Deck shakes and cuts off when trying to engage

[hunter19707]

I'm trying to get my zero turn ready for spring and I can't get the blades to engage. When I try to engage the pto, the deck just shakes like crazy and then kills the engine. Any ideas on what the problem can be?

 

[Marveltone]

With the engine off and mower disengaged, can you turn the blades by hand? They should turn fairly easily. If not, you may have rusted or otherwise shot bearings.

Joe

 

[Powerstroke777]

Maybe a rag or a piece of rope got cought in the blades. Before putting your hands under the deck, disconnect the spark plug wires. Safety first, last, and always!

 

[Ford tractor]

Is the PTO stuck? Deck rusted? Dead racoon under the machine? (It happens)

 

[Natureboy]

Is the PTO stuck? Deck rusted? Dead racoon under the machine? (It happens)

Personal experience......?????:laughing:

 

[hunter19707]

As of right now, I have taken all the electrical connections apart and cleaned them. Voltage output on the battery is 12.4v. I have changed the oil, oil filter, fuel filter, air filter, breather hose, and spark plugs. I greased all the fittings, and installed new blades as well. I adjusted the creeping I was getting out of one of the drive wheels. I am currently cleaning the deck and will reinstall it and try it again when finished. I'm also thinking that I should check to see if the clutch is functioning properly.

 

[hunter19707]

Adjusted the air gap on the clutch to .012, the proper specs stated in the manual, the deck still won't engage. Blades and clutch move freely by hand. Any ideas?

 

[hunter19707]

Ordered new spindle bearings even though the blades turn freely by hand, I figure it's worth a shot. Even if the bearings aren't the problem, there's over 500 hours on the old ones. It probably won't hurt to change them. If that doesn't work, I'll proceed to replace the clutch unless anybody has another suggestion.

 

[aczlan]

What is the battery voltage with the engine running?
Any chance you could see what the voltage is coming into the PTO clutch when you try to engage it?

Aaron Z

 

[mostly_gas]

Does the engine bog way done and smoke ? If yes to smoke is it blue or black. Also what rpm do you engage the PTO? If near idle try more RPM