Garden

Was mowing just fine for about 6 hours – then the blades just stopped spinning. Nothing stuck, stopped, re-started re-engaged PTO nothing..is it PTO switch or something else
Experienced gardeners share their insights in answering this question :
It sound like the PTO clutch has died.
Test your PTO clutch. It should have a resistance of 1.7 to 2.5 ohms.

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 :

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.
If the blades are engaged and you shift to reverse the mower is designed to either shut off the blades or the engine. Some units have ROS, this is an additional position on the key switch that can be activated if the operator feels the need to mow in reverse.
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.
Your blades are too blunt.

If you notice lines in your lawn after you mow it, you should check to ensure that your blades are sufficiently sharp for cutting. To make sure that your blades are suitable, you should sharpen them between once and twice per season.

If the mowing deck is engaged and the unit is in reverse, the mower will shut down as part of a safety feature.
What`s happening? This is a normal function of the seat safety switch. With the blades engaged, weight from the operator allows the seat safety switch to keep the engine running.
The factors that are causing your lawn mower engine to seize are the lack of lubrication, overheating issues, or having a dirty air filter. It could also be due to the lack of use, fuel-related issues, or mechanical failures taking place.
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.
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 dirty carburetor is the most common cause of a lawn mower that starts and then dies. Other possible causes include: Stale/Dirty Gas. Faulty Choke.
A strip of uncut grass left in the middle of mowing rows could signal that your lawnmower`s blades are unbalanced or that one or both of them was installed the wrong way. Lawnmower blades are beveled and specifically designed to attach in a certain fashion.
Clogged or Dirty Air Filters

Dirty air filters are one of the most common reasons lawn mowers sputter. Dirt can be present in the apertures that lead from the carburetor and the fuel filter and interrupt the flow of fuel supply to the combustion chamber. You want to be sure to clean or replace dirty air filters.

A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall.
If your riding lawn mower engine dies when you release the brake, there`s a good chance the mower`s seat switch is broken or unplugged. The seat switch stops the engine when it doesn`t detect an operator sitting on the seat to prevent the mower from moving without a driver.
A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall.
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.

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.
Electric lawnmowers may cut out for two main reasons: A faulty power switch or a loose cable connection. An overheating motor can cause the thermal cut out to trip.
A wide range of issues can cause a lawn mower to stall. Here`s one: Dull blades that force the engine to overwork. If the mower stalls through thick grass areas, try sharpening the blade to see if that fixes the problem.
An unbalanced blade spinning that fast will cause a significant amount of vibration, which will put stress on yout blade shaft, spindle, and even the engine. So if you want to get the most life out of your mower… keep the blades balanced! If playback doesn`t begin shortly, try restarting your device.

Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

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.

Read Full Q/A … : Garden

How to change mower blades – Cub Cadet Riding Lawn Garden Tractor 25hp Kohler 50"
ANSWER : Fine a way to stop blade from turning, put a socket with long handle and turn countercock wise, some will need a wench on nut at top of shaft to stop blade from turning, torque to 60 # on most 50″ or lower width mowers

Read Full Q/A … : Garden

The edger is not cutting very well. Any tips to make it work better?
ANSWER : You said cutting, not running, so I suggest removing the blade and sharpening on a grinder or buying a replacement blade.I hope you find this very helpful.

Read Full Q/A … : Garden

Why would blades just stop when mowing with ex mark lazer Z (model lz25kc604) I had beeing mowing for about 6 hours. Then it just stopped
ANSWER : It sound like the PTO clutch has died.
Test your PTO clutch. It should have a resistance of 1.7 to 2.5 ohms.

Read Full Q/A … : Garden

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

Read Full Q/A … : Garden

Mowing deck makes ticking noise when blades are engaged.
ANSWER : A FEW THINGS TO LOOK AT ARE ,1THE PULLY SHIELDSMAKE SURE THEY AREN’T BENT TO CLOSE TO THE PULLEY’S.2 THE PULLEY BEARING’S MAY BE WORE OUT AND TO BREAK .3LOOK UNDER THE DECK TO MAKE SURE YOU DIDN’T GET SOMETHING TRAPED IN THE CUTTING DECK.HOPE THIS HELPED.

Read Full Q/A … : Garden

How do you remove the blade clutch on a john deere 14 sb. I can’t remove the allen head bolt in the botton of the crankshaft as it turns.
ANSWER : It would be helpful if you could tell me what model you are working on,but i can tell you that you will need an impact gun no matter what model you have.Let me know how you make out.

Read Full Q/A … : Garden

How do you install blade on 12hp LT model no.917.254241
ANSWER : What model blade do u have? can you email a copy of the installation intructions?

Read Full Q/A … : Garden