low RPM's on blades--need help

[NateinAtl]

I have a problem with my exmark turftracer. the blades just aren't doing good. They are really struggling and causing a burning smell. I have a new belt on, new oil, sharp doubles, and all greased up. Still the problem. I have checked the spindles and they seem OK to me. I have the same problem whether it be single blades or double. It just boggs down in the thick bermuda turf. The thing is, I haven't had this problem before. even real high grass. What else can I check for? And what about that burning smell?--is that just because I put on a new belt? Thanks in advance

[Premo Services]

You did not say what motor you have, but are the rpms right when blades are not engaged. The burning smell would not be from a new belt. They say if the spindle bearings are bad you would be able to move the blade up and down, have you checked this? Mabey something might be wedged under one of the pullyeys, mabey one is going bad. I thought mine were going bad and it was gumballs under the pulley, making it move slower.The burning smell seems to be something with the puleys, belts. Could the belt have twisted?

[Shawn Burns]

as mentioned before, what motor/ deck combo is it? i had a toro z master 23 horse kohler 52 inch deck. had a blade problem with it too. after a year of taking it to the dealer and them telling me i was crazy and after pulling most of my hair out we (the head mechanic and myself) pulled it into their shop after hours so as not to run the repair bill up and fixed it! after checking rpm's and re-releveling the deck and lord knows what else, we found a pulley at rear of mower to be 1/8 inch too wide. (from the factory) we put a new pulley on it and my problems were solved!!

[LAWNGODFATHER]

what engine
is it an HP

[NateinAtl]

Guys, it's a kawaski 17 horse power. I really appreciate you trying to help me figure this out. And yes, it is an Exmark Turf Tracer HP

[John DiMartino]

Just a shot in the dark,but I bet the new belt is a little longer,and its slipping in thick grass,it would give a bad cut,a burning smell,and do just what he said.The belt could be the wrong one,or need to be adjusted tighter,this is just my guess.

[Eric ELM]

I think you hit the nail on the head with that one John. I know that some belt companies use different ways of measuring a belt. For example, my mowers uses a B80, but if I get a different belt brand, I may need a B81 to work on my machines. If your mower Mfg used a B81 for example, that came from this same belt company, you may have to use a B80 from this other belt company. I hope this made sense. :)

I would check the belts first also.

[carl28]

is the idler greased and operating smoothly the belt situation would be nullified with the idler operating smoothly check for slop in your spindles by holding the center of you blades and pushing and pulling them any play is bad, p.s. pull your plugs first.!!!!!!\

[NateinAtl]

I have the right belt on. Should I take a set of blades off and just go with singles? Also, I have the mulching kit on, if this means anything. It happened again today. I have to go extremly slow for the blades to spin as fast as they should. And like I said, this is a new problem. I've mowed thicker and higher grass before. Very frustrating. Does anyone else have any suggestions?

[John DiMartino]

The problem is with your belts,you just said the blades slow down,if the engine stays wound up the belts are slipping,find out why,is oil leaking on it?is grease on it,or is the tensioner spring broken,or stretched.I still think the belt is maybe 1/2" to long .Its doubtfyl that the blades are slipping on the spindles,but its possible.

[Eric ELM]

The mulching kit will pull the rpm's down. If you let the clippings fly, it would probably bring them back up again. I would take the doubles off when you have the mulching kit on it.

Did you get an OEM belt?

[NateinAtl]

Maybe I'm not getting across what I want. The RPM problem started a few weeks ago. So that's when I put on a new belt. I matched up the parts number witht the parts guide I have from exmark--so I know it's the right belt. Well now I still have the problem, and a smoke smell to go along with it. The spindles are fine. I've checked them everyday since the problem began. I have absolutely no debris in the way. I don't know if it is the tension spring. How can I tell? How can I get the tension tighter on the belts? What about this....the idler pully that does NOT hold a spindle can be twisted by hand and not move the belt. Could that be it? I appreciate your help. let me know your thoughts, please.

[John DiMartino]

Does this mower have an electric clutch?it may be fried if it does.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

first off you're running doubles and the engine only has 17hp
second you belts slipping cause to much drag on the pto belt
your manual engagement is not tight enough


NateinAlt you need to invest in a Tiny Tac to tell what Rpm's you mower is running at I have one and set all mower to 3700
that way when the blades are on its running at leat 3600 rpm's

I hope that answered you question

[NateinAtl]

GOOD NEWS!!! I have solved the problem and was able to put the mower to use today. It ended up being the PTO belt and the idler pulley. Cost a little more than I wanted to spend, but all is working fine. Thanks to you guys for offering solutions to this problem.