Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): battery drain..., analog meter, battery drain

Question
hello...

I have a John deere riding mower 160. My blades are draining my battery! When the blades are engaged, it is draining the battery and if I disconnect the battery, the blades stop. Is this a problem with a short or with PTO?

Thanks
David

Answer
Most likely it is the clutch...shorted.  We have found several bad clutches this year.

It's possible the engine alternator is causing the problem, however this is rare.

Do you have a digtal multimeter or analog meter and a DC shunt?  This is what you need to accurrately trouble-shoot the problem.  If you don't have these tools, you may just want to ask your local dealer in your area if they have replaced or sold any of the clutches.  I doubt your mower is any different than the ones in our region, but I'd check with the dealer to be sure before replacing the clutch.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Eric

Oh yeah, check the wire connection on the clutch...we've found some that were shorting against the frame.