I think I am getting the same issue on a JD LX188. This mower is used by a local school which uses the mower to cut the softball field. I just inspected this machine today for the first time. The complaints are that the mower blades were not engaging, the battery drains, the charging system isn't working, the voltage regulator might be to blame, etc. There is no real supporting evidence yet for any of these 'guesses'. Although, I did find the red thin wire going to the battery positive terminal is completely corroded, so if this wire actually carries the charge from the (isn't there a stater in this model) stater and it isn't reaching the battery, it is my guess that this could be the issue. But, after reading your post, I am beginning to think the PTO (what does this stand for?) may be playing a part in this.

Thank you,
Tom

If your electric clutch coil is beginning to fail it will draw too much current and will drain the battery faster than the charging system can keep up with it. I have another post on a similar issue going right now. Apparently these electric clutch coils can begin to short between the windings. The clutch still works but the coil is drawing more current. At some point the current draw is more than the alternator can keep up with. Also as the clutch coil continues to fail the clutch will itself stop working.

***"PTO (what does this stand for?"***
Power Take Off

Hi again. I'm the baffled Simplicity owner who posted the initial question. Your explanation re. the coil is much appreciated. However, I don't know where the coil is or how to test it. Also, rdaystrom, I don't know how to track down down the other post you have going on this. Sorry for the novice user ??s.

***"I don't know where the coil is or how to test it."***
I could send you a PDF manual on these clutches, covering testing & adjustment, problem is........I don't know your e-mail address.

My craftsman mower model 917.274033 has a problem with the engine dieing when i engage the pto . i removed the deck and tried it but the engine still dies like its running out of gas. I think the clutch is going..any ideas :-) terry.browning01@gmail.com if you can help

tbrowning - next time, start a new thread. This one is old/outdated.

M/W, prolly a safety switch failing, most likely your seat switch.

My PTO is noisy ,its going in at 125 hrs new PTO at the end of the season under warranty. My lx176 had a noisy PTO for 10 years ,noisy when disengaged.... the newer PTO units are junk my 2 cents.

cub cadet battery will soon start to discharge after maybe 1 hour