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3 year old Craftsman 42' cut..

13 years ago

I guess it has an automatic transmission, you push peddle and goes forward-speed is according to how far you push peddle--same to go in reverse

Got on to cut grass today and it only goes kind of slow when you push peddle down to go forward...will speed up after a while but when you turn it slows down again. The engine is running wide open all the time. Will not go up a slight grade so I can get it in my shed.

Any ideas?

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Comments (7)

mownie
13 years ago
Check that the parking brake caliper and brake pads are not stuck.
You need to post the full technical model number from the data decal (usually under the seat) so we can view manual online to know exactly what tractor you have.
daft_punk
13 years ago
A 42-foot mower deck is simply too much for the engine and tranny.
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bumping down...
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surfmonkey
Original Author
13 years ago
The Model Number is: 917.287261

It is a 24 HP 42" Mower

Makes a kind of straining sound, not a grind, from like under the seat.
Will go in reverse slow and now will not move in forward. It tries to start off and then stops.
surfmonkey
Original Author
13 years ago
I have looked at the schematic that came with the mower and cannot find the parking brake caliper or the pads. Should I take the real wheels off to find them?
tomplum
13 years ago
Follow the brake rod back. Normally the caliper will be just ahead of the RH axle shaft. Make your life easy. Locate the caliper and take the tractor for a brief ride w/o really using the brake. If the brake is dragging, the shiny metal disc will be super hot.
rustyj14
13 years ago
If you find that the brake is sticking or dragging, douse it liberally with PB Blaster, let that soak in for 10 minutes, then try it out. Sometimes the brake interior parts will get full of crud and then they will stick and drag.
This treatment sometimes cures sticky brakes, or non-operating brakes, too. Of course, if all else fails, then some dismantling will be in order. And, if your short term memory is as bad as mine, make a sketch of how it all goes back together, before you take it apart! BT,DT: Rusty J.
surfmonkey
Original Author
13 years ago
Okay, it was the caliper sticking......raised rear wheels off ground, sprayed it with some Firm Film (all I had) let it set for about 10-15 minutes, spun the wheel and it spun. Lowered the mower, cranked her up and off I went.

Thanks for the help, you guys are great!

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