My church has this mower. It sat for three years. About Nov. of 12, last fall, I placed it in freewheel and pushed it outside. Pulled off the blower housing from the top, cleaned out all the accumulated dirt, pulled off the carb, cleaned the fuel solenoid valve and drained the fuel. Drained the oil and put on a new oil filter. The battery was shot so I used another to start it, and it ran like a top. It sat all winter. Today I went up and put a new battery on it. Took it out of freewheel, started it and it runs great. The problem is, it will not move. When I try to engage the drive pedals, both forward and reverse, it grinds. It seems it wants to go. I played with the freewheel rod a bunch thinking it may be stuck. No go. I jacked up the rear and the wheels turn freely in alternating directions like my old Pontiac Posi traction. With the wheels up, it still makes the sound as if the engine will stall if I go to far with the engagement. Any ideas.

 

Sounds like the brake is stuck. It's on the side of the transmission. Take it off and unstick the small steel pins in it.

 

Yep, brake stuck.
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Thank you both. I will try it tomorrow. Once I get this thing up the hill a good bath and lube is in order. It is a very nice tractor. I will let you know if that is it. I feel confident in your replies. TY

 

Thank you. Jacked up the rear, removed the RR wheel, and there it was. A stuck brake lever. Tapped it so slightly and it came loose. Rode it for about 5 minutes around the property, then washed it down. The deck was quite wet. When I tried to engage the blades, they did not operate. Dropped the deck to the lowest position and not a sound, growl, no belt squeal, no engine strain could be heard.

Any ideas. Which should I check first?

TY in advance.

Vic

 

There is a small pulley toward the middle of the deck that you will see is supposed to move to tighten the belt when you engage the blades. This pulley is mounted to a bracket that is probably stuck/rusted. It needs to rotate to push the pulley into the belt.

 

Um, I explain this. I down laded the owners manual form the manufacturer in pdf.

So today I go up and drop the deck to the lowest cutting height. power was off and it was safe. I pulled on the belts and they all moved. So I decided to put the engine cover and the air filter assembly back on. Put the hood on and hooked up the lights. So I decided to give it some TLC before I tackled the deck with no power.

Washed it nice and it looks brand new. 250 hours on the mower though.

I was driving through the yard and thought I would turn on the headlights. Pulled the switch below right of the steering wheel, and the mower deck powered up. LOL

I was startled and relieved.

 

Amen brother!
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Ok, electric PTO clutch then. My instructions wouldn't apply... I didn't look up the darn model number, lol. Glad it's working!