Bogged down blades

[Rustydog 0]

I tighten the belts and it just can't muster enough power to cut unless I put in low gear xtra slow any  suggestions ?

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,510]

Welcome to the forum.

What model of tractor?

Side or rear discharge?

What is the width of cut?

 

Garry

[953 nut 60,220]

  Did you happen to mow over a plastic bag or some twine or string? Any of these will bind up the blades.

  Did you happen to mow over a plastic bag or some twine or string? Any of these will bind up the blades.

Guess there is an echo in here.  

[lynnmor 7,842]

Is the PTO clutch slipping?

[Ed Kennell 42,106]

If we assume the tractor runs fine with good power without the PTO engaged, then the problem is in the deck drive system which includes the PTO bearings, the mule drive bearings, the spindle bearings, the deck belt idler/tensioner system, and like Richard stated, the blades themselves.    I would remove the  deck drive belt and the deck blade belt to determine  the cause of the friction.    If it hasn't been done for a couple mowing seasons, the deck belt tensioner probably needs cleaned anyway to work properly.

Oh, and  Rustydog........ to the  

[Rustydog 0]

Model 312-8 side dish charge 42 in mower deck the deck is well cleaned I'm leaning toward the pto not sure on how to adjust tension on pto 

[Ed Kennell 42,106]

You should make sure the deck drive system is free before tightening the PTO clutch.  

  To increase the pressure on the PTO clutch,  remove the hairpin clip or cotter pin from the trunnion  on the PTO threaded rod.

  Then remove the trunnion from the PTO lever and turn the trunnion one turn towards the rear of the tractor to shorten the active length of the rod.

  Reassemble and test the tension on the PTO lever.  Do this one turn at a time until you notice an increase in the force required to engage the PTO.

It should take about 20lbs. of push to engage the PTO.

[Rustydog 0]

Ok thanks I think that trunion nut is already back pretty far but not sure .