John Deer 14st

[wazoo111]

I have not used in a few years and got it running fine but when I try to engage blade it dies. I checked to see if blade is able to turn and it seems to be ok. Now I am stuck as to what to do. Dennis

 

[Lombardini]

Try to rev the engine up and then engage the blades does it then stall too? Greets Lombardini

 

[exotion]

Is it electric clutch. Or manual? Manual has the big lever you pull which pulls a spring on the idlers pulley. Clutch has the little yellow button. If electric I would inspect the electric clutch as it has sat a while something could have gotten dirty stuck or seized up.

 

[kwak]

If it is an electric clutch check your battery. The machine must maintain a certain voltage for the machine to run with the blades engaged.

 

[Carscw]

First thing.

Does it shut off like you turn the key to off or does the engine lock up? ( bog down )

 

[redmondjp]

The 14ST would be a self-propelled tri-cycler walk-behind, so manual engaging BBC.

Two items - either engine can't handle the load (mixture is off, weak spark, speed is too low, etc) or there is something binding up in the BBC which is placing an excessive load on the engine when engaged.

Try this (may require two people): Remove spark plug. Then have helper engage BBC lever and tip mower up while you turn the blade (or use pull starter) - does everything rotate freely? If not, then see why not.

If the engine does turn freely, I'd drop the carb bowl and make sure that everything is clean - and then do a standard tune-up. Check throttle shaft for stickiness, check plug, air filter, and so on. If your air-fuel mixture is too far off one way or the other, it could do what you are describing. Also you may want to try fresh gas.