[simpleman]

I traded a small utility trailer for a 1969 mtd 1500 series 46"cut. It cuts great and starts every time, but lately i been having problems with the transmisssion. It's pto drive to the blades. When i engage the blades and run for awhile it won't stop no brakes , push in the clutch and nothing i have to turn the key off to stop it. Then when i put it in gear it won"t move unless i rock it. please help.

 

[Brad]

I'm not familiar with that specific machine. Strange scenario you have. Hopefully, someone with a bit more knowledge will drop by and shed some light on the problem.

 

[Mark / Ohio]

I'm not familiar with those either.

Does it have a gear drive with multiple forward gears or is it a single gear forward and reverse with a variable pulley diameter setup?

Does it only act up after the blades are running??

 

[simpleman]

Gear drive 1-4 and reverse, it will go foward in 1st & 2nd but not 3rd or 4th unless it's already moving. in 3rd if your going uphill it slows down till it stops then you have to shift into 1st or 2nd to get going. yes it only acts up when blades are running.

 

[Brad]

Sounds like it might be a slipping belt issue to me???

 

[Mark / Ohio]

Sounds like it might be a slipping belt issue to me???

I agree with Brad. It takes less torque to turn the input shaft to the transmission in the lower gears. I would look into the movement of the clutch idlers and make sure they are not binding up. Since it coordinates with the use of the blades it might be the PTO linkage is interfering with the movement of the clutch linkage. That could also cause the inability to stop if on the flip side they are binding and not releasing tension on the belt.

 

[simpleman]

Here's pics:

 

[simpleman]

Thank you for the info it does explain alot, I found a couple of grease fitting where the clutch idler is. Also there is a chain that i found behind a cover that also might also need greased. Can you or anyone else tell me more about this mtd if you look at the pics i posted it's in great shape, but all i know is it a 1500 series.

 

[Mark / Ohio]

Thanks for the pictures! That is in great shape!

 

[Wayne195]

That is an awesome MTD you have there!

I don't know a lot about the model 1500 series, but I read that they are almost identical to the MTD 990 which is considered one of the heftiest MTD's that were ever made.

 

[simpleman]

Thanks, i do enjoy getting out and using it, it's a strong mower and you can add attachment to it just like the 990 only with a bigger engine. it has a 46 in cut

 

[simpleman]

thanks it is in great shape for how old it is.

 

[Austen]

That's a nice machine! Looks like it's been very well taken care of!

 

[simpleman]

Thank you, i keep it in a garage and rinse it off after mowing. It handles 2 1/2 acres very well and is suprisly confortable. I've had other mowers were the seat was right on top of the back tires, as you can see this seat is raised up on a metal bracket.