QuestionI recently borrowed my neighbor's Craftsman lawn tractor to vacuum up some leaves. He proceeded to read me the riot act when he saw me dismount the tractor without shutting it off. I used to own a Simplicity tractor and always used this method. He said that I could do some significant engine damage. I owned my Simplicity for 8 yrs and no problems at all. Who is right in this matter. He was pretty sure his info was correct. I can only tell you what I experienced. Thanks for your time and your help in this matter.
AnswerHello Jim:
>>I have Never Heard of or have I Seen a Problem being caused by Leaving the Seat of a Ride on Mower to Shut Off the Engine.
>>I Don't Suggest doing it on a Regular Basis to Anyone Anymore because the Belts that are being Offered to us Today are Not of the Quality that we Once had and when the Engine is Stopped with the Deck Engaged it May cause Belt Damage.
>>No Engine Damage is Likely to Occur using the Seat Safety to Stop the Engine.
>>The Safetys Shuts the Coil Down and Prevent the Spark Plug from Firing just like Turning Off the Ign Switch does.
>>Other than the Possible Belt Problems, like you I and Other Lawn Maintenance Personnel used to Dismount the Units without Shutting them Down with the Ign Switch, but as I Stated Earlier, I have Asked that this Practice be Discontinued so Our Equipment Maintenance Cost for Deck Belts will be Lower.
>>Some Mechanics Believe that Shutting the OHV Engines Down while at Full Throttle will cause Valve Problems, but I have Not Observed this as being a True Worry for Any of the Engines Manufactured and on the Market.
>>The OHV Engines Do have a Valve Clearance Problem (they have to be Adjusted about every 100 hrs of Operation) but it has Nothing to do with the Engines being Shut Down like you Described or at Full Throttle.
>>We have 1 Unit (a 62" Cut made in 1988) that the Operator has to be in the Seat before the Starter will Engage and Myself and Other Operators Still Dismount it as you Stated you Do and have Never had a Problem with it from Shutting it Down by Leaving the Operators Seat.
>>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
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Respectfully
John
