John Deere X540 Lawn Tractor Killing Out When Blades Are Engaged

[stepping-stone2002]

This tractor is nearing 11 years old. Recently, when the blades are first engaged, it has been intermittently killing out. It seems to run well otherwise. It seems to do better if the engine is warmed up. I have recently changed the blades, seat safety switch, fuel and air filter, spark plugs, oil and oil filter. It doesn't always kill out, but there is usually at least a slight hesitation before the blades engage. Does anyone know why this might be happening?

 

[gainestruk]

You say killing out, is engine stopping like you turned off ignition or is engine bogging down ?

 

[bertsmobile1]

Your carb is worn.
When you engage the blade the throttle opens up fully and runs momentarily too lean.
Main jet might be slightly blocked or float could be a little low.

When was the last time you checked the valve lash ?

 

[stepping-stone2002]

You say killing out, is engine stopping like you turned off ignition or is engine bogging down ?

It is stopping as if the ignition has been turned off.

 

[Tinker Ty]

Silly as it sounds, how old is your battery? Have you load tested your battery. I fixed a similar issue that it was as simple as the battery was weak. Good enough to crank and start but the minute the electric clutch was engaged, it died.

 

[tom3]

Does the tractor have a manual choke for starting? Might give it a half choke when engaging that clutch for the first time.