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Craftsman Riding Mower blades won't engage

12 years ago

I have a craftsman 917.256501 riding mower. Newly tuned up but when I try to engage the mowing blades nothing - no sound no movement.

I have checked belt - good and in order

checked mandrels - moves freely

I watched the clutch as the lever was moved from disengage to engage (tractor was off) and all seems good.

I can manually move the belt so what is left?

I have electrically checked the seat kill switch and that functions

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Comment (1)

rcbe
11 years ago
After again verifying that mower drive belt is routed inside all belt guides and engaging all pulleys (see manual), make sure that Deck clutch rod and lever are assembled together with spring retainer in place.
Start engine, engage mower. Deck blades should begin operating. If not, re-check all pulleys to turn freely with no slop.
Also - with engine off - engage mower and check to see that belt is tensioned. If not, belt stretched or mower clutch mechanism faulty or needs lubrication.
If needed, see link below for downloadable manual.

Here is a link that might be useful: manual
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