When you apply pressure to the gas pedal of the riding mower and encounter a delay in the machine’s response or try to change gears and then detect they are slipping before they engage fully, it is likely you have a problem with one of these elements of the drivetrain. For the base of the problem, examine the likely culprits and narrow the possibilities down till you discover the solution.
Bungled Belts
A damaged or poorly adjusted disc belt on a riding mower can cause a delayed response when you try to move the machine forward. Examine the belt to make sure it is not damaged, worn or frayed. Examine the fit to determine whether there’s too much slack or when it is too taut. Replace a defective belt or adjust one that’s improper tension. Look for lost parts like pulleys and guides which will control the course of the belt across the circuit that is predetermined. Make sure there is not any debris caught in the belt’s path that will impede its forward movement.
Tricky Transmissions
When you encounter slipping when you try to shift the mower into a lower or higher rate, the transmission is the first place to look. While lots of riding mower transmissions are sealed at the factory and don’t need you to add transmission fluid into them, others need attention at fixed intervals. A transmission that’s low on fluid is prone to slipping. Consult your owner’s manual to learn which type of transmission you have and whether you’re able to add transmission fluid yourself or if you want to engage a professional to access and repair the flawed component.
Damaged Differentials
The differential that connects and turns the wheels of this riding mower is another item where slipping problems may come up. A bent or broken differential will fail to turn the wheels as it should, resulting in wheels that don’t react appropriately once you apply power to raise the rate of this machine. Should you investigate and discover a problem with the differential, you have to evaluate your level of mechanical expertise to determine whether you can replace the component yourself or if you need to take the riding mower to get a professional service person.
Clumsy Clutches
It’s always possible that a problem with a sliding drivetrain may originate from the clutch. When you depress the clutch, it disengages the gears of the transmission and allows you to shift to a higher or lower gear ratios. When the clutch malfunctions, shifting problems or slipping can happen. The clutch might simply need extra lubrication to restore it into working order, a mechanical adjustment or replacement or repair of one or more of the interconnected parts that control the clutch. If you’re mowing hills, slopes or muddy terrain, engaging the differential lock on riding mower models that have one may solve the problem of slippage if one wheel is accelerating faster than another.