Lawn Mower Pulley Swap Chart(For All Brands + Models)

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

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

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)

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.

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