Mower

If	Check
Discharge Chute Plugged	• Grass is wet - ground speed may need to be adjusted. • Raise cutting height. • Run engine at fast idle. • Ground speed too fast for conditions. • Correct installation of deck drive belt. • Incorrect blade.
Mower Deck Vibrates	• Run engine at fast throttle. • Loose hardware. • Check/replace deck drive belt. • Blade bolts are loose. • Blade not in pilot when installed. • Ground speed too fast for conditions. • Blades are bent or worn. • Sharpen and balance blades. • Flip up belt shields and clean debris from pulleys. • Check pulleys for proper alignment or damage.
Mower Deck Belt Breaks	• Blade rake (Front-to-Rear adjustment) not within specifications. • Debris on deck or lodged in deck drive system. Clean as required. • Belt guide damaged or out of alignment. See Replacing Mower Deck Drive Belt, Installing Deck Drive Belt in the Service Mower Section. • Ground speed too fast for conditions.
Mower Blades Do Not Engage	• Deck drive belt slipping or broken, check belt for wear and replace if necessary. • Deck belt tension spring not installed or broken. • PTO switch failure. • Clutch air gap too large. • Fuse is blown. • Loose electrical connections.
Mower Deck Does Not Lift or Lower Easily	• Check lift assist spring settings. Adjust for more or less assistance when lifting. See Adjusting Deck Lift Spring Tension in the Operating Section. • Excessive debris build up.
Mower Mows Unevenly	• Mower deck not properly leveled. • Ground speed too fast for conditions. • Run engine at fast throttle. • Reduce ground speed when making turns. • Sharpen or replace blades. • Change mowing pattern. • Check air pressure in all tires.
Poor Quality Cut	• Clean debris build-up from underside of deck. • Check blades for sharpness and damage. • Check discharge chute for damage. • Change blades. • Run engine at fast throttle. • Mowing too fast for grass conditions.
Mower Blade Stop Time Excessive	• See your John Deere dealer.