3206 with mower deck issues.

freak · May 4, 2010

I use my Cub Cadet with a 46" snowblower and a 48" mower deck. I went a good 3 months without using either and finally got it ready to mow recently. When I first turned on the mower deck, I didn't think it was running (common problem I have). Then I realized it was turning slowly, and too about a minute to get up to 50% speed then got no faster. Often when I went over some thick grass, the PTO belts would start slipping. I looked at the belts while running, and 1 appears a little looser than the other. I ordered a set of belts, but I'm not confident that is the problem, because it doesn't slip when I first start it, it just takes forever to get moving.

I took off the muffler/exhaust and tried to watch the PTO belt to see if it was slipping when I start up the deck. The first thing I noticed was blue flames coming out of the exhaust, not sure if that is normal. But the problem I had is the deck won't start now. In fact I have this problem often. I will turn the mower on and it just won't start. I'll drive around fast in the yard, bouncing around, trying to start it over and over, it eventually starts.

I'm not sure if the 2 issues are related. Any advice?

OldMachinist · May 4, 2010

Your PTO is vacuum operated. First thing check is that the vacuum lines are pushed on to the fittings all the way. Check out this post for some more info.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/cub-cadet-yanmar-cuts/149278-3165-power-take-off-not.html

freak · May 4, 2010

Thanks for replying.

I went out and checked real quick, The vacuum actuator appears to be working fine. When I manually compress it and feel the belts, they aren't very tight. Looking at the parts list, the 'PTO Brake' doesn't look like it can be adjusted any tighter. Given that everything else appears to be moving properly, maybe I do just need new belts.

highboy1975 · May 4, 2010

so much for the ad campaign no belts to slip or break. sometimes mine wont engage very quickly, its definately engine speed related. this pto system is about as good as a manual clutch from what im told. let us know what happens.

freak · May 8, 2010

Yup, it was my belts. They were worn pretty good. When I snow blow and I catch a rock in the thrower, the belts slip and wear out. That's probably why they wore out so fast.