Lawn tractor - loss of power

tomplum · Dec 11, 2020

If by running fine you are indicating that the engine power seems at least close to normal, when you engage the deck it runs with power etc.- that would indicate a drive problem. There are a few things that prevent the traction belt to hold tension which could be an issue. 1) If there is a lot of grass present between the frame and lower steering support your clutch pedal can't fully retract. It's like riding the clutch. 2) The transaxle has bracketry which supports the front of the transmission. If bolts are missing / broken or the bracket is broken- it can't hold tension on the belt either. 3) Less common but on occasion the top of the drive pulley under the engine cracks a doesn't allow the pulley to grip the belt. The first 2 items are quite common though. Lastly you may have seeped enough oil from the transaxle where it can't work. You have to get access to the top of the transaxle to find out however. Hope this helps.

Gem99ultra · Dec 12, 2020

Same problem earlier with my Husqvarna, although a larger model. Problem definitely was the drive belt slipping at anything over half throttle. Replacement with a new HUSQVARNA drive belt solved the problem completely. Please not, drive belts from the auto parts store are not the same width, and that makes a difference.

PS Your post would be more appropriate in the 'Lawn and Garden Equipment' forum.

crazyal · Dec 12, 2020

Have you checked to see which transmission Husqvarna used? Chances are it's the dreaded K46 that has a life span of about 400 hours. I'm guessing if it's got a Kohler Courage (the engine that was named because Kohler had the courage to sell it) then it's a lower end mower (my box store special also has that engine). If it does have the K46 in it there's not much you can do but either replace it or rebuild it.

hube2 · Dec 12, 2020

beowulf said:
hube2, thank you for responding. I cannot recall when I bought this, but the engine states it was manufactured in 2005. So, assuming I bought it near that year it is a bit old and maybe a new one is in order.

Mine was about 11 years old when the transmission blew. Mine had a sealed, what they called "TransAxle", so it was not repairable and the whole thing had to be replaced. The shop wanted nearly $1500 parts and labor to fix it. But if you do fix it you might get another 10 years out of your tractor if it still running good, not burning oil, and hasn't started to rust too badly.

beowulf · Dec 12, 2020

hube2 said:
Mine was about 11 years old when the transmission blew. Mine had a sealed, what they called "TransAxle", so it was not repairable and the whole thing had to be replaced. The shop wanted nearly $1500 parts and labor to fix it. But if you do fix it you might get another 10 years out of your tractor if it still running good, not burning oil, and hasn't started to rust too badly.

hube2 - good information to have. I will see what I can do to find out if that is the issue. Maybe it is time to get a new one - I will check out the other suggestions made here first and that will determine if the mower is toast or hopefully a reasonable fix. Thanks again.

Diggin It · Dec 12, 2020

Your later post indicates more towards the transaxle than the engine. Engine issues can usually be heard one way or another. In my cases, it sounded different and was noticeably weaker since it was only running on one cylinder. You now say that the engine is running fine.

beowulf · Dec 12, 2020

Diggin It said:
Your later post indicates more towards the transaxle than the engine. Engine issues can usually be heard one way or another. In my cases, it sounded different and was noticeably weaker since it was only running on one cylinder. You now say that the engine is running fine.

Digginit, thanks for additional input. Yes, the engine seems to run fine - at all speeds using the throttle. So, I will be checking out the other possible dx suggestions - raining now, so will wait, and fortunately, our mowing season is over here for the year and won't need the lawn tractor again until Spring.

CoyPatton · Dec 12, 2020

beowulf said:
Digginit, thanks for additional input. Yes, the engine seems to run fine - at all speeds using the throttle. So, I will be checking out the other possible dx suggestions - raining now, so will wait, and fortunately, our mowing season is over here for the year and won't need the lawn tractor again until Spring.

Remember if you wait till spring to purchase a mower, you will pay the new year premium price. While if you find a ‘previous’ year model still in stock, you might get a better price now.
Not familiar with your model, but experience with big box store mowers, even name brand ones are about like buying a Wal Mart mower. Use it till issues then replace it, you may be able to sell a few thing such as the motor if still running well.

crazyal · Dec 13, 2020

I personally would find out if your mower has the dreaded K46 transaxle. If so I would look for a new machine. Buy one with a different one as you know how long the K46 will last on your property. Here's one thread talking about the problems and how to repair them with over 1000 posts. https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/164892-tufftorq-k46-repair-guide-pictures.html?highlight=k46

Slowpoke Slim · Dec 13, 2020

It really sounds like your transaxle is roasted to me. You can buy a replacement and do the swap yourself, or you can buy a rebuild kit and rebuild the one you have.

Tuff Torq - Hydraulic, Mechanical, & Electric Drivetrain Solutions

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I also think you can put in the heavier duty rebuild kit for the transaxle you have, to make it more durable than the original.

Sounds like you have time to get it all sorted out and repaired over this winter.