Craftsman LT1000 Deck won't disengage

[jakesmurray]

I am working on this mower, and the blades are spinning even when the pto lever is all the way down. It is a 1998 Craftsman LT100 green rider. I can adjust the nut under the mower that changes the tension of the belt when they are engaged, but it either makes it too tight, or so loose that when the pto is off, the belt comes off the pulleys. I do know that someone has removed the "brakes" that are supposed to push against the pulleys when the blades are disengaged. Could that be the problem? Do those brakes keep the pulleys from spinning even when there is no tension on the belt and the motor is running? When I do engage the blades, they spin much faster and louder like they should. When the pto is off, they do not spin as fast, but they are certainly spinning. Any help is much appreciated.

 

[ILENGINE]

The brakes will prevent the blades from turning when the deck is disengaged, if the belt is properly installed/adjusted. the brakes also act as belt guides to keep the belt on the pulleys when disengaged.

 

[jakesmurray]

Ok, thanks for the reply. It may just have to be that way. It's just a little more dangerous...

 

[Carscw]

I would look at the brakes they are easy and cheap to replace.

With the pto of and the blades turning slow will burn your belt up fast as it is slipping on the engine pulley
Maybe clean the pulleys I bet they have rust on them

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))