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STX 38 with rear axle pulley stuck

2K views 11 replies 5 participants last post by  Vdleeuw 
#1 ·
So I bought a 30 year old mower (I deserve this I guess) and while mowing, it stopped driving forward and started to smoke at the engine pulley.

It starts fine, runs good but the drive belt won’t move when I release the emergency brake and try to put it in gear. As soon as I release the brake it squeals and begins to smoke under the engine. I replaced the drive belt hoping that would do it but it did not.

So I guess my last option is to remove the transaxle and see what’s going on? I can’t move the rear pulley. The wheels turn freely when in neutral though.

And suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Thanks.
 
#4 ·
Could it be as simple as replacing then rear pulley or something else that doesn’t require a rebuilding of the trans.

I’ve looked for a used one but they’re still pretty expensive. I just bought the mower, and was trying to be a good buy so I changed the blades, belts, oil, filter, spark plug and then it crapped the bed.

I’m trying to not let this beat me and give it up for parts. I would really like to keep this guy going!
 
#5 ·
What part of the country are you in? There is a free STX38 advertised on the Denver Craigslist. Obviously, it needs work but doesn't mention anything about an issue with the driveline.
 
#7 ·
Where are you in NY?....I know of one for 50 bucks in not too far away (from me anyway) NJ...If that is too far I see them all the time, although I used to get them for free a lot or up to $75 needing work..and they have gone up over the last 2 years...if yu see a chap STX 30 it is the same tractor, just badged as a (HP engine and has single blade .......they are only a LT, not a GT, but they are great little machines that are really easy to work on...does yours have the yellow or the black deck?
 
#9 ·
Update for anyone interested...
9/10/19

I pulled the mower out of the shed to do the monthly starting of the mower just to keep it running until I could get more time to try and fix it.

I added air to the tires and tried to start it and it wouldn’t turn over. I pushed it over to my car to jump the battery, had to mess around with the battery wires and removed the plastic cover to hold the battery down.

Eventually it started and I sat on it, took off the emergency brake and it didn’t start smoking and squealing this time like previously. So I put it in gear and it took off! I drove around my yard with arms raised victoriously as the neighbors looked at me like an idiot. I don’t care. It’s been killing me that I bought it and then it was DOA.

So what changed? I don’t know, maybe in playing with the battery I did something that wouldn’t allow the pulley above the trans to pulley to turn?
 
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