JD SX95 Clutch won't release

[MostlyHarmless]

G'day, all;

I know this is a smaller machine than most here, but...

I just replaced slipping belts on a John Deere SX95 riding mower. But now, the clutch won't stop the mower -- at least not completely. The new belts seem "grabby" and won't let loose of the variator even if the clutch is fully depressed and the tension idler is as far as it can go to release tension. I've tried the adjustment process outlined bellow, but that doesn't seem to do any good.



I don't know how the variator is supposed to work. But with the transmission set to 1 (slowest), the variator disk seems to slide down on its own when the clutch is applied (is this normal?).

Any insights?

Thanks for the assist!

 

[oldnslo]

Not familiar with the SX95 but worked on a few older 110 & 112, with variable speed drive. When these got older the center hub and the sliding sheave would wear causing them to not change speed smoothly and or make the clutch grabby.

Does the sliding sheave move freely?

Are you 110% positive the belts are routed correctly with nothing rubbing or binding like one of the belt guides. I have had belt guides shift position and start rubbing on the belts.

good luck in resolving this issue.