QuestionQUESTION: I have a Scotts Model 2546, made by John Deere, that the blades have stopped engaging. The mower is not used much but was working when parked last. This time when I went to engage the blade, it seemed harder than I remember to turn the lever to engage. When I did get it the engaged position, the blades did not engage. I have checked the belt and while it is not broken, it does appear to have a lot of slack in it. Even when the lever is in the engaged position it appears to be too much slack to engage the blade. The pulley that is attached to the lever to engage the blade does move, but I question if it is moving enough to actually tighten the belt enough to engage the blades. I thought about ordering a new belt, thinking that the old one had stretched, but wanted to get another opinion before spending the money only to find that something else was wrong. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Harold
ANSWER: Hello Harold:
>>Sorry for the Delay. Snow and Ice have Hit Us hard and I have been Very Busy.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers 2546 and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. *You can Drag the View Windows for Better Viewing.*
>>From your Description it Sounds like the Idler Arm that Supports the Tension Puley is Binding and Not Moving Freely as Designed or the Belt is Stretched and Requires Replacing.
>>Block the Unit Up and Lower the Cutting Deck to the Lowest Point and have Someone Operate the Blade Engagement (engine Not Running and Spark Plug Removed).
>>Watch the Linkage and Look for Bent or Binding Connection Points.
>>Make Sure All the Idlers are Moving on their Pivots Freely.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Received Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks, John, the link to the site will be very helpful. I have tried to look at the engaging mechanisms while having someone turn the engaging lever and everything appears to be working. The only thing I question is if the Tension Pulley is actually traveling far enough to engage. There is so much slack in the belt that I do not believe the pulley can travel far enough to remove the slack and engage the blades. Is it possible for a belt to stretch that much? It appears that it is installed properly and it was working before I parked the mower. It does set outside and subject to weather conditions and is not used very often.
Thanks again,
Harold
AnswerHello Again Harold:
>>It is Possible for the Belt to Stretch enough that the Tensioner Pulley will Not Even Attempt to Tighten the Belt, but Usually the cause is the Idler Pulley Tensioner Pivot Not Moving Freely.
>>Make sure the Belt is On All the Pulleys and Idlers before you even Think about a New Belt if the Idler is Not Tightening the Belt at All.
>>As Always, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Received Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
