Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snapper blade disengages, blade switch, question pool

Question
Hi, I have a Snapper Scrambler Hydro Drive Series 6 mower, model YZ18336BVE. After I engage the blade switch, the blade will spin normally anywhere from 5 seconds to a few minutes, and will then disengage. Is this simply a belt or clutch problem, or is blade engagement dependent upon adequate current to some type of actuator or solenoid? I ask because my blade disengagement problem has coincided with my battery going bad.

Thanks for your help,
Jason

Answer
Hello Jason:

Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool. The Electric PTO Clutch Requires 10.5VDC Minumum to Stay Engaged. IS the Stator Charging at 13.0VDC or Better? Usually the PTO Ground is Corroded and Cause the PTO to Kick in and Out. **The Most Common Cause for this Problem is the PTO Ground. A Quick Ground Check is to Use Another Wire and Ground the PTO at the Harness Connection Nearest the PTO. Be Carefull and Do Not Ground the HOT Wire. Use a Multimeter and Locate the Ground Wire. Clean the PTO Ground and All the Connections for the PTO Wiring Harness. If you have an Ohmmeter, Disconnect the Wiring Harness from the Front of the Clutch and Check the Resistance of the Clutch. You should have around 4 or 5 OHMs. If at or near Zero, the Coil has Shorted.** You can View a Breakdown of the Mower at this Site Addy; http://www.snapper.com/manuals/ Select your Model from the List in the Model/Part Numbers Section. Select Parts Manual from the Manual Type Section and Click Find Manuals. Now Download the Manual for your Unit from the List Provided. 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