Engine Lawn tractor moves slowly

[Denna]

Regarding a Craftsman 917.288570.

This lawn tractor has recently started to move slowly on flat ground, forward or reverse.

Any ideas where to start looking for the problem ?

Could it be a worn drive belt ?

 

[BlazNT]

Yes or transaxle going out.

 

[BlazNT]

Belt part number is 130969

 

[Denna]

BlazNT,

Thanks for the quick reply.

What would be the visual signs of transaxle failure ?

What do you think of the Kevlar drive belts ?

 

[BlazNT]

If belt does not fix it then I would think the drive is going out. Kevlar is for breaking very few belts break they wear. Unless you can get one very close to the same price I think they are too pricey.

 

[Denna]

BlazNT,

I've ordered a new drive belt.

Amazon.com : 130969 Replacement belt made with Kevlar. For Craftsman, Poulan, Husqvarna, Wizard, more. : Lawn Mower Belts : Patio, Lawn & Garden

It's the first drive belt replacement for this lawn tractor, so it's probably due for change out.

 

[Fish]

On the backside of the trans is a lever you pull out so you can push the mower when it is not running. Make sure nothing has wedged up in there and pulling that lever partly out, it will make the trans pull slow.

 

[Denna]

Fish,

Checked the lever and it was pushed in all the way.

The drive belt is over 3 years old.

It wouldn't be a surprise if that turned out to be the problem.

 

[Denna]

The replacement belt is allowing the tractor to move, but it's still having difficulty driving over minor hills.

How can you tell if the pulleys are worn ?

Does a worn pulley cause the belt not to be gripped ? As if the pulley is so polished that it's unable to grip the belt ?

 

[BlazNT]

Before you go out and replace very good pulleys try checking the oil level in the transaxle.