QuestionQUESTION: Hi John,
You have helped me in the past and I hope that you can help me again. I heard my blades stop turning yesterday and thought that the belt broke. I shut off the power take off and put the tractor in neutral. I turned on again and the blades worked. However when I put a load on it by shifting into gear it works better in 1st or 2nd, but sometimes will stop turning. In 3rd it will not stay turning at all. I replaced the clutch about 5 years ago, plus I can drive it around the yard without the mower with no problem. I suspect the power take off? Can you help, please?
ANSWER: Hello Again Dana:
Is the Belt Stretched? Is the Voltage from the Stator/Regulator Proper. 12.5 VDC Minimum when the Engine is at Full Throttle and the PTO is Engaged. With the PTO being 5 Years Old and Using it Every Year During the Grass Cutting Season, then the PTO May Need Replacing. Make Sure the Voltage is Correct and the Belt is Not Stretched Before Replacing the PTO. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower and Engine at this Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers . Then Select your Model from the Results Area. Then Select Sectional Index. Now Select Your Mower. Now Select the File you Need to View. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let Me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
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QUESTION: Hi John,
Still having problems with my STX38. While cutting grass with a load, my lawnmower might run 10 minutes with no problem. Then the deck will stop turning, but if I decrease the throttle it will begin to cut again. I pretty much have to cut the grass in 2nd gear in order to complete it. I spoke with the local repair shop and he thought that the engine might be getting old (16 yrs), and it might be losing compression with a load. I also spoke with the John Deere dealer and he suggested that the clutch might be slipping. (I replaced once about 5 years ago). When running without the pto on there is no problem with power, could I rule out the compression, or is that just because I have no load on it? Your advice is always welcome! Thanks
ANSWER: Hello Again Dana:
Bear with Me Please. The Way I Understand the Question is as Follows: You are Cutting Grass and then Suddenly the Blades Stop Turning. The Engine Speed is the Same or Rises (Usually Rises), But the Blades are Not Turning. You Stop and Lower the Engine Speed and the Blades Start Turning Again. You Lower Engine Speed and Ground Speed and are Able to Finish Cutting the Grass. **Usually this is an Indicator of a Bad Belt or a Bad PTO. It Looks and Feels Proper when Cold, but When Used it Becomes Hot and Stretches or the PTO Becomes Hot and the Clutches Slip. The Lowered RPMs Allow the Clutches to Grab. Just Because there is No Smoke from the PTO, Does Not Mean the PTO is Working Properly. ** If this is Correct, then the Cause is Not the Engine. There is No Loud Squealing or Smoking of the Belt. And if you Decrease the Ground Speed and Engine RPMs, the Blade will Engage and Cut the Grass. I am at a Loss. If the Above is Correct, then the Belt is Worn Out/Loose or the PTO is Bad. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi John,
Good news! I was googling another site and I found several people with a similar problem. The bolt that holds the pto ground had vibrated itself loose over the past 16 years, (about a 1/2 inch). I tightened it and the intermittent problem has gone away. Thank you very much for your assistance as a little brain storming kept me thinking instead of turning to the repair shop. Regards, Dana
AnswerHello Again Dana:
Great!!! I am Glad you Located the Cause of the Problem. That is a First Though. Usually when the Ground Wire Becomes Loose, it Does Not Allow the PTO to Engage at All. I will List this in the Possible Causes with the Belt. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
