4.75″ | 11″ | 7″ Engine Pulley | 5.5″ Trans Pulley |
| Exmark | Quest E-Series | 4.2″ | 10″ | 6.75″ Engine Pulley | 5″ Trans Pulley |
| Exmark | Radius X-Series | 4.5″ | 10.5″ | 7″ Engine Pulley | 5.25″ Trans Pulley |
| Ferris | ISX800 | 4.8″ | 10.5″ | 7″ Engine Pulley | 5.25″ Trans Pulley |
| Ferris | IS 2100Z | 4.5″ | 10″ | 6.75″ Engine Pulley | 5″ Trans Pulley |
| Gravely | ZT XL | 4″ | 9.5″ | 6.5″ Engine Pulley | 4.5″ Trans Pulley |
| Gravely | Pro-Turn ZX | 4.25″ | 10″ | 6.75″ Engine Pulley | 5″ Trans Pulley |
| Husqvarna | YTH22V46 | 4″ | 9″ | 6″ Engine Pulley | 4.5″ Trans Pulley |
| Husqvarna | TS 248G | 3.8″ | 8.75″ | 5.75″ Engine Pulley | 4.25″ Trans Pulley |
| John Deere | D130 | 3.75″ | 9.5″ | 6″ Engine Pulley | 5″ Trans Pulley |
| John Deere | X300 | 4″ | 10″ | 6.5″ Engine Pulley | 5.5″ Trans Pulley |
| MTD | Gold Series | 3.5″ | 8.5″ | 5.75″ Engine Pulley | 4.25″ Trans Pulley |
| MTD | Yard-Man | 3.25″ | 8.25″ | 5.5″ Engine Pulley | 4″ Trans Pulley |
| Murray | 13A325ZT058 | 3.25″ | 8.5″ | 5.25″ Engine Pulley | 4″ Trans Pulley |
| Murray | Select 42 | 3.5″ | 8.75″ | 5.5″ Engine Pulley | 4.25″ Trans Pulley |
| Poulan Pro | PP20VA46 | 3.8″ | 8.5″ | 5.75″ Engine Pulley | 4.25″ Trans Pulley |
| Poulan Pro | PB195H42LT | 3.5″ | 8.25″ | 5.5″ Engine Pulley | 4″ Trans Pulley |
| Ryobi | RY48111 | Electric Drive | Electric Drive | N/A | N/A |
| Ryobi | RY48130 | Electric Drive | Electric Drive | N/A | N/A |
| Scag | Tiger Cat II | 5″ | 11″ | 7.5″ Engine Pulley | 5.5″ Trans Pulley |
| Scag | Turf Tiger II | 4.75″ | 10.5″ | 7″ Engine Pulley | 5.25″ Trans Pulley |
| Simplicity | Regent | 3.75″ | 8.9″ | 5.75″ Engine Pulley | 4.5″ Trans Pulley |
| Simplicity | Broadmoor | 4″ | 9.25″ | 6.25″ Engine Pulley | 4.75″ Trans Pulley |
| Snapper | SPX2346 | 3.6″ | 9″ | 6″ Engine Pulley | 4.5″ Trans Pulley |
| Snapper | Ninja ZTR | 3.8″ | 9.25″ | 6.25″ Engine Pulley | 4.75″ Trans Pulley |
| Swisher | ZTR2454BS | 4.2″ | 10″ | 6.5″ Engine Pulley | 5″ Trans Pulley |
| Swisher | ZTR2766BS | 4.5″ | 10.5″ | 6.75″ Engine Pulley | 5.25″ Trans Pulley |
| Toro | TimeCutter SS4225 | 4.2″ | 10″ | 6.5″ Engine Pulley | 5″ Trans Pulley |
| Toro | Titan ZX4800 | 4.5″ | 10.5″ | 6.75″ Engine Pulley | 5.25″ Trans Pulley |
| Walker | Model B19 | 4.5″ | 10.5″ | 7″ Engine Pulley | 5.25″ Trans Pulley |
| Walker | Model T25 | 4.25″ | 10″ | 6.5″ Engine Pulley | 5″ Trans Pulley |
Related Can you Pulley swap a Hydrostatic Mower? (Explained)
What Is a Lawn Mower Pulley Swap?
A pulley swap involves changing either the engine or transmission pulley on your lawn mower. This changes the gear ratio between the engine and the drive wheels. A larger pulley at the engine will make your mower faster, while a smaller pulley increases torque and pulling power.
Why Change Your Mower Pulley?
There are several reasons to consider a pulley swap:
- Increase speed for mowing large, flat areas quickly
- Boost torque for hilly or dense terrain
- Customize performance for racing mowers or utility tasks
- Replace damaged pulleys with better aftermarket options
Related How to Make a Lawn Mower Go 40 mph(5 Simple Tips)
How Pulley Size Affects Mower Performance
Here’s a basic breakdown:
- Bigger Engine Pulley + Smaller Trans Pulley = More Speed
- Smaller Engine Pulley + Bigger Trans Pulley = More Torque
The size ratio between the engine and transmission pulleys determines how fast power is transferred to the wheels.
Tools You’ll Need for a Pulley Swap
- Socket set
- Wrenches
- Jack stands or ramps
- Screwdrivers
- Pulley puller tool
- Penetrating oil
- Replacement pulleys (correct size for your mower)
Related John Deere Belt Size Chart(For All JD Models)
Pulley Swap Safety Tips
- Disconnect the spark plug before starting
- Always work on level ground
- Use jack stands for safety—never rely on a jack alone
- Wear gloves and safety glasses
- Make sure all belts are aligned and tensioned properly after the swap
FAQs
What happens if you pulley swap a lawn mower?
Pulley swapping involves changing the size of either the engine pulley, transmission pulley, or both. Here’s what happens:
- Larger engine pulley or smaller trans pulley = More speed
- Smaller engine pulley or larger trans pulley = More torque
- It changes the gear ratio between the engine and the drive system
- Can overwork the engine if not matched properly
- May reduce the lifespan of belts or increase slippage
In short, a pulley swap can either speed up or strengthen your mower, depending on your goal, but always balance power and safety.
Related Husqvarna Belt Size Chart(For All Models)
How to make a ride-on mower faster?
To make a ride-on mower faster, follow these tips:
- Pulley Swap – Install a larger engine pulley or a smaller transmission pulley
- Upgrade the Belt – Ensure it matches the new pulley ratio to avoid slippage
- Inflate Tires – More pressure = less resistance and a bit more speed
- Reduce Weight – Remove unnecessary attachments or features
- Modify the Governor – Disabling or adjusting it allows the engine to run at higher RPMs (only for experienced users)
- Use High-Performance Oil – Reduces engine drag and improves performance
- Check Bearings and Axles – Well-lubricated and aligned wheels reduce friction
Always consider safety gear and controlled environments if testing high speeds.
How to make a lawn mower go 30 MPH?
Getting a mower to go 30 MPH is extreme and not recommended for casual users, but here’s how enthusiasts do it:
- Major Pulley Swap: Engine pulley 6.5″+, trans pulley 3″-4″
- High-RPM Engine Upgrade: Install a stronger engine with a higher RPM limit
- Remove or Modify the Governor
- Custom-Built Chassis: Reinforce or redesign to handle high speeds
- Racing Tires & Suspension Mods: Better grip and handling
- Hydrostatic Bypass (if needed): For mowers with hydrostatic transmissions
- Professional Tuning: Carburetor, air intake, and exhaust mods for power
Only attempt this with a full understanding of mechanics and racing safety protocols.
How can I increase my lawn mower speed?
Besides pulley swaps, here are safe ways to increase speed:
- Keep blades sharp and balanced
- Use lightweight components
- Adjust throttle linkage
- Maintain proper tire pressure
- Upgrade drive belts for less friction
- Clean air filters and replace spark plugs regularly
You don’t have to turn it into a race machine, even minor adjustments can give a noticeable speed bump.
Will a bigger pulley increase speed?
Yes, a bigger engine pulley or a smaller transmission pulley will increase speed. Here’s how:
- Gear Ratio Change: A larger pulley on the engine turns the transmission faster
- Increased Belt Speed: The belt moves more quickly, turning wheels faster
- Higher Ground Speed: Your mower covers more ground per minute
However, too much increase may strain the engine, wear belts faster, and affect traction. Moderation is key.
How do I know if my lawn mower pulley is bad?
Look for these common symptoms of a bad pulley:
- Squealing or screeching noises
- Belt keeps slipping off
- Visible wobbling or misalignment
- Cracked or dented pulley surfaces
- Uneven wear on the belt
- Reduced mower speed or performance
