Externally Repairable Drive System Problems - MTD 700 Series Professional Shop Manual

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Externally repairable drive system problems:

Most of the problems listed in this section will result in a customer complaint of low power or low ground speed. If the
tractor is difficult to push, check the brakes.
1. Engine performance:
• If the engine does not turn at the specified RPM, the tractor will not travel at its designed speed.
• If the engine does not produce the specified amount of power, the tractor will not have its designed
amount of tractive force.
1a. Find the specified engine RPM for the tractor.
1b. Check the engine with a tachometer to confirm that it maintains the specified RPM under normal load.
1c. Correct engine performance problems before trying to diagnose drive system problems.
2. Check the tire pressure: Under-filled tires will put additional load on the drive system.
Brake Rod
Brake/Clutch bypass rod de-clutches
idler when brake is engaged
Brake Pedal
Brake rod
Brake spring
Brake arm
Adjustment nut
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Double Idler
Figure 5.3
Brake yoke
Figure 5.4
Auto-Drive CVT Drive System
3. Check the brakes:
3a. The brake linkage applies the brakes and dis-
engages the drive belt. Confirm that both parts
of the linkage are moving properly.
See Figure 5.3.
• When the brake pedal is released, the front drive
belt should be slightly slack.
• The drive and brake linkages are connected in
such a way that the pedals will "see-saw", and it
should not be possible to apply drive and clutch/
brake pedal at the same time.
3b. If the linkage is working properly, but the brakes
seem to be dragging, check the brake yoke.
The linkage is not adjustable. See Figure 5.4.
• When the brakes are released, it should be possi-
ble to wiggle the brake rotor within the yoke.
• If the rotor is tight in the caliper, check the yoke
adjustment.
• If the rotor is tight in the yoke, check the operation
of the yoke to confirm that it is not stuck.
• When the brake pedal is released, the brake arm
on the yoke should fall completely back against the
axle housing.
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