I recently went out to mow my lawn with this otherwise reliable machine. I pulled the PTO clutch switch to engage the blades. They started to rotate and I was on my way, for about 30 seconds and then the blades stopped rotating. The motor runs perfectly yet the drive unit for the blade belt does not operate. I let the unit set for about 30 minutes and after trying to find the proper troubleshooting information (of which there was none) I again started the motor and the blades started to move again for another 30 sec and once again quit.
Has ANYONE experienced a similar frustration and if so what had you done to rectify this problem?
Sincerely Frustrated
John David

Manual, or electric pto clutch, as in manual, I mean a lever you have to pull up to engage the blades... electric being push button...

Thanks for your response to my query;
My PTO clutch switch is a pull/push botton. As I stated it runs for a short time and then shuts down the blades rotating.
Regards

OK, so is the battery staying charged? Otherwise I would say something is shorting in line. Or it's the pto itself.

Thanks Dude,, I was just on line with Sears Canada and tried talking to a techie,, the operator stated that they are way too busy to talk to me but they can come out (100 kms) to my place and look see if they can repair. If not then they may have to take it into their shop for repairs. Looks like I may have to bite their bullet at a minimum of $250. Plus parts and any further time. I was not able to purchase a repair manual as this unit apparently does not have one available for the make and model. I have learned a rather big lesson,, DO NOT BUY SUCH ITEMS FROM SEARS!! Go for a recognized and reliable name.
Again thank you for your time and efforts on my unit. And yes the battery stays well charged,, everything works well except this damned clutch mechanism whether it be the manual parts or electronics.
Regards
John Byrne

Well the thing about sears, they use their own warranty, none of the manufacturers... their riders are made by ayp, they are not a bad product, certainly better then any murray or mtd made rider... like mtd's cub cadet, troy bilt, etc... oh and also, the air gap on those can get messed up, but they should have their heads about them and check it... I don't know specifically the measure...

Just replace it with a flip switch from home depot or something. They sell them in the electrical section and they are all I use now for my projects. Or you can check your battery and make sure it is charged. The one other thing is is could be a malfunctioning overheating sensor that turns it off if it gets too hot or I could just overheat from friction=) check it out!

Post model+serial #,located on a tag under the seat.

Then I could give you more info.

Mower_Man
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"Good Luck."

I have a craftsman 3 blade with the deck off I use it as a way to pull my about down to the lake you lol at me cause you try to pic a old man ding this no I'm 13 and my koler 23 hp moter and crraftsman body won't mosve how do you tightin the belt

Craftsman riding mower 3 blade 23 hp kolermoter but it won't move how do u tighten the belt

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wasup

craftsman riding mower 3 blade 23 hp kolermoter but it wont move how do u tighten the belt

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Delete this it said it dident eork

I found a craftsman rider road side after adding gas and charging battery, It started and drove fine but the second I engaged the blades it cut out!! It was the seat switch I pull it out press it with my hand and all was good! Let go and it died ! So I pull it out and it stay on :') P DAWG