Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): john deere 316 power, john deere 316, hydrostatic drive

Question
QUESTION: This tractor runs good, starts right up. Has power when I put it in gear to run. My problem is when I turn on the mowing deck I lose power to mow lawn. Model# M00316X422438 engine# is P218G-1-10462A. Thanks for any info you can give me.

ANSWER: Hello Terry:

Can you Explain in Further Detail about the Power Loss, Please? What is the Engine Doing? Is it Slowing, Stopping or Surging. What is the Compression? Is this a Hydrostatic or Regular Tractor? Does this have the Electric PTO for the Blade Engagement? Thanks.

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is a hydrostatic drive. It has a electric pto for the blade engagement. Motor run strong with the tractor moving. When I'm in netural with motor running good. I turn on the pto for the deck. The motor still has good rpm's. When I put the tractor in gear to move, I lose rpm's to mow lawn. I can mow at a snail speed, but can't mow at even half speed. I tried to choke the motor to see if not enough gas, but motor loaded up

Answer
Hello Again Terry:

Thanks for the Extra Information. The Site Breakdown Shows 2 Different Mowers. One was a Hydro and the Other a Standard Transaxle. From your Descriptions it Sounds like it May be a Bad Bearing or Spindle/Mandrel. I Suggest you Remove the Mower Deck and Inspect the Spindles/Mandrels and Idler Pulleys. The Should Turn Freely and with Little to No Noise. If there is a Bearing Grinding or that Sounds Rough, then Replace the Bearing, the Spindle/Mandrel or Idler Pulley. If the Belt is Tensioned Properly and the Bearing is Not Locked Up, you can get the Problem you Described. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John