lawn mower blades stop spinning

[Teachu2]

Your blade clutch is activated with a cable, according to a Google search. Cable is probably dry or frayed. See https://www.amazon.com/Mckin-Craftsman-532435111-DYS4500-Conduit/dp/B07MTHLFD9 if you need a new one.

 

[jd2130]

Your blade clutch is activated with a cable, according to a Google search. Cable is probably dry or frayed. See https://www.amazon.com/Mckin-Craftsman-532435111-DYS4500-Conduit/dp/B07MTHLFD9 if you need a new one.

Thank you but wouldn't this lead to more of a gradual decline in performance? Mine declined really fast after I hit the log. Either way, it's probably worth trying the cutch cable because it's not too expensive.

 

[4570Man]

That sounds like it could be my problem because the blades will run sometimes which must be when the pieces of the shaft are lined up? I really hope that's not it, though, because I can't spend $250 right now.

Mower junkyards are littered with mowers with clutches. Find the shaft diameter which is really the only important part and you’d probably be back to mowing for a fraction of that much. Edit I don’t think your mower has an electric clutch. You’ll have to track down what’s not moving that’s supposed to be. It’s likely either a slipping belt due to inadequate tension or a pulley that’s slipping on a shaft.

 

[jd2130]

You’ll have to track down what’s not moving that’s supposed to be. It’s likely either a slipping belt due to inadequate tension or a pulley that’s slipping on a shaft.

I think you're right. It's probably a pulley because the belt appears to be running the blades sometimes, but not others. Also, it would make sense that when I hit a log it could have damaged a pulley.
I'm really appreciating everyone's thoughtful insight on this board.

 

[Oaktree]

You’ll have to track down what’s not moving that’s supposed to be. It’s likely either a slipping belt due to inadequate tension or a pulley that’s slipping on a shaft.

Good advice. Also check that the blades are "locked" to the shafts and not free spinning. I say this thru experience...I hit a stump or something once with mind, and the "star" on the shaft rounded off so the blade would spin independently of the shaft.

 

[jd2130]

Good advice. Also check that the blades are "locked" to the shafts and not free spinning. I say this thru experience...I hit a stump or something once with mind, and the "star" on the shaft rounded off so the blade would spin independently of the shaft.

Good tip. I'll check that too.

 

[jd2130]

You’ll have to track down what’s not moving that’s supposed to be. It’s likely either a slipping belt due to inadequate tension or a pulley that’s slipping on a shaft.

Any tips for figuring out which pulley is causing the problem? I can't really look at the blades while they are running.

 

[WranglerX]

A little armstrong on blades (wear gloves) and holding belt with other hand will give some indication of what may be wrong... You have to get hands dirty and push, tug, hammer, conjol, and cuss to find issue.....Then come back and discuss fix....

Dale

 

[jd2130]

It appears that the blades are firmly attached and there is no obvious damage to any of the pulleys or belts. There is a small crack in the metal piece that goes around the blade. I think it's called the "spindle assembly". Could this little crack be causing my problem?

 

[4570Man]

Any tips for figuring out which pulley is causing the problem? I can't really look at the blades while they are running.

It’s probably the one that the drive belt hooks to on the deck. Next option would be the output pulley on the motor. It’ll probably be sloppy and have signs of heat buildup.