Blades won't turn Snapper LE1642H

[Mike8623]

Ok guys just bought this used Snapper LE1642H riding mower (older mower). Got it home and went to mow, everything was fine for about the first hour then the blades just stopped. I pushed the PTO in and then back out again and the blades started for about 10 seconds then stopped. I did this 4-5 times more and the blades would engage for a 10 seconds or so and then quit.......So what do you guys think is wrong?? Engine runs just fine and the mower moves under its own power but the blades just won't engage for any length of time


Ok guys let me add a little. I let the mower set for 4 hours. I went out started it up and engaged the electric pto, well it worked as it should. I put it in and out several times and it worked just fine. So it seems the blades (pto) don't work after about 1.5 hours of use, and then if you let it set and cool down for 4 hours or so it works just fine. keep in mind everything else works as it should.

Surely someone out there must have an answer for this or know something, come on guys......need a little help here.

 

[primodude]

New belt may solve the problem or its possible the tension spring on the belt idler broke. You will have to lower the mower deck to its lowest level and remove the upper plastic guard to observe what is going on with the belt system. Best I can forward to you.

 

[bertsmobile1]

2 major reasond for this
1) battery run down so not enough amps to keep the clutch engaged. generator not keeping up
2) clutch drawing too much power so it overheats and cuts out. Short , bad joints etc

And before you ask, letting the batery sit for a while allows the chemical reactions that occur in the pase to even out so it has a bit more energy available.

You can put an ampmeter on the mower and check if it goes into discharge when the blades are engaged