Mower will only slowly move

[cfs132]

What would be the most probable cause of a mower running great, stop and wash it off now it doesn't want to move. I was thinking I got the belt wet I waited a week and it moves but so slowly.

 

[dkryan]

What brand/model are you referring to?

Maybe the belt has an obstruction or is partially off the pulley?

 

[chemman]

Push or riding mower?

How old is the belt?

 

[cfs132]

Yardman 136X694G401 42" deck riding mower

 

[Tkonrr]

Brakes dragging possibly. Maybe the brake cable attached to the pedal rusted in place and won't release fully. Can it be pushed from behind without the rear wheels locking up?

 

[JTK]

Sounds like your typical MTD transmatic, belt and variator pulley drive system issue. I would not use water on them. Leaf blower only.

 

[Woody71]

I thought my belt had gone a couple weeks ago. Halfway through the mower was struggling up the hill and lacked power. I smiled and thought 'belt's 4 years old, with this hill it's probably shot'. I pulled the spark plug boot before tipping it on its side and lo and behold, the spark plug was barely making contact with the wire. Something must have dislodged it during the mow.

Went ahead with the replacement. The existing belt was in pretty good shape, didn't see the wear indicating it was bad. I feel like the pace is better with the new belt so the old was most likely a bit stretched.

Point being, I was dead set on it being a belt issue and discovered the spark plug connection

 

[cfs132]

T
yes, can be pushed easily when placed out of gear.

W
I'll check the plug, but the motor is running great. But one never knows

J
I hear you

 

[Lubener]

What would be the most probable cause of a mower running great, stop and wash it off now it doesn't want to move. I was thinking I got the belt wet I waited a week and it moves but so slowly.

Contaminated belt or belt path?

 

[cfs132]

That's my guess also. I have a belt on order, I'll replace it and go from there. Thanks everyone.

 

[JRTX]

Happened to me. Found the return bar was bottoming out on the frame, which had a large build up of grit, thereby not letting the transmission to fully engage. Hard to see, it's waay up under the frame. Check that the clutch return is going full throw.

 

[cfs132]

What would be the most probable cause of a mower running great, stop and wash it off now it doesn't want to move. I was thinking I got the belt wet I waited a week and it moves but so slowly.

Problem solved, found tensioner pulley slipping on bearing. Replaced pulley works great now.