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LTR180 surging with PTO engaged?

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BigGreenTractor1

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have a JD LTR180 that I inherited. It was running pretty rough so I performed a basic tuneup, replacing the fuel line, both spark plugs, cleaned the air filter, new mower deck belt, new grease in the zerk fittings according to the manual.

tractor runs well when the blades are not engaged, both forward and reverse. Once the lever for the blades has been turned, the RPMs go up and down repeatedly (is surging the correct term?) but does not die. The tractor does not do this with mower deck belt removed and the PTO lever engaged.

This is my first tractor and would appreciate any input in getting the ol girl running again. Thanks!
 
#3 ·
Surging means the engine is starving for fuel. When you engage the blades and put a load on the engine it needs more fuel to produce more power. It needs a complete carb cleaning. There are many orifices that could be plugged especially if it has been sitting for any period of time and not stored properly.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
TooManyTractors! said:
Yup, clean your carb. If you apply choke when it's chugging does it get better? If so your engine is running lean.
Click to expand...
Pulling the choke knob in or out does not affect the surging. Looks like I’ll be cleaning out the carb when I get a chance and will report back.

thanks again for all your help fellas, really appreciate it!
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
TooManyTractors! said:
Yup, clean your carb. If you apply choke when it's chugging does it get better? If so your engine is running lean.
Click to expand...
I had a chance to clean out the carb, no change in symptoms. Grabbed another carb online just for fun, exactly the same issues.
I made sure that the blades can spin pretty easily by hand on the deck.

battery is weak to start it after sitting around a week but it can be jumped.

would definitely appreciate any/all suggestions!
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
I had a chance to clean out the carb, no change in symptoms. Grabbed another carb online just for fun, exactly the same issues.
I made sure that the blades can spin pretty easily by hand on the deck.

battery is weak to start it after sitting around a week but it can be jumped.

would definitely appreciate any/all suggestions
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
Found it! I’m learning about the various safety switches on this tractor. There is a switch that stays pushed in when the PTO lever is in the off position. when the PTO lever is flipped to on, it lets go of the switch.

I found that if I keep that switch pushed in, the surging stops completely!!!

new issue has arisen since: I can mow for about 30 minutes l, at which point I start to hear a clacking noise and lose all forward movement. Turning off the PTO, and resting for about 30 seconds gives me forward movement again.

my gut says this is a transmission issue, possibly overheating fluid?
 
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BigGreenTractor1
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