Hi,
Bought this hard working John Deere 14SE new in September 1992 it's self propelled, electric start and 3-1 type Mulcher -Bagger-Side Discharge. We almost always mulch with the chute in
unless it has been wet (and this spring especially very rainy) but=
In a nutshell, this year in July the mower just stopped working, took it in (via station wagon)
to avoid a $80.00 pick up and return delivery)
and diagnosis =was needed a tune up, (also had extensive grass clippings preventing even a pull start , and electric start > charge not working, paid for a tune up, some delay as first thought just the battery itself was bad,
, then needed a whole "kit" We did call and check in and that was issue (waiting for parts) then got a call parts came in but testing > tune up etc the transmission failed and needed a PTO clutch (writing from memory and the bill) we mowed three times since got it back and on the 3rd time transmission/ self propelled was "slipping", 4th attempt this weekend the self propelled failed, and looking in the manual, tok off the shield and the belt (transmission) was not only off but coming apart (the outer edges were still there and belt still in one piece but
the "middle" of the belt (M77167 per manual)was expanding and getting wider and fraying in the middle (with failure certain) we did a diy and got the belt back on and used some electrical tape (small pieces) to flatten out the belt where it was coming undone on the middle)
First estimate was $30.00 I think to look it over with that $ applied to any work, and they called with a estimate (tune up labor, parts and a battery for $137.50 with estimate included. can live with that, then with the additional parts and labor went up to with tax $240.32 (*well, if it worked
would not be writing) ,With the Battery We did a proper charge and electric start never worked (should have called in then ) and on mow #3 starts slipping the self propel part and on #4 not working at all after a few lines of mowing and clutch handle floppy) and looking it over there are two wires one black, one red just sticking out wildly (they seem to have metal slide in clips on them
*I do not cut the lawn due to 3 back surgeries, 2 recent knee surgeries and facing another (just finished a series of 3 injections one week apart or I would have been more involved ,
* I am unsure if we could install a belt our selves one end (closest to handle is accessible with guard off) the other end ? ) Normally We pay for pick up and delivery as it weighs > 80+ if not close to 9 pounds ) and looking back it was almost 20 years old when We tok it in for service
My Grandfather sold John Deere Farm Implements in Angola ,Indiana (Covell Implements) and back then starting out even took Horses in for trade and his one Brother "Deke" a Horsemen sold then etc
So I am a John Deere Faithful , I need to call the repair shop also about this, the wiring is just bizarre and also they used a used PTO clutch plate (says it right on the bill) We have dealt with them before and were pleased, Very nice people, We stopped using the place we bought it from
due to what we felt were "issues re over charging" and tried this shop out once before and was fine (but not a John Deere Dealer) but Competent
Sorry if wordy , and look forward to any input on what You would do and ? is it possible for a layperson (s) to change a transmission belt (the pully that is accessible does have a lot of up and down "play" ? normal or not , Thanks!
David in Ohio
