Repairs Slows after a few minutes to NO GO

[markisboss]

Hello everybody
I have a MTD-Yard Machines 42" 16.5HP from about 2001. Recently after a few minutes of mowing, the mower starts to get slower and slower in forward movement to the point of not moving at all. I usually have to start off in a fast speed and gradually have to move all the way to the highest speed just to make the thing move. Eventually, it stops moving all together. I realize that the belts are slipping but even after replacing the belts, this starts to happen very quickly. It is also noticeable when making sharp turns. I am wondering if something didn't get put back together correctly or if the transmission may just be worn out.
Anyone have any ideas? - Thanks!

 

[KennyV]

WELCOME to LawnWorld...

After it slows down to a stop, turn the engine off and check if the belt is Very Hot... if it is then it's slipping... If it is not extremely hot it is Not slipping. If it's Hot check that the tension is adequate on that belt...
If the belt is not slipping there is a good chance that the pulley on the transmission is No longer attached to the input shaft, the key may be sheared or missing... check that. ALSO check that the axles are also Keyed to the drive wheels, Just 1 axle Not keyed to a wheel will do exactly what you are describing... :smile:KennyV

 

[ILENGINE]

I have seen the variable pulley glaze on cause problems like you describe. I have also seen the pulley on the engine widen to the point it will no longer grip the belt.

 

[Carscw]

If the belts are good and not hot and the pulley looks good. When it stops pulling take your foot and pull the brake pedal back towards you I bet you money it will go to pulling again.

I have more than 20 MTD mowers and everyone has done this Take the spring off and go to Home Depot and get a new one

But as said ready it could be the center pulley that both belts go on. Clean it up with some fine sandpaper

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))

 

[markisboss]

Thanks to all for quick replies. I do know that the belt is slipping at least as it gets warm. I wasnt sure what was causing the slipping but will now check the pulleys especially for widening. I think that the at least a couple of pulleys will have to be replaced along with another belt. How much play should there be in the drive belt? It seemed that when I last changed the belt, while engaged, it wasnt super tight. I know it was the correct belt for this model too. NOW I am thinking this may be another indicator of a worn pully? Or is something else a possible problem... Like I said, this mower mows just fine for the first five minutes and then gets slower to the point of stopping (so no stripped key or completely disconnected pulley)
Thanks to all!
I did go look at new riders yesterday, but would at least hope to get this one in usable condition to offset the price of a new one.

 

[Carscw]

When this mower is not running on belt will be loose and one will be tight

If the by gets hot then it is slipping

To get a good idea on how the drive works put in neutral take center cover off start mower and watch pulley as you shift the gears

Did you try and pull back on the brake pedal ?

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))

 

[Carscw]

I will assume you have MTD belts because no other belts will work

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))

 

[markisboss]

I havent been back home yet, but I will try pulling back on the pedal. If this make it go again, what will fix this? - The belts I used were the ones sold at Lowes that list my mower - model 13BN682G129 - Home Depot doesnt but a very few belts and none for my mower (which is where the stupid thing came from). I did find a correct belt at Walmart last year, but they dont have them anymore either. If I do need to replace a pulley and it is replacable, I will probably have to get one on-line. Thanks, Mark

 

[Carscw]

If you pull the brake back and it goes

You need a new spring

Drive it with the center cover off so you can see what goes on when it stops pulling

Did you replace both belts

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))

 

[markisboss]

Is the spring that I need attached to the pedal? I will have to replace at least the drive belt. I know it has been at least a little burnt just from using it this way. It was throwing the belt before this but I pinched the sheet metal surrounding the pulley to keep it from doing this and it stopped at least throwing it off. When I get home, I will mess with it some more.