My son was mowing the lawn with our John Deere riding mower yesterday. It stalled on him and he pushed it back to the driveway. I got it started, but when you step on the gas, it doesn't move. Now the thing is stuck in the front yard and it started raining overnight! Any ideas? :confused:

Did your son posibly engage the parking brake? Check that before we start giving you other options.

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Did your son posibly engage the parking brake? Check that before we start giving you other options.

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The answer is "no" - he did not engage the parking brake. Thanks. I did notice a previous post about a belt in the engine, but am not sure if that applies to a John Deere.

If the engine starts but the tractor won't move, no brake, then it is time to start looking at the drive belt. Is this a hydro drive or a shifter? There are three pulleys in the drive system. First is on the engine drive shaft and that pulley turns all the time when the engin is running. The rear pulley is atop the trans axle and turns when the engine is running and the clutch/brake is not depressed. The middle pulley is you tensioner and moves in a slight arc when you depress the clutch. It has a spring attached to an arm that applies presssure to the drive belt when the clutch is out. Obviously, when you inspect these pulleys do so with the blade disengaged. Back to you.

I'd like to pick up this thread since I now have experienced the same issue. Mine is a Hydro, not a shifter. Could it still be a belt somewhere?

Thanks

Ah I think I found it. I see the loop of a belt hanging down from the rear of the deck. It doesn't appear broken but must have slipped off. Unfortunately I can't see where it goes. I have a mulching deck on the LT 166. Are these difficult to replace yourself or is it time to take it to the dealer and have all the belts replace. They are original.

Thanks again

Hi,
If he pushed it back, he pulled the rod out to disengage the hydro. Push it back in.
Peace,
Clarke