How Do You Engage A John Deere Mower Deck?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Turn the key to the “on” position, advance the throttle to half speed and allow the engine to warm up for 2 minutes. …
  2. Lower the to the desired cutting height. …
  3. Engage the mower blades; push the lever to the right of the steering wheel all the way forward.

Why won't my mower deck engage John Deere?

There could be a problem with safety switches. On most newer model lawn , the brake has to be disengaged or off for the blades to operate. You also have to

be sitting on the seat to engage the PTO

, so the seat switch may be malfunctioning.

How do I engage my riding lawn mower?

To engage the blades on a riding lawn mower that's manually operated,

turn the key clockwise to power it on, increase the throttle to half speed

, and allow the engine to warm up for two minutes. Then, lower the mower to the preferred cutting height. Push the lever to the right of the steering to engage the blades.

Why won't my mower deck engage?

Belt-the number one cause for your blades not to engage is that your belt is

either stretched or loose causing it to slip or fall off completely

. Belt could have snapped also. When you are trying to process too much grass/leaves they could pack up under your deck and push off your belt.

Where is the PTO switch on a John Deere mower?

Most John Deere lawn mowers are equipped with an electric PTO (Power Take Off). The PTO is the mechanism that turns on the blades

located under the mower deck

. The PTO works off of a 12-volt system. The electric clutch is operated by a switch located on the dashboard of the lawn mower.

Why won't my Craftsman mower blades engage?

Common solutions for: Craftsman Lawn mower blades won't engage. …

If the PTO clutch is not getting power

, if the clutch solenoid is defective, or if the clutch is worn out, the lawn mower blades will not engage. The PTO clutch is not repairable—if the clutch is defective, you must replace it.

Why did my mower blades stop working?

If your mower blades will not turn after the blade controls have been engaged,

your deck belt may be broken

. … Clean out any debris or grass that may have built up above the mower deck, and remove any guards or covers that protect the deck belt system. Once the belt can be accessed, inspect it for any damage or wear.

What would cause a PTO to not engage?

If the PTO clutch is not getting power, if the clutch solenoid is defective, or if the clutch is worn out,

the lawn mower blades

will not engage. The PTO clutch is not repairable—if the clutch is defective, you must replace it. … If the switch is defective, it may not supply power to the PTO clutch.

How do I know if my electric PTO clutch is bad?

“Normally” when a clutch is going bad it

will start to show when you engage the PTO

. A common symptom would be for the clutch to be slow to engage if it's been running for a while and is hot. Once engaged they usually stay engaged until you shut them off.

Why does my John Deere riding mower dies when I engage the blades?


If a pulley doesn't spin freely, it can cause the engine

to die when the blades are engaged. … The pulleys in your lawn tractor are driven by the drive belt, and turn the spindles. If a pulley doesn't spin freely, it can cause the engine to die when the blades are engaged.

Where is the PTO switch located?

The PTO is the mechanism that turns on the

blades located under the mower deck

. The PTO works off of a 12-volt system.

How do I test my electric PTO?

“Normally” when a clutch is going bad it

will start to show when you engage the PTO

. A common symptom would be for the clutch to be slow to engage if it's been running for a while and is hot. Once engaged they usually stay engaged until you shut them off.

How do you tighten the belt on a riding lawn mower?


Push the belt keepers on the transaxle pulley down and slide the belt over the transaxle pulley

. Pull the slack from the back of the tractor (transaxle pulley) and slide the belt on to the stationary and clutch idlers. This will increase the tension in the belt and hold it in place.

How do you engage Craftsman Blades?

Find the plunger at the top of the attachment lift lever. Press the plunger inward with your thumb, and move the attachment lift lever back, or toward you, to lower the cutting blade. Release the plunger and attachment lift lever.

Pull the attachment clutch switch outward to “Engage”

to make the cutting blade rotate.

Why is my riding mower not cutting?


A worn or broken drive belt won't spin the cutting blades

so your mower won't cut the grass. A worn blade belt can also cause mower deck vibration or uneven cuts. Examine the blade belt regularly and replace it if it's worn or broken.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.