Ive got an older Bolens rear engine riding mower, model 2133. I'm not sure what model it is but I'd say it's at least 14-15 years old. The 12.5 hp Briggs & Stratton runs great so no issues there. After sharpening both blades (33 inch deck) I was hoping that would solve the cutting issue. Before I sharpened the blades, the grass would have sections 10-15 feet in length that were not cut, then a section 20-25 feet in length that was cut, repeat. Same result after the blade sharpening. Yes the blades are installed properly that was double and triple checked by 3 people. While the mowing deck is engaged I'd here intermittent slight grinding sounds coming from the deck. Unless I'm missing something, I think the bearings in the deck need replacing. The belts are newer and set to the proper tension by the way.
So is there something else I should look at or consider? Is replacing the deck bearings require special tools or know how? Most tractor shops in my area are around $60-$80/ hour.
I payed $50 for the whole mower.
Or should I look at one of those tow behind mowers and use this as a tow rig?
Its clutched on belt tension, right? Pull it apart, take out the bearings, go to bearing house with old ones, buy new bearings(cheap), tap new bearings on shaft, assemble, enjoy.
If it's uniformly not cutting, then both blades are most likely not turning. Which would make me suspect slippage at the engine pulley. Glazed belt, worn belt, wrong belt, etc.
If only one side, suspect that particular blade pulley of slippage. Which could well be bearing.
If it looks like the grass is being gnawed in those unmowed patches, suspect grass matting in the deck. Poor design, rust holes, excessive grass height, excessive speed, etc.
Spindle bearings are a wear item. The gentleman in the orange hoodie nailed that one.
Are you leaving clumps of grass behind anywhere? Clogging up the deck at all? Does the engine bog for a second, surge, then the machine starts cutting again?
Does this have an electric clutch for the blades?
Could be cutting out intermittently
Yes its clutched belt tension.
The belts are not glazed/worn and are the correct ones as far as I can tell, but I will pull them off to verify for sure.
Doesn't leave clumps of grass and the engine has never bogged or surged.
Its a manual lever to engage the blades
Thanks for the guidance.
