Brake/Clutch Pedal stuck in the down position

[FarmGeezer]

Well actually my lawn tractor is a Statesman but its not on the list. AYP product. 20hp. Vanguard engine. 50 inch deck. Mower was purchased in 1994 and has had very heavy use over the years. The part that failed was the idler arm that operates the clutch/brake. It was rusted on the shoulder bolt that it pivots on. Poor design by my opinion. No possible way to oil or grease this part. ( Part is obs. and no longer available) Disassembled the rear fender assy, removed the fuel tank to get access to the part. Remover the idler lever and got the shoulder bolt out of the bushing it was rusted in. Polished the shoulder bolt and it still was very tight so I drilled the steel bushing out to a larger size and made a brass bushing to the right size and did a test fit of the shoulder bolt. Finally used valve lapping compound the get a good fit. Filed several slots in the shoulder bolt and drilled and tapped installed a grease fitting in the assembly. Now everything works as it should and it is now serviceable. I have rebuilt the deck twice and replaced the belts as well. I wont last as long as this tractor but at 31 years old ( bought in 1994) I'm 75 I hope tho get many more yrs. out of it. Just a fun project to save it for another day.

Regards,
Farmgeezer

 

[Auto Doc's]

I love the older riders. They could be worked on and parts fabricated as needed. Glad you got it going again.

New mowers are quickly becoming electronic junk with push buttons and dials. (Planned obsolescence)

It has gotten beyond the point of stupidity to put all these useless gadgets on a utility machine meant for cutting grass.