Good morning, I've a used MTD 2000 lawn tractor that I purchased a couple of years ago. The fellow that I purchased it from had just hired someone to put new belts on it. The problem I'm having is that when I engage the Power Take-Off Lever, the blade do not engage instantly. It seems that it takes 5 minutes or longer for the blade to engage. Once I get it to engage, I just leave it on until I'm finish unless I have to back up. My understanding is that the engine is suppose to be at full throttle when engaging the Power Take-Off Lever. Could the problem be the belts beneath the deck need adjusting? If so, how do I adjust them. If this isn't the problem, what else could it be. The manual for the tractor doesn't provide a lot of details as far as troubleshooting the problems encountered. The local repair shops are quoting me $80 just to check it out. If possible, I would like to avoid taking the mower to a shop or having them come to my home to service it.
I would really appreciate any assistance that I can get prior to Spring arriving. Thanks and Take Care!

Adjusting the blades belt is where I'd start. Before you do your adjusting inspect closely for missing springs or debris and grease on the belts and pulley. Your adjustment will be a threaded bolt holding the idler pulley. Try this and get back to me if it doesn't help.

Sir, can I access the threaded bolt that's holding the idler pulley without removing the deck? I don't know much at all about lawn tractors for I just began using them recently. I appreciate your prompt assistance. I will definitely let you know if your suggestions help solve the problem.


Adjusting the blades belt is where I'd start. before you do your adjusting inspect closely for missing springs or debris and grease on the belts and pulley. Your adjustment will be a threaded bolt holding the idler pulley. Try this and get back to me if it doesn't help.

You should be able to make your adjustment without removing the deck but space will be tight. Take time, and a flashlight, to carefully inspect and ,look for the adjustment bolt on the idler. It is usually much closer to the engine's pulley than the deck pulley.

Sir, I'm currently looking at an illustration of the parts on the deck. I see what is called an PTO Idler Pulley and an Engine Pulley. So is the threaded bolt that you mentioned for the adjustment, closer to the PTO Idler Pulley or the Engine Pulley? Also, is the engine and deck pulley the same pulley? The illustration also show the PTO belt that goes around the PTO Idler Pulley. Also, how large is this threaded bolt, i.e the length and or size of it? Thanks again, I appreciate your help.


You should be able to make your adjustment without removing the deck but space will be tight. Take time, and a flashlight, to carefully inspect and ,look for the adjustment bolt on the idler. It is usually much closer to the engine's pulley than the deck pulley.

I think it is the PTO idler pulley that you need to adjust. There should be a threaded rod about the thickness of a fountain pen that has a nut or passes through a threaded block that can cause the pulley to push more againist the belt. Any chance you can scan your illustrations into your post?

Sir, I don't have the tools to scan the illustration. Here is the website (http://manuals.mtdproducts.com/mtd/DocGetter?doc=770-1013a/pdf )that has a photo of the deck, the manual number is 770-10131A. The photo is on page 17 of 44. Let me know if you have problems accessing the manual. Thanks




I think it is the PTO idler pulley that you need to adjust. There should be a threaded rod about the thickness of a fountain pen that has a nut or passes through a threaded block that can cause the pulley to push more againist the belt. Any chance you can scan your illustrations into your post??

I can't open that address for some reason so I tried MTD's main site. I'll need model and serial number to get any further. Can you supply this onfo? In the meantime I'll keep trying to open what you sent.

All right, the model number is 13ai608h062 and the serial number is 1e100h20267. The manual number is 770-10131a. On page 17 of 44 is a photo of the deck parts. It may take a few minutes to download the manual especially if you connect to the internet vial dial up. Thanks


I can't open that address for some reason so I tried MTD's main site. I'll need model and serial number to get any further. Can you supply this onfo? In the meantime I'll keep trying to open what you sent.

I went back to MTD with your info and it took me to the same page as the web address you gave earlier. It still isn't opening, sorry. I keep with it but maybe someone else will jump on and give more help.

All right, I will see if I can find the threaded bolt for adjusting the PTO belt and get back with you. It may be a few days due to cold weather outside. Thanks again!


I went back to MTD with your info and it took me tothe same page as the web adress you gave earlier. It still isn't opening, sorry. I keep with it but maybe someone else will jump on and give more help.

Hello,

I found another website that should allow you to see photos of the manual for the MTD 2000. The website address is Yard Machines (http://www.yardmachines.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/topcategory_10451_18503_-1).
After entering the website, scroll down the webpage and look to the left until you see "Owner Manuals", click on owners manual and on the next page enter the model and serial numbers. Model number again is 13ai608h062 and serial number is 1e100h20267. At the next window, click the "Accept" button to proceed to the owner's manual for downloading it. The manual number again is 770-10131a. A photo of the deck parts is on page 17 of 44. At the end of the manual, there are schematics of the various parts of the lawn tractor, for example, PTO Take-Off Lever part names and illustration, photo and part name for the cutting deck, photos of transmission parts/name, etc. Thanks sir!


I went back to MTD with your info and it took me tothe same page as the web adress you gave earlier. It still isn't opening, sorry. I keep with it but maybe someone else will jump on and give more help.