2004 Hustler Fastrak 52 w/ 18HP Honda Engine.
This beast has been running great and amazing at the work it can do. Recently this problem started. Engine power is running fine as far as I can tell. Blade spindles turn freely. Upon engaging the clutch, it seems to strain and "spool up" instead of almost instantly spinning up as before. Then, as I start to cut the normal grass load, it just has a steady bog down (will die if I let it) under the cutting load. The second I disengage the PTO, the engine jumps right back up to smooth running (as far as I can tell).
Is there anyway I can hand check the bearing in the clutch? Is the pump drive pulley on the same bearing as the clutch? I would think that if so, turning and travelling would slightly bog the power and maybe it is or I'm just imagining it. Goes uphill onto trailer and drives through grass just fine with PTO disengaged.
Appreciate for any thoughts to this newbie to the forum. Have found great advice here many times before joining.
This beast has been running great and amazing at the work it can do. Recently this problem started. Engine power is running fine as far as I can tell. Blade spindles turn freely. Upon engaging the clutch, it seems to strain and "spool up" instead of almost instantly spinning up as before. Then, as I start to cut the normal grass load, it just has a steady bog down (will die if I let it) under the cutting load. The second I disengage the PTO, the engine jumps right back up to smooth running (as far as I can tell).
Is there anyway I can hand check the bearing in the clutch? Is the pump drive pulley on the same bearing as the clutch? I would think that if so, turning and travelling would slightly bog the power and maybe it is or I'm just imagining it. Goes uphill onto trailer and drives through grass just fine with PTO disengaged.
Appreciate for any thoughts to this newbie to the forum. Have found great advice here many times before joining.