Small Engine
Deere L110 riding mower. After changing a flat tire, cannot get the mowing blades to engage. I'm not mechanically
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Customer: John Deere L110 riding mower. After changing a flat tire, cannot get the mowing blades to engage. I'm not mechanically inclined - so have no idea what to do.
Answered by Frank in 6 hours 7 years ago
Frank
10+ years of experience
124 satisfied customers
Specialities include: Automotive Mechanic, Small Engine Repairs, Auto Body Repairs, Diesel Engine Repairs
So you are saying that the PTO would engage, prior to changing a tire. But after a tire change, will not engage?
If that's correct, something silly is afoot. Check all safety switches and connections. Neutral switch, brake switch, seat switch, reverse safety switch, and clutch switch (underneath engine)
Maybe explain the process of the tire change in detail, if in fact the blades used to engage before you changed the tire.
Maybe the main belt fell off the front pulley?
The cotter pin thingy. Is that a technical term for the hydro release on the rear of the mower?
Try to get back with me with some more detail. I think we'll get this figured out pretty quick.
If that's correct, something silly is afoot. Check all safety switches and connections. Neutral switch, brake switch, seat switch, reverse safety switch, and clutch switch (underneath engine)
Maybe explain the process of the tire change in detail, if in fact the blades used to engage before you changed the tire.
Maybe the main belt fell off the front pulley?
The cotter pin thingy. Is that a technical term for the hydro release on the rear of the mower?
Try to get back with me with some more detail. I think we'll get this figured out pretty quick.
Customer
I don't know what a PTO is. But I was out mowing, had a flat tire (ran over some long thorns), and after changing the tire (i keep a spare) I went back out to resume mowing, and when I tried to mow, the blade would no longer engage. I could ride the mower. I also don't know what a "hydro release" is. But it's the thing on the back of the mower that looks somewhat like a cotter pin - if you pull it out, the mower engine will run, but the mower won't move; and if you push it in, the engine will run and the mower will move. You say "maybe the main belt fell off the front pulley?" Where would I look to see if that's what it is?
The PTO (or power take-off) belt is part of a pulley system that operates the blades on your riding lawn mower. It runs off the electric clutch system in your engine.
The switch that enables the blade to engage is called a PTO switch or lever.
The hydrostatic release lever is what you're referring to as the cotter pin looking thing. It disengages the drive from the transmission, acting as a neutral so you can push the mower without resistance from the drive belts.
Which tire did you replace?
The main drive belt is located connected to a pulley/clutch assembly directly under the engine. With the mower OFF and the blade lever ENGAGED, feel the tension of the belts, if they are taught or loose. If they are loose you'll definitely know it.
The switch that enables the blade to engage is called a PTO switch or lever.
The hydrostatic release lever is what you're referring to as the cotter pin looking thing. It disengages the drive from the transmission, acting as a neutral so you can push the mower without resistance from the drive belts.
Which tire did you replace?
The main drive belt is located connected to a pulley/clutch assembly directly under the engine. With the mower OFF and the blade lever ENGAGED, feel the tension of the belts, if they are taught or loose. If they are loose you'll definitely know it.
Customer
Replaced the right rear tire.
Ok. did you tilt the mower? Or just jack it up? how'd you do it? There's nothing related from the tire replacement to the blades not engaging, unless a belt popped off a pulley or a sensor/wire came off.
Customer
Just jacked it up.
Ok. I highly doubt changing the tire had anything to do with the blades not engaging, unless somehow by jacking it up, it made the main belt pop out of a pulleys and/or damaged or loosened the spring tensioner that is connected to your lever for engaging the blades. Please check the connections to the lever. Also with machine off, engage the blade lever, and check for belt tension on the deck. If the belt is loose, or just falls into your hand, then you should be able to fix the problem for there.. There are diagrams I can show you if you get that far. Please check what I'm asking, then come back here and let me know your findings! :-)
http://jdpc.deere.com/pimages/PU01/PU01228________UN13NOV08.gif
http://jdpc.deere.com/pimages/MP38/MP38016________UN26APR06.gif
http://jdpc.deere.com/pimages/PU01/PU01228________UN13NOV08.gif
http://jdpc.deere.com/pimages/MP38/MP38016________UN26APR06.gif
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BackFrank
124 satisfied customers
10+ years of experience
Frank
10+ years of experience
124 satisfied customers
Ellen
Licensed mechanics
14 Mechanics are online right now.
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