QuestionQUESTION: I have a 42" MTD Yardmate 1999 model. I purchased it second hand on the understanding it ran without problems. It has 7 speeds; well that's what the markings say! 1 and 2 are crawl, 3-5 are crawl a little faster and 6/7 seem to be fine as long as I can let it pick up speed on a slight slope, as does 5. I have used a Yardmate before. I went thro' the adjustments a couple of times and had someone sit on it on ramps whilst I took a look underneath (using a mirror), whilst they went thro the 'gears'.
It all looks to be okay with the torque converter allowing the pulleys to open/close. It is also hard to pull the lever back from 5-7 to park with the engine running. I talked to the shop where I got it from, not really from the shop, he just had it parked on his yard for another customer.... he said he'd have a look for me. He did so and using another MTD Yardmate as a yardstick, came to the conclusion it was fine. He even said he talked to MTD who confirmed his conclusion.
They told him that the other Yardmate that I had used probaly had a worn belt as, as such would give different speeds. The belts are 'okay/good' in mine.
John, any thoughts on what it may be/how I can fix it? I'm almost tempted to buy a differing size belt and see if that changes things. But I feel it should work as designed.
Many thanks,
Bob
ANSWER: Hello Bob:
Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Depending on the Model, it May be the Variable Speed Pulley, Transaxle or a Bad Pulley (Usually the Engine Pulley). 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: Hi John,
Thanks for the response. The Model Number is 13AS678G670. I believe the G670 to be the 42" deck. It has a B&S twin 18.5HP engine. The manuals I have have Form Nos 770-8637A - Operators Manual and 770-10116 for the Parts Book. I can scan, send any pages you need.
Thanks again,
Bob
AnswerHello Again Bob:
Remove the Drive Belts and Check the Variable Speed Pulley. Make Sure the Floating Sheave is Moving Freely between the 2 Outer Sheaves. Check the Belts and make Sure the Belts are the Correct Width and Length. The Transmission is a Single Speed Transmission and Achieves Ground Speed from the Variable Speed Pulley. The Wrong Belt Width and Length will Change the Ground Speed. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Mower at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View. 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
