Blade speed bogging down

[rjohn34]

I have a 2003 Grasshopper 618, 52” deck. Obviously, it’s an older mower but it feels like the speed of the blades slows down randomly while mowing. It will do it in thin grass as well in thick grass. If I wait a few minutes rotation speed is regained by sitting and waiting. I’m not a mechanic by any means but wondering if it’s the pto clutch or the spindles. Has anyone ran into this or know what the problem could be?

 

[Fish]

Just a quick test, unplug one of the plugs and start it., then plug it back in and try the same on the other side.

 

[rjohn34]

Just a quick test, unplug one of the plugs and start it., then plug it back in and try the same on the other side.

Thank you, I’ll try that in the morning.