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Mower loses power when pto engaged. I'm guessing it's.
- Mower loses power when pto engaged. Fix Steps Verify battery voltage – With engine off, measure at battery terminals: should be 12. this is when the 48c mower deck is. For many who use a riding mower, a mower that bogs down is more than a nuisance. Thanks in advance for any help. So I replaced it, despite the fact that the old belt still appeared to be in A Cub Cadet lawn mower will lose power when the engine doesn’t get good airflow and fuel flow, or the engine runs hot. I have a Cub Cadet Z-Force 60 with a Kawasaki FH680V 23 hp. This makes sense. I spray cleaned carb with choke cleaner. At idle it instantly kills the engine. Unfortunately, this does not happen due Apr 28, 2025 · A common frustration for lawn owners is a lawn mower engine that dies when the PTO (Power Take-Off) is engaged. Engine runs rough then stalls when PTO is engaged. Tested again Jun 26, 2023 · How to Fix The Mower Losing Power When Blades Engaged? Here are the specific solutions that will particularly fix your mower losing power when blades are engaged: Make sure the blades are sharp and in good condition. If you don’t keep your tractor lubricated, you will notice increased friction between moving parts. I agree the "drag" when its not engaged and the belt is off is probably the brake. It still is a great legacy mower, but I cannot understand why I am losing power while mowing with pto. time: 10–20 minutes Diagnosing the Issue Symptoms: No click from clutch when toggling PTO; dash light may not illuminate; engine runs but blades won’t start. I replaced the battery this summer because it would not start. If it’s beyond that and still the lawn mower loses power when cutting, you should call a professional to solve it. Finally, the condition of the switch also deteriorates the condition of your mower. Even after the mulching kit went on I didn't have issues with the mower bogging down even when mulching some pretty deep leaves (6+ inches) so I don't think that is the problem. It's enough to turn the blades and cut, but barely. The engine is a kohler courage 19 hp Oct 27, 2021 · When your lawnmower fails to perform, it causes more complications than just a little frustration. Within about 1-1. I'd watch those videos and see if you can remedy it. The customer said that the unit did not run right when blades were engaged. If I disengage the PTO switch, before Customer: I own a zero-turn mower, and whenever I engage the blades, I lose power and the engine backfires. I only know of two switches, the Jul 25, 2015 · Engage the PTO and it goes maybe 10-15 feet and it starts to lose power again. Customer: When the blades are engaged on my 54" zero turn mower, it cuts for a few minutes before the engine sputters and eventually dies unless I disengage the blades. Check the fuel pump for proper pressure and inspect the fuel pickup tube for blockages or air leaks. Jun 28, 2025 · Mower blows fuse when PTO engaged? Discover 5 easy DIY fixes to solve the problem fast and get your mower running smoothly again. Customer: Where is the model number located? Mechanic's Assistant: The model number on Jun 2, 2008 · Without the drive belt installed, I can engage the PTO with no noticable loss of power. The engine seem to run normal without PTO engaged. Understanding the causes of this problem can help you fix it and get back to mowing your lawn efficiently. Any ideas why this is happening? The mower deck belt is relatively new; (less than 20 hrs In this video I cover the many reasons I see riding mowers, both commercial and residential, losing power while cutting. I changed the plugs, oil & filter, fuel filter, blades and all that. When the PTO would engage, it would shoot out a small amount of black smoke from somewhere near the front or the engine. He told me the deck had not been attached to the mower for several years and When the electric PTO clutch engages but bogs the engine, check the air gap between the clutch plate and pulley—reset if needed. Check the belt to make sure it is not loose. Jul 2, 2011 · I have a 48" exmark turf tracer that wants to bog down when the blades are engaged and encounter a load. Any suggestions on where to look first? Thank You in advance, Calvin May 25, 2021 · This spring, it started right up, but when I engage the PTO to mow, the engine bogs down and then recovers speed over the next few seconds. However, when the lawn mower engine dies when the PTO (Power Take-Off) is engaged, it can be frustrating and disrupt the entire lawn care routine. Now, I attributed this to the drive belt. Many customers will say their mower dies or loses power when they engage Broken Compression Release on Cam Engine loses power in tall grass or when blades are engaged. Aug 9, 2023 · troubleshooting guide for Engine Dies When PTO Is Engaged Under normal conditions, the mower or tractor engine runs without issue when the PTO is engaged. Blades continue to turn. Also with motor off and PTO switch off - it has a decent air gap. 4–12. It doesn’t die, but seems close. Does anyone have any ideas? Engine bogs down and stalls when blades engage Hey guys I got new blades for my 0 turn mower is a Cub Cadet ultima zt1 54. For example, cleaning out the clogged fuel system, air filter, or jammed spark plug and May 12, 2017 · I have a Ford 2120 HSS tractor. A mower that bogs down when the blades are engaged is a symptom of bigger problems with your mower. I was cutting grass and was close to being done when the motor would die with the blades engaged. I thought they might need replacement, so I bought both new belts, but they were fine. It has not been abused or anything, but we aren't sure why this is happenin Jun 24, 2013 · I have a Hustler Super Z zero turn mower with 60" deck and kawasaki engine. If you shut the blades off quick enough, it would keep running. This can be the result of a low engine oil level, clogged air passageways, plugged air filters, a dirty carburetor, or restricted fuel components. Fear not! Apr 16, 2011 · My mower would run fine without the blades engaged, but when I tried to cut grass i would lose power. I ran it yesterday with the mower Engine loses power in tall grass or when blades are engaged. My SN's have washed off and Inever bothered to write em down. My problem is when I engage the PTO switch. Apr 20, 2021 · 445 stumbling when engage PTO (mower deck) 1 reading Jump to Latest 4. This is a problem that came along all of a A place to get help with and discuss lawn & garden equipment and various small engine applications. Belt Apr 27, 2025 · Understanding the PTO System The PTO is a crucial component of lawn mowers, particularly those equipped with attachments like mulching kits, snow blowers, or baggers. Sep 9, 2021 · This video discusses issues with engine power loss in tall grass or when blades are engaged, and slower acceleration to maximum RPM. A lawn mower will lose power when there is too much load on your engine resulting from mowing wet, thick, or tall grass; debris building under the mower deck; restricting air and fuel flow, or being low on engine oil. Jul 23, 2023 · In Lawnmowers and tractors, a PTO, or power take-off component, transfers the mechanical power from the engine to all the other accessories and attachments. Has done that before but was fine after cooling down. as of last week along with new plugs air filter etc. Battery Keeps Dying and Blades Won't Activate on Husqvarna Riding Mower (Replacing Alternator) Conclusion If the engine is relatively new, the above causes may be responsible for the power loss. When I engage the PTO engine still runs well. This issue is more common than you think, and understanding the reasons behind it can help you troubleshoot and fix the problem efficiently Jun 24, 2016 · I have a 23 hp Kawasaki FS651V. Read more now! Apr 12, 2023 · 11 Reasons Why John Deere Tractor Died When Pto Engaged Lack Of Proper Lubrication Maybe you are not providing optimal lubrication to your John Deere Tractor engines and all their moving parts to function smoothly for years to come. The loss of power may be due to a dirty carburetor, plugged fuel filter, plugged air filter, dirty spark plug, wrong engine oil level, dirty … Jun 17, 2024 · Engine loses power in tall grass or when blades are engaged. Jul 21, 2025 · Does your mower stall when you engage the blades? From fuel filters to faulty belts, here’s how to fix power loss and get your yard back in shape. Clean fresh gas. If your mower loses power when PTO engaged, it’s a sign that there’s a problem with the engine or transmission. Now, before anything else, you may want to start by troubleshooting the minor issues. It needs an oil change; I believe it hasn't been changed since 2016. Both cylinders are running (used heat sensor) and deck feels fine when turned by hand. But the stalling issue comes with age or misplaced wear and tear. The engine sputtered and died with the blades engaged. Mower losing power when blades are engaged is a common problem that can be frustrating when trying to keep your lawn looking nice. I have a Scag Tiger Cat 19hp Kawasaki, bought new in 2010. On the first cut not even 30 minutes into cutting when I engaged the blades to mow a new area the engine boged down, it didn't stalled. Once the blades are on, the motor starts bogging down and sputtering and losing power. At mid throttle it bogs almost to the point of shutting the motor off. It seems to have come on fairly quickly, and when I first noticed it, the mower was running weakly until I heard Customer: I have a riding mower with a 5400 series Kohler engine. Recently it has seemed to lose power when I engage the PTO. Visit our sister sub, r/smallengines! Feb 19, 2011 · Over the last week or two, when I engage the mower deck/blades, if I'm at a stand still, the mower will bog down and stall. Engine runs fine but bogs down when the mower pto is engaged. On occasion the engine will run fine with the PTO engaged, but if it is shut off it may not restart. Aug 23, 2012 · A quick test would be to start the engine and then remove the battery, and if it doesn't bog the engine down when you turn on the PTO, then the battery is the culprit. If the battery is too weak to keep the pto engaged, it's likely sucking all the power from the 12v anti backfire valve, which is stopping all fuel flow. Oct 2, 2023 · To eliminate a switch issue and the pto itself, I pulled the deck belt off the pto, ran the mower, engaged the pto, and it ran fine. I got this mower used as a hand down. When the pto is engaged the motor seems to lose power and takes a few seconds to up to the proper rpm's. 18 hp Vanguard engine is fairly new, was R&R-ed a few years ago, starts up on first or second pull of rope. There is spark from both cylinder plugs and carb has been replaced as well. Mechanic's May 12, 2012 · Check your fuel for water first, If water is in fuel it will only lose power when under load. When it is on pavement the blades run at full throttle with no problem. I have, I think, the last year 2135 hydro made - 2007 or 2008. Riding Mower Engine Turns Slow, Starter Hanging Up, Won't Turn Over - Detailed Diagnostics & Repair A Toro lawn mower will lose power when the engine doesn’t get good airflow and fuel flow, or the engine runs hot. Being unable to keep your lawn and landscape in tip-top shape can be a major problem for some homeowners. kohler command engine. Dec 5, 2024 · A well-manicured lawn is a pride of every homeowner, and a lawn mower is an essential tool to achieve that. Recently when I engage the electric pto the rpm's drop significantly, almost by half, judging by the sound. Drained gas and replaced with fresh gas. Specifically when the deck belt is on the pto it dies when the pto is engaged. Goal: Confirm power and interlocks. p. Ferris zero-turn mower blades won’t engage or turn on due to a worn deck belt, worn idler tensioner arm, worn tensioner spring, bad pulley, faulty PTO switch, bad clutch, weak battery, bad safety switch, or a blown fuse. At that time, the engine shuts down. Lately, the mower loses power when under any load (accelerating or going uphill), and when cutting grass. This has just started. I removed the deck belt and the PTO engaged fine and engine ran fine. I ran it for 3 or 4 minutes like that and it suddenly went back up to full rpm's When the mower slows to a crawl and eventually stops, the engine is still running at the same speed, same RPM's and the blades are spinning without any issues. com May 12, 2012 · This is my first Lazer, it has been running fine lately then all of the sudden when the PTO is engaged the motor bogs down and dies. It mostly does it going up hill and now it is starting to do it all the time. So now I'm still at a loss of why the mower would bog down then die when engaging PTO Sep 24, 2021 · I have a troy bilt bronco model 13yx78kso11. Aug 6, 2013 · Greetings, I have a Simplicity 1694630 Broadmoor. . Also if battery weak or charging system weak/faulty the - Lawn Mower Craftsman ZTS 7500 Aug 14, 2024 · The PTO (Power Take-Off) clutch is the main link between your engine and the mower blades, which means that it takes in a lot of power from the engine. This is a very recent and sudden issue that caused one of the mower belts to come off. But before you do so, watch a professional video on fixing a bogged down zero turn mower. Apr 14, 2016 · Those engines require just about zero energy to run. Sometimes if I put my speed on half it Mar 7, 2023 · Hello Cub Cadet champs. Motor dies as soon as I engage blade clutch. But when I move forward or backward I get a loss of power and backfiring. When the blades are not engaged, it moves long fine, but when the blades are engaged it moves along very slowly, and can't make it up any sort of hill. Customer: 19 hp kawasaki on toro 52 inch Mower loses power when pto is engaged Replaced bother head gaskets coils and intake gaskets Both* Mechanic's Assistant: How old is your Toro lawn mower? Jun 18, 2022 · I just replaced 2 neutral interlock switches, and also the 6-prong PTO switch but I'm still unable to engage blades. I can only cut moving very slowly and stopping to allow the Apr 20, 2009 · With the belt off and not driving the mower deck but with the PTO engaged, if there is a drop in power it would indicated the problem is not with the deck but the engine/PTO. – Running at full throttle: 13. Jul 21, 2012 · I have a Scag tiger cub STC52A with the honda24 hp engine. So the PTO clutch seems to be working. I'm guessing it's Aug 1, 2025 · Method 1: Quick Electrical Checks (Fastest Wins) Approx. 1K views 8 replies 3 participants last post by deere445deere Apr 27, 2021 May 5, 2022 · MrJustDIY Husqvarna TS 248XD riding mower keeps dying when the PTO has been engaged and the possible causes why it stops running. Inspect the clutch coil resistance and wiring for shorts or damage. If you have a mower that is dying when the PTO (Power Take-Off) is engaged, it indicates a problem with the engine. Initially, it was losing power going uphill without the PTO engaged, and replacing the head gaskets resolved that issue. So, why does the john deere mower stall when PTO engaged? First, the routed belt is one of the main reasons behind this. I spoke with service, and they suggested it might be the coil, along with other electrical possibilities. So far I've checked the battery, getting about 12. I have tried cleaning the carb and several other things. New air filter, fuel filter, gas is good, checked for a bad Aug 14, 2020 · The mower runs fine, starts and idles well but has an intermittent problem when the PTO is engaged. I made a video on this showing how to swap out the engine for the Kohler command pro cv 224. Drained all the gas and replaced with fresh premium high octane gas, added some Sea Jul 19, 2023 · Here is one for the masses Lazer Z, Triton 66, 30hp When PTO switch is engaged, engine bogs just for a second or so just after activating the switch. motor on it. The tractor starts and runs fine, throttles up and down well. Apr 4, 2023 · I have a Exmark 52” lazer Z, with motor running, when I pull knob to to engage blades, motor die, no matter if it’s 1/2 throttle or full throttle. 8V. When I pull the switch to engage the PTO, the engine bogs down real quick and dies. Has been working great for several years. The battery is currently dead, so I have to jump-start it. Jul 16, 2020 · I have an LX279 with 17 hp liquid cooled Kawasaki. Cub Cadet Tank with Kohler Command 27 Engine starts a little difficult but runs well. When i engage the PTO at full throttle the engine bogs down a bit then the rpms rise up. Customer: My Toro 52-inch mower with a 19 hp Kawasaki engine loses power when the PTO is engaged. A very recent and sudden development, caused one of Mechanic's Assistant chat Customer: The engine bogs down and backfires whenever the mower blades are engaged. It transmits power from the engine to these attachments, enabling them to function. This will be my next test today. It sounds almost like it has too much choke or something (but that's not it). Questions are welcome, and so are pics and accomplishments! Please remember to keep it civil. I replaced both head gaskets, coils, and intake gaskets. Losing even more power while PTO was engaged. How To Diagnose & Repair Kohler 7000 Engine That Bogs Down, Has Loss Of Power Or No Power Under Load Riding Mower Engine Turns Slow, Starter Hanging Up, Won't Turn Over - Detailed Diagnostics & Repair Nov 25, 2022 · The mower still dies just as it did before. my bet is still a safety switch somewhere May 3, 2013 · Tractor stalls when engaging the PTO Implements and Attachments Bad Boy zero-turn mowers lose power and bog down when old fuel causes fuel restrictions, the engine is overworked or not performing, or sufficient air isn’t getting to the engine. It is a John Deere L130. Does your lawn tractor work perfectly until you start the blades? If your mower dies when your turn the blades on then STOP - don't take it to the shop yet! May 21, 2011 · Hey everyone. If the lawn mower engine practically dies and doesn’t want to cut the grass or move for … Customer: I have a John Deere LA145 that loses power when the PTO for the deck mower is engaged, particularly when going uphill. Sorry, my Asthma was botheri I began mowing today, and after about five minutes, the same thing happened. 26 h. The engine will bog when the PTO is engaged. The engine sounds normal and runs well otherwise. Oct 13, 2016 · Have Bad Boy Zero turn that runs fine up to speed until you engage the blades and then slows down like trying to mow in high grass to almost barely moving. Dec 1, 2010 · So everything isn't roses just yet with my new gx345. Worn and damaged belts that drive the mower’s blades should be replaced. We check out and diagnose running issues on a Toro Z Master Commercial 2000 series zero turn mower. I've taken to going down a decline and while moving (slowly) engaging the PTO, which gets me over this hump and i'm off and mowing. I thaught it was engine problem (didn't think so since everything still sound good). 5 seconds, it resumes normal rpm. Mar 14, 2017 · fergiconst , Is the engine running good and strong and are you engaging mower and drive when close to full throttle? Check that all the safety switches are working correctly, it is possible the seat switch is bad or loose plug/ bad wire. Mechanic's Assistant: What is the brand and model of your engine? How old is it? Customer: It's a 24 horsepower Kohler twin-cylinder engine from 2017. Mechanic readjusted the carb and checked all the needle valves. The mower operates fine when the blades are not engaged. Any suggestions possibly the PTO going out. The engine runs fine for a couple of seconds then stutters or dies. The engine should run smoothly with an engaged PTO when everything is well with the machine. When the blades are engaged, the mower’s engine needs to provide sufficient power to turn the blades and cut the grass. Jun 16, 2021 · I recently purchased a circa 2000-2001 White Outdoors LT1650 hydro lawn tractor. When the engine is not running at its optimal level, it can cause the mower to have problems when the PTO is engaged. I have replaced the hydraulic filter and made sure the hydraulic May 7, 2013 · Mowed a day or two afterwards and when I engage the blades (electric pto) it will run fine for a few minutes, then lose power for a few minutes. I had a couple of questionable spindles, and so I went ahead Jul 27, 2020 · I was slowly losing power while going up small inclines. Though if u want to keep that engine, there are a ton of videos on time master engine losing power when blades engage. otherwise it runs fine. If the PTO switch is turned off the engine recovers. 7V after fully charging it so don't think it's that. The pulley can also create unwanted issues being unable to spin. Power loss when engaging the PTO on a Z 520a mower often stems from a weak battery, faulty PTO switch, or worn clutch components. If fuel is good then I am starting think maybe the charging system is at fault, It take a lot of current to keep the PTO clutch engaged , my thinking is it may be taking away from the ignition system spark. Any help would be appreciated. If I baby the PTO with cycles of engage/release, then I can get the belt to spin. Start by inspecting the battery voltage and connections. Fixed a few minor things up front but got it out on the lawn the other night and discovered that when I have the PTO for the blades engaged and I have the forward motion pedal full on then the engine starts to Oct 14, 2020 · I have a Craftsman GT5000 garden tractor. Common symptoms of this are bogging down when the blades are engaged, loss of power or low engine speed when cutting or going uphill, won't cut right or sounds like it is struggling. I have no idea at this point. Z 520a Zero Turn Mower Loses Power When PTO Engaged Z 520a often faces power loss during PTO engagement and inconsistent engine response under load. The reasons include – a worn-out spark plug, a clogged air filter, a blocked fuel line Apr 28, 2020 · New guy here. When I begin cutting it starts losing power. The engine has a new carb. This sudden loss of power can be incredibly inconvenient and leave you staring at an unruly lawn, wondering what went wrong. When you engage or release the PTO, you should do it gradually to avoid putting strain on the clutch and ultimately safeguard its longevity. It's a 2019 Cub Cadet XT1, LT 50. It starts fine and runs fine without the blades engaged. Jun 8, 2016 · The mower has a 25 hp Kohler engine and last year I put the Exmark mulching kit on the mower, full baffles with chute block and wavy exmark blades. Toro Titan Zero Turn ZX6020 No Power Bogs/Dies Under Load Full Diagnosis/Fix Kawasaki FR730V Engine May 10, 2025 · Your Cub Cadet likely shuts off when blades are engaged due to a safety mechanism triggered by a faulty PTO switch, a loose or damaged blade engagement cable, a clogged mower deck, or insufficient engine power. Apr 10, 2025 · Find out why your mower cuts out when the blades are engaged and what you can do about this problem. Engine runs great. However, the engine apparantly is under great load since the engine noise reduces by 50%. Anyone have a suggestion where to go from here? sidenote, i bought this mower from a friend who sold it Feb 11, 2025 · The PTO (power take-off) is a mechanism that transfers power from the engine to the cutting deck. It does this whether the deck is raised or down. However, it still bogs down when the PTO is engaged Oct 15, 2005 · I have an Exmark walk behind and all of a sudden it loses power when the blades are engaged. Deck spindles spins freely and belt replaced. Apr 8, 2024 · Ok - I checked the PTO and it is not adjustable. The machine has under 50 hours, I have replaced the oil twice, replaced spark plug, air and fuel filter. Apr 13, 2014 · We just bought a used Scag Tiger Cub with 440 hours. I started it again to park it, and it ran but did the same thing when I engaged the blades again. I’ll explain more about the loss of power and what you can do to diagnose and prevent this condition in your lawn mower. So if your lawn mower engine dies when the PTO is engaged, there is something wrong with this component. SCAG zero-turn mowers lose power and bog down when old fuel causes fuel restrictions in the carburetor, fuel filter, or fuel lines. May 25, 2021 · ZT1 Bogs down when PTO engaged Cub Cadet Rear Engine Rider & ZTR (RER) Jun 26, 2011 · Anybody have any ideas of what might be causing the engine to lose power when the PTO is engaged? Last time mowing on a very hot day, the mower seemed to get hot and started chugging and spitting, so I just quit mowing. Could you please specify the model of your mower? This will help the contractor assist you better. Engine was running perfect like it has before but suddenly it just started losing power and wants to die out when engaging the PTO. Apr 9, 2020 · If you are experiencing sudden power loss when you pull on the PTO knob, there is obviously a problem. The mower comes close to stalling, or actually does stall when turning and going up my yard (with only a slight incline). I've changed the usual maintenance items such as plugs, air and fuel filter. When I am mowing with the tractor slows down and the PTO slows down under load like climbing a hill. The blades are new, the air filter is good. It takes it a minute to start doing this and it gets worse the longer it runs. Power loss under load with PTO engaged often indicates fuel starvation despite clean filters. A loss of power may also be due to a bad spark plug, wrong engine oil level, poor air circulation around the engine, or overworking the engine. When the PTO lever is engaged, a clutch mechanism connects the engine’s crankshaft to the drive shaft, transferring power to the attachment A zero-turn lawn mower may experience a loss of power when an increased load is placed on the engine due to operating at a fast ground speed; cutting wet or tall grass, or having a plugged mower deck. This time after Apr 16, 2014 · Hey Everyone, I have a 2005 Exmark Lazer Z that runs fine with the pto but bogs down with the pto engaged. Follow the safety precautions in your SCAG operator’s manual. I picked up an old 52" zero turn mower last year, it runs strong but sadly the mower dies when I engage the PTO. I've cleaned out carb, plugs, checked ignition, replaced fuel Jun 29, 2017 · Am currently stumped. The engine seems fine when the blades are off but as soon as i engage them it seems to bog down more than usual and isn't getting back up to high enough rpm and is This lawn tractor came in and the customer stated it would bog down and sometimes die when the electric PTO is engaged. When I turn the mower off and it sits for a day, the power is back and the cycle of losing power on the hill starts over again. When I pull the PTO lever it snaps closed as should. Already replaced air filter, gas filter and spark plug. I've replaced the spark plugs, air filter, and fuel filter. It has been working fine until today. I don't see anything under the mower deck, and all the blades will turn together when I move them manually. With the drive belt installed, a steady push on the PTO handle will stall the engine. Engine runs fine when pto is off. Sometimes it will See full list on yardfloor. Dec 11, 2023 · PTOs are used to transfer power from the engine to a tool or attachment. Feb 8, 2025 · Understanding Lawn Mower Power Loss Lawn mowers rely on a combination of factors to function properly, including engine power, transmission, and blade engagement. Nov 4, 2008 · I've got a 52" 19hp husqvarna hydro and recently when i engage the blades, it seems to be sucking a lot of the engine power. When mowing however, I have almost no power. Your mower isn’t much good when you can’t get the blades to spin because of worn or failing parts. Mechanic's Assistant: Thank you for sharing the details about your mower. When I engage the PTO, it loses power and is barely cutting the grass. Then it will run fine and lose power again. lju6 oh8 pk9zzd bmi4t iopo tkxkg y0nsmk7 0biyucf v1mln ys1v