Chosen Solution
The last time I went to use my mower everything started out fine. I had started riding and cutting with it, no worries. Then, I noticed I big tree branch in my path, so I disengaged the blade and locked in the clutch brake. When I returned, I took off the brake-lock and took my foot off the brake. Next thing I know, I’m hearing this awful grinding noise that only stops when I press down on the brake. Even the slightest touch on the brake will stop the noise. I was wondering if this means that the clutch belt has been over stretched or if there is some other reason why this is happening. Thank you for taking the time to review my request, Help Plz
Hi, I am the person who posted this plea for help. Since nobody was able to help us we had a technician look it over and he was able to diagnose the problem for us. I figured I’d answer the question in case anybody else ends up with the same problem. The tech told us we needed a new “idler pulley/spring”. The old one had gotten very, very loose! It is one of the pulleys that the clutch belt rides along, located directly underneath the tractor (the one pulley that ISN’T on the blade deck). The tech had to drop the blade deck to get to it easier. He removed a pin that was holding the deck up in the front by banging it a few times; it was a little stubborn at first. The price of the pulley wasn’t bad; was only like 15 bucks. It was also quite easily installed. While we waited for the part to be mailed out, the tech said it would be ok to still use the mower. We kept the clutch/brake slightly depressed while in use. We pressed the pedal just enough to reduce the noise a little. Too much further and the brake would engage.
