John Deere 210...blades stall while mowing

Thanks in advance.
-Steve

It's been a long time since I owned a 214, but I think I know where the problem lies.

Either you don't have the belt tension spring that pulls forward on the idler pulley assembly (under the engine and to the right), or your PTO cone clutch needs to be adjusted. Now forgive if I mispeak at all, because my memory has been failing me lately, but...

First check that spring. It is tightened up by turning that large plastic "T" shaped handle that stickes out of the front of the tractor frame. It has to be hooked into the idler bracket, then crank it down hard. I mean as far as you can take it. That is to make sure the belt does not slip from the engine to the deck.

Now if that doesn't fix it, take the right side shield off, and see the adjustment on the lever that traps the PTO cone onto the engine when the PTO is engaged. Engage the PTO a few times so you can see how it works. There is a spring that pushes the PTO cone off the clutch for disengagement. Thats where you tighten it, but I THINK you can also get some adjustment on the front end where the pivot is. If you can't get it to disengage, you went too far. I have also had the lining go bad inside the cone, but that takes a lot of hours to fail...unless you run it slipping a lot.

If you have a helper, they can drive the mower into the high grass, and when you stall the deck, look to see if the clutch stops turning (put a piece of tape on it and you might be able to see it from the seat ?), or if the clutch keeps spinning and the belt stops, then the belt is loose. If neither stops, then watch to see if the deck belt stops moving.

Hope this helps !

Frank-in-Tallahassee
70D // 855

If the blades are tight on their shafts (check the under deck blade hold on bolts) and you have a manual blade belt clutch as you say, and not any electric clutch that can slip, it about has to be a slipping belt(s). You mght insure the idler pulley bearing is good and that its not contacting the deck or rubbing anywhere else.

I like your idea of tightening the idler spring (are there any other holes or notches to tighten it?? the spring could just be weak), sounds like what I would try here at home. Be sure the pulleys are clean, no oil residue, the idler turns free, and the belt is not glazed from slipping and heat, increase the belt tension, be sure the blades are good and sharp and tight on their shafts, and take 2 aspirins and call me at the office.

Good Luck,

Ol John T in Indiana