Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere L100 Vibrations, idler pulley bearing, john deere l100

Question
QUESTION: I have a John Deere L100 42” riding mower. My problem is when I engage the mower, the mower vibrates vigorously. I replaced the blades thinking they were out of balance, still vibrates. Also, when the mower is engaged the tractor slows down. Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Israel

ANSWER: Hello Israel:

From your Description it Sounds like a Mandrel/Spindle or Idler Pulley Bearing is Bad. Remove the Deck from the Mower and Remove the Belt/s. Turn Each Mandrel/Spindle/Idler and Make Sure they Turn Free and have No Grinding or Sound Rough when they are Turning. If Any Do, then Replace the Bearing or Mandrel/Spindle or Idler Pulley. A Bad Mandrel/Spindle Bearing or a Bad Idler Pulley Bearing will Cause the Engine to Lose RPMs when the Deck is Engaged as well as the Mower Vibrating. 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

Hello Again Israel:

I Forgot to give you the Site Addy to View the Unit. 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 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John


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

QUESTION: John,

I replaced the spindles just in case. The tensioner and pulley seem ok. But the vibration and power lose continue when the mower deck is engaged. When I get to some grass it loses power and turns off. Please help!

Thank you,

Israel


Answer
Hi Israel:

Next you Check the PTO Unit on the Bottom of the Crankshaft. Is the Mounting Bolt still Tight? Disconnect the Electrical from the PTO, Remove the PTO Center Bolt and Remove the PTO from the Engine. With the Cutter Deck Removed; Remove the Spark Plug/s and have Someone Turn the Engine as if Starting it. Watch the Center Bolt Hole of the Crankshaft. Does the Crankshaft Turn True or Does it Wobble? If the Bolt Hole Does Not Turn True, then the Crankshaft is Bent and this is Causing the Vibration. The PTO itself May be Damaged and is Causing the Vibration when Engaged. 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