Lesco 48" Belt Driven Walk-Behind Mower Problems

[bradleysch]

My Lesco 48" Belt Driven Walk-Behind Mower won't pull itself up a slight slope or uneven surface even on the highest speed. I have to push it to get it to roll then the mower starts pulling. What could cause it to do this?


Thanks,

[billslawn89]

drive belts or the v - pully the belt rides in are worn

[moljinor]

When you try to go up a hill, does the pulleys that drive the tires also stop spinning? Does it do it in the higher gears vs lower gears?
If the pulleys that drive the tires stop spinning as well, then the belt under the engine deck is bad, or the idler pulley for that belt is bad.

[bradleysch]

The pulley that is connected to the wheel spins but the belt doesn't spin making the other pulleys to not spin. It does it sometimes on flat yards when I Just get done making a turn. I am trying to use a Sulky but it seems like the mower doesn't have enough power to pull me after a turn or going up a hill

[moljinor]

Yea, sounds like you need new belts for the wheels. Having a sulky on a belt drive wears the belts out a little faster.

[G_Dubs]

Adjust your idler pulley, my lesco 48 needs adjusting one or twice a season. get the belt as tight as you can and you'll be set

[moljinor]

Tightening the transmission belt is easy. If you want some detailed instructions, just ask.

[bradleysch]

I will try the belts but a license mechanic told me it might be the gear box, but another one said that when the gear box goes out the mower won't move at all. Has anyone heard that? What would you think I should believe?

Thanks Everyone.

[lawnboy852]

Try the belts first. The tranny is spinning so doesnt seem to be the problem. If new belts and proper tensioning doesnt fix it, then look at the transmission. Always cheaper solution first though, belts are maybe 120 total, trans you're looking at at least 400.

[moljinor]

Usually when a trans goes bad, it will start clicking, and the mower will hesitate with the clicking. I really think the trans belt is loose on your mower. That's what happens about 75% of the time. The idler pulley for the trans belt also goes bad. The newer version from JD is metal vs the plastic one Lesco supplied.

To check the belt, look under the unit, between the wheels, and you will see a big pulley and the belt around it. Grab the long side (opposite side where the idler pulley is) and pull on it. IF it gives more than a inch, in either tug direction, then the idler needs to be tightened.