I have a Simplicity 4212 Riding Lawn mower 12 HP Briggs and Stratton engine and hydrostatic transmission with a 42 in. mower deck. The mower deck slows and stops when I turn or steer to the left, When I move back to the right, the blades begin spinning and it cuts fine. I cant see any change in the decks alignment or movement in it at all when this happens. Also, the deck belt is new. I'm mowing my lawn which is not overgrown or heavy work for the mower. This one has me baffled.
HI,
The simplicity has a a two point mounting system for the deck. It attaches to the front axle which has two runners that go to the front axle's rear support bracket.
Closely check the runners near where the pins that hold the mower deck. They are known for cracking and breakage. Secondly, closely check the decks metal center support bracket, it bolts to the center of the deck and supports the idler pulleys as well as the deck alignment and mounting. Those, too, are known to crack near the front just behind the front pulley.
SOURCE: craftsman 42" riding lawn mower blade free spinning but wont cut
It sounds to me that you need a new mower deck drive belt, or your blades need sharpening. If the blade edges are rounded, they won't cut butter... Also, when mower is off, check mower deck drive pulleys to make sure you don't have any that are locked up or are dragging. You can check this by pulling the belt away from pulley and spinning the pulley by hand. MOWER MUST BE OFF before attempting any of these checks. You would be surprised how many people would try this with the mower running.
Hope this helps
SOURCE: engine on riding lawn mower surging
Dirty air cleaner.
Clogged fuel filter.
Replace or clean both...
SOURCE: Knocking in mower deck or belt clutch when engaging blades, motor bogs / slows down
YOU MAY HAVE A BENT BLADE OR EXESSEIVE BUILD UP UNDER THE DECK
SOURCE: Craftsman riding mower blades will not engage
maybe the safty switch under seat might be starting to go out if that switch doesn't work the blades wont come on at all for safety
927 views
Usually answered in minutes!
×