Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): mtd riding lawnmower, idler pulley, bearings

Question
Don't know the year of model this is what I can find 138-631-062/B228C under Lot/Model.  11HP/38". I know it's older but works. The problem is when the blade is engaged. When we go to cut the grass the blade is engaged and then when it goes to cut the grass it stops. It cuts some of the grass but it will stop untill you stop the mower. Then the blade will engage again.  Thought maybe blades are dull. but not the case when it does cut it cuts beautifully. If you drop the cutting deck down a notch to make the blades closer to the grass it does cut better but still does the same thing.  Almost like it doesn't have enough umph in the blades.  Oh it is a transimatic 6 speed.


Answer
A loose or worn belt can cause the problem.  When was the last time the belt was replaced?

On older tractors you will also want to check the deck blade bearings and idler pulley.  All of these can be checked by just rotating them and checking for play by hand.  You can do this by removing the belt from the eninge pulley or by removing the deck.

Let me know what you find and we'll go from there.
Eric