QuestionQuestion -
I have got a 1974 Craftsman Eager One 10 h.p. riding mower. It was just sitting for five years outside and I just revived it. It runs great now.
My question for you is this:
When I depress the brake/clutch pedal, the pedal is supposed to release the tension in the drive belt. However, it does not do this. When the pedal is down, the tractor keeps moving. In order to get it out of gear, I have to slam it into neutral. What can I do to fix this problem? The only thing that I have done to the drive system is replace the belt. It broke on me. Thanks for any help.
Answer -
Hi Brandon,
Check the belt size to make sure it is not shorter that the original. Also make sure it it routed correctly. Have someone operate the pedal while the engine is off and watch what happens with the pulleys. You may see the problem and a solution. If your mower has a variable split pulley, check it to see that it is sliding on it's shaft. It may be rusted and not moving freely. Remove the top sheet metal cover that surrounds the shifter for easier viewing access.
Let me know how you make out.
Michael
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Followup
Thanks for your help Michael.
I have replaced the belt with an identical 94" one and it has been routed correctly to where it was before the old one broke. I had my brother work the pedal while I looked under the tractor to see how it worked. When I looked at the axle in the rear, I noticed that the pads that should tighten on the disc when the brake is applied, were not grabbing tight enough. How can these be tightened? I am completely confused as to why this is not working properly.
Thanks again,
Brandon
AnswerHi Brandon,
There should be adjustment in the linkage for the pedal travel. Maybe the pedal is not moving as far forward as it should or the linkage can be tightened so the brakes and clutch activate. Follow the path from the pedal through the clutch and finally to the brakes.
Michael
