Loss of Power on JD 425

[Praireboy]

Hello Folks
I just picked up a used JD 425. It looks well taken care of with 885 hours. It tested fine where I bought it from. But when I got home and did a quick test cut once I engaged the deck and started moving there was a lack of power, and once I go uphill while mowing, or turn it idles so low and sluggish it feels like it will stall. Without the deck engaged it seems just fine. If anybody has any ideas you would sure help a guy out. Thanks

 

[automech]

I would remove the deck, and hand turn the input shaft, see if it turns free. Does the deck sound noisy when engaged?

 

[Conservation]

You might also diagnose to make sure you are running on both cylinders. They run smoother than you would think on just one. At an idle, pull one plug wire with a thickly gloved, dry hand. If the other cylinder is dead, it will die. Replace and do the other side.

 

[Conservation]

Well?