Cub Cadet

Starts and runs fine but when cutting blades are engaged power drops way down

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 :

Whenever the blade is engaged, it rotates on a crankshaft to cut the grass. But if there is interference in this rotation, the engine can overload and shut off or lose power. Check the crankshaft connection to see if it rotates freely. Inspect the connecting hardware for damage or rust.
Check that all the safety switches are working correctly, it is possible the seat switch is bad or loose plug/ bad wire. Also if battery weak or charging system weak/faulty the clutch will stall out engine, charge battery up with charger and try.
The most common reason for a surging lawn mower engine is a blockage in the fuel supply, but there are other possibilities: Bad gas. Bad spark plug. Dirty/faulty carburetor.
If the mowing deck is engaged and the unit is in reverse, the mower will shut down as part of a safety feature.
Replace dirty or clogged fuel filter. Replace old gas with fresh gas (properly dispose of old gas). Check oil level and add if low. Adjust cutting height of mower before cutting tall grass.
Over time, a spark plug will wear out. Eventually, the spark will no longer be powerful enough to fully ignite the air and fuel. You are likely to notice power loss including bogging down when cutting grass because of a worn spark plug. Removing and replacing a spark plug is easy.
A full gas tank and oil reservoir are the essential first steps when checking why the lawn mower won`t stay running, but the problem could also be a dirty filter, clogged carburetor, improper fuel mixture, or a dirty spark plug.
You Lose Power in the Middle of Mowing:

Here`s why this happens and what you can do: Dirty Air Filter on Your Lawn Mower: Clean or replace. Dirty Spark Plug: Clean or replace. Build Up of Clippings & Debris: Clean underside of your lawn mower deck as noted above.

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.
The fuel filter might be clogged. A clogged fuel filter is most commonly caused by leaving old fuel in the lawn mower. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the fuel filter and cause the engine to run roughly.
Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn`t work, you might need a new fuel filter.
A full gas tank and oil reservoir are the essential first steps when checking why the lawn mower won`t stay running, but the problem could also be a dirty filter, clogged carburetor, improper fuel mixture, or a dirty spark plug.
When a spark plug becomes fouled, the tips become coated with fuel, carbon, oil or dirt. This interference limits the ignition power needed for mowing on level or uphill surfaces. Maintain your spark plugs by changing them every season or regularly removing and cleaning the tips.

Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

When I hold the bar down that engages the blade it will not cut?
ANSWER : Is the blade sharp?

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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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Why wont blades engage
ANSWER : The belt is worn

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Put new belt on riding lawn mower now blade wont engage
ANSWER : How many belt on a columbia lawn tractor
Lost traction when cutting grass
do they have a cluth?

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Murray riding mower the blades will not engage
ANSWER : Sounds like the cabel it broke

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Have a 20 HP twin cylinder KOHLER engine on CRAFTSMAN mower.
ANSWER : Did you check your gas? Generally a loud popping sound indicates water in the fuel. If there is one carb hitting and one not, the one not hitting may be full of water. Drain the carb bowls. Drain the tank. Clean the spark plugs and try it.

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Mower dies when the blade is engaged kawasaki 48″ cut walk behind.
ANSWER : Well first you should check to make sure that the blades move freely. While the engine is off you can (safely, with a glove) grab one off the blades and see if you can move it freely,(the other two should move as well) By process off elimination you should be able to figure out which blade is giving you trouble. I’m guessing it could be as simple as something wrapped around the blades, to as complex as a bearing has gone bad. If this doesn’t take care of your problem you can reply back, being more specific and I’ll do what I can to walk you through this. Please rate my answer.

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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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