Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere SX75, speed variator, forward speeds

Question
QUESTION: I have a well maintained JD SX75. Over the last several months, when riding it in "gears" 3 thru 7, it has slowly lost its ability to go either uphill or pull loads. It still functions under load or uphill in gears 1-2. On level ground it functions almost normally in all gears (1-7), but not under load (gears 3-7). The problem came on slowly. Mowing is not affected.

ANSWER: Hello Kent:

>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers SX75 and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. *You can Drag the View Windows for Better Viewing.*
>>This Unit uses a Variable Speed Sheave (Variator) to Obtain the 7 Forward Speeds and a Two Speed (Forward and Reverse Only) Transaxle.
>>Check the Belt and Replace if Worn.
>>Clean and Lightly Lubricate the Sliding Center Sheave of the Variable Speed (Variator) Sheave so it Moves Freely from One side of the Sheave Assy to the Other.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 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. All Follow up Questions are Accepted at Any Time. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey John, I finally got around to removing the mower assembly on the Deere SX75 and checking out the variator area of the power train. The belts are in fairly good shape and all parts move on the assembly. The springs are keeping the belt tight. I can't find anything broken. Any other thoughts on why only 2 speed work?

Thanks,

Kent

Answer
Hello Again Kent:

>>Have Someone Move the Ground Speed Lever while you Watch the Linkage.
>>If the Sheave is Moving Correctly, then
>>The Linkage May be Bending/Binding and Not Moving Correctly or,
>>Check the Clutch Idler Bracket (#19) and make Sure it is Moving Smoothly when Operated.
>>Did you Loosen the Belts and Move the Center Sheave of the Variator Pulley by Hand?
>>The Center Sheave Floats Up and Down between the 2 Belts and should do so Smoothly.
>>A Last Possible cause is the Key on the Transaxle Input Pulley being Damaged.
>>As Always, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 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. All Follow up Questions are Accepted at Any Time. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John