How to fix the blade engage pulley - Craftsman 24 Hp 48" Deck Yard Tractor

It seems like you're experiencing issues with your MacAllister JE150/92A lawn mower where the blades are not being driven and the clutch is not engaging properly. This can be frustrating, but there are several potential reasons for this problem. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

1. Check the Drive Belt: The drive belt is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the blades. If it's loose, worn, or broken, it can lead to the symptoms you're experiencing. Inspect the drive belt for any signs of damage and make sure it's properly tensioned. If it's worn or damaged, you'll need to replace it.
2. Inspect the Clutch Mechanism: The clutch is what engages and disengages the blades. If the clutch isn't engaging properly, it could be due to a mechanical issue. Check for any obstructions or debris around the clutch mechanism that might be preventing it from engaging. Also, inspect the clutch cable for any signs of damage or disconnection.
3. Check the Pulleys and Idler Arm: The pulleys and idler arm play a crucial role in driving the blades. Make sure the pulleys are properly aligned and not damaged. The idler arm should move smoothly and maintain proper tension on the drive belt when the clutch is engaged.
4. Inspect the Engagement Lever: The lever that you use to engage the blades should be functioning properly. If it's loose, damaged, or not connecting with the clutch mechanism effectively, the blades won't engage. Ensure that the lever is moving smoothly and engaging the clutch properly.
5. Examine the Safety Interlocks: Many modern lawn mowers have safety interlocks that prevent the blades from engaging if certain conditions aren't met, such as the presence of a person on the seat or the parking brake not being engaged. Check these safety features to make sure they're not causing the issue.
6. Check for Engine Issues: Sometimes, the problem might be related to the engine itself. If the engine isn't running smoothly or generating enough power, it might not be able to drive the blades effectively. Make sure the engine is running properly and doesn't have any issues.

If you've checked these common issues and are still unable to determine the cause of the problem, it might be a good idea to consult the owner's manual for your specific lawn mower model. If you're not comfortable troubleshooting and fixing the issue yourself, it's recommended to contact a professional lawn mower repair service to diagnose and fix the problem for you.

Check to see if your idler pulley is moving freely to engage the deck. There are two pulleys that keep tension on the belt when engaged while at the same time releasing the blade brakes.

depending on the age of the machine, there could be several possibilities
1-- belts are not tight enough--- belt tension system is not correct, wrong length belts
2--bearings for the shafts for the blades are rusted up and seized - preventing the blades from moving--- switch the machine off , disengage the belt drive and see if you can turn the blades by hand
3--- if you have an electric pto system to drive the belts to the blades then that system is not getting full power to engage the PTO or the clutch is not working--worn facings
take it to a service dealer and have a proper diagnosis done

There are two safety switches that work off each other when the blades are engaged. The seat switch and blade engage switch. Someone has to be in the seat when the tractor is not in neutral and or when the tractors blade engage lever is engaged. Other reasons for the tractor dying would be that the blades are hitting the deck. That could be caused by bent pulley shaft or bent blades or even a bent deck. First check the blades and make sure they spin freely by turning the tractor off and the blades are not engaged and spinning the blades (with gloves on so you do not cut your self)
Test the blades by measuring on side of the blade to the inside of the deck then rotating the blade 180 degrees and meandering it again (same side of blade 1st time measuring the blade is pointing towards the outside of the deck 2nd time of measuring the blade it is pointing to the inside of the deck). Do the same to the pulleys.If the blades are bent you may want to check the pulleys as well. sometimes both may be bent and the cost of replacing bothe is not worth it. You may want to check with a service repair person. If I can help further please contact me

Blades engaging is purely mechanical nothing to do with battery. Check correct routing of belts around pulleys.

If you look at the motor pulley area, there should be two different pulleys with a PTO clutch between them. The PTO clutch has wires going to it, because it is operated electrically by the blade engage switch.
It sounds like you could have accidentally put the mower deck belt onto the main drive pulley (which turns all the time) rather than the pulley that is farther out from the engine, which only turns when the engage the blade switch. If so, just loosen the mower belt and move it to the right pulley.
Good luck!

I am not sure what type of blade engagement mechanism you have (ex. clutch, tensioner/idler pulley, etc...) but make sure that the blades can spin freely with the belt taken off of their pulleys. It could very well be that one of the pulley bearings is seized.

http://weborder.husqvarna.com/order_static/doc/HO/HO2005/HO2005_5321938-34.pdf
This is the owners manual if you do not have one.
There is a brake on the pulley, make sure that is not hanging up.
Please let me know what you find.

On most riding mowers flipping the handle to engage the blade causes an idler pulley to engage the drive belt, which takes up the slack in the belt and pulls it against the drive pulleys. A few odd-balls have an electric clutch to engage the blades.

model 917258862 mower was given to me. sat outside numerous years. I've managed to get it to start run and drive, but cant get blades to engage. don't know what the wires are for or do that go to some sort of pulley attached to the bottom of motor. can somebody help me pls ?