Garden
Everything intact, the blade of my ride on mower does not move and no grass cut
Experienced gardeners share their insights in answering this question :
Gear slip not engaging or drive band faulty broken or jammed?
How to Identify and Fix Common Gardening Problems ?
We provide a variety of viewpoints on how to identify and fix common gardening problems. Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced gardeners :
For riding mowers using a manual clutch, the mower blades are engaged by manually shifting a lever that moves a pulley assembly to tighten the blade drive belt. The rotating engine shaft will then drive the belt, which in turn, rotates the pulleys to spin one or more cutting blades.
Belt-the number one cause for your blades not to engage is that your belt is either stretched or loose causing it to slip or fall off completely. Belt could have snapped also. When you are trying to process too much grass/leaves they could pack up under your deck and push off your belt.
If the engine dies when the blades engage, it could be the result of a damaged safety switch. The first step in assessing the safety switch is to make sure it is plugged in securely. The switch is located underneath the seat, and you may have to remove the seat to reach it.
The engine powers both the wheels and the blade, just like a walk-behind self-propelled mower. But instead of being directly connected to it by an axle, the blade on most riding mowers is powered by a belt connected to the engine.
If the riding lawn mower runs but the blades won`t cut the grass, the problem could be with the blade belt. Examine and replace the belt if you find it worn or broken. If the belt is okay, check the blade belt idler pulley, blade clutch cable and clutch lever assembly on tractors with manual blade actuators.
Clogged or Dirty Air Filters
It is one of the most common problems that cause lawnmowers to sputter. The mowers take the air from the surrounding through air filters and mix it with fuel inside the engine. So, if the air filter is clogged or dirty, it will affect the flow of air into the carburetor.
If your mower blades will not turn after the blade controls have been engaged, your deck belt may be broken. The deck is located directly under the operators seat. This belt spins the mowers blades and runs through a pulley system of idlers. The exact configuration of the deck belt will depend on your model of mower.
Generally speaking, the blade should be tight enough so that it doesn`t move around on its own, but you should be able to move with your hand by applying some pressure. The manufacturer should provide a proper tightening level expressed in foot-pounds, commonly found in the mower`s manual.
How Sharp Should Your Mower Blade Be? Mower blades should be aggressively sharp, but not as sharp as a razor`s edge. You should be able to touch the blade with your hand without getting cut. Contrary to popular belief, a lawn mower blade with a razor sharp edge will not cut grass better.
A dull blade is the number one reason for leaving uncut grass. The blunt blade will damage your lawn in no time at all; it tears the grass and leaves a jagged edge which turns the grass tips yellow. The recommended way to repair the yellow grass damage – regularly cut with a sharp lawnmower blade.
A sharp cutting blade makes your lawn look great and helps keep your turf healthy. If the mower blades are dull or nicked, it will smash the edge of the grass blade, leaving a torn end rather than a clean cut.
Two blades result in more “bites” into the grass, cutting the grass into smaller pieces. The leading upper blade makes a major cut at the front. Then the lower blade makes a smaller cut.
Mulching blades are an excellent choice for use on lawns that receive a mowing every three to four days. Using mulching blades on overgrown grass can result in clogging under the deck and piles of grass on the cut lawn. Mulching is also an environmentally friendly way to deal with grass clippings.
The most common cause of a mower that runs for thirty minutes and then dies is a faulty armature. A faulty gas cap is the second most likely cause.
Make sure the blades are facing the correct direction and are not warped. Check the mower spindle and repair it if necessary. Check if the deck is level and if not repair or replace it. Underinflated tires will cause one side to sit lower and cause uneven cutting.
If the PTO clutch is not getting power, if the clutch solenoid is defective, or if the clutch is worn out, the lawn mower blades will not engage. The PTO clutch is not repairable—if the clutch is defective, you must replace it.
Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Hydrostatic what weight of oil goes back into hydrostatic
ANSWER : 10/w30 should be ok
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Engine stops after blade is engaged – Poulan Pro 46Inch 22 HP Yard Tractor with Briggs and Stratton Engine PB22H46YT
ANSWER : A faulty seat safety switch will cause this to happen.
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I need to get the blade of the lawn mower sharpened.Any tips on how to disconnect the blade fropm the lawn mower?
ANSWER : There is a jig that you can buy that makes this job SO much eaiser. It is a universal jig that clamps onto the deck and keeps the blade from spinning so you can use a ratchet to remove the nut holding the blade on. One name brand is called a “Blade Hog”. You should be able to find one of these at one of the bog box hardware stores.
Hope this helps,
Chad
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Mower cranks and runs smooth until i try to engage blades or put mower in gear. it then stalls out
ANSWER : The seat switch is not making. You can start the mower but if you try to move it or cut, the switch is acting as if there is no operator present. Find it under the seat.
Gary
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Blades wont ingage on my craftsman lawn tractor #917.274811?
ANSWER : After hitting a tree root, blades will not cut when I press to engage
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I would like to replace the mulching blades on my Sears Craftsman riding mower with regular cutting blades. I can find plenty of sources for new mulching blades, but not cutting blades. My mower is a model 917.259541 tractor and the blades currently on it are part #134149. I want to make sure I get the right size to replace them. Also, is there a source for a bagging system for this mower, that won’t cost as much as one from Sears?
ANSWER : The straight blade for the 42 inch mower is 138971.They cut better and are easier to sharpen and you will need them if you use a gass catcher. If you do not want to use sears for parts you may be able to find good deals on ebay.
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Mower blade on one side spins free and will not cut grass
ANSWER : Check the bearings in that spindle.
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The engine starts and the blades can turn. Both of the belts are on, but the mower will not move in either direction. The blades were raised before going over a tree root. the mower rock back and forth because of the root and the mower stopped
ANSWER : Sounds to me as if you have broken a shear pin in one of the drive pulleys. They are made this way so a shear pin will break instead of doing real damage to the drive train itself.
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