If your Bolens lawn mower blades won't engage, start with the PTO clutch, since that is the most common cause. The PTO clutch transfers engine power to the deck by tightening the drive belt, so if the clutch is not getting power, the clutch solenoid has failed, or the clutch is simply worn out, the mower blade will not turn. On many riding mower blades not engaging complaints, the next part to check is the PTO switch, which sends power to the PTO clutch. A bad mower PTO switch problem can keep the clutch from engaging even when everything else looks fine, so test the switch with a multimeter for continuity. If your Bolens lawn mower blades won't engage or your riding mower deck blades will not turn, these two parts are the first places to focus. Since the PTO clutch is not repairable, a defective one must be replaced. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact Bolens PTO clutch, PTO switch, mower blade, belt, or other replacement part that fits your specific lawn mower.
01 - Bolens PTO Clutch
The PTO (Power Take Off) clutch provides a means of manually disconnecting the engine from the blades. When the clutch solenoid is energized, the clutch engages the drive belt to drive the rotation of the lawn mower blades. If the PTO clutch is not getting power, if the clutch solenoid is defective, or if the clutch is worn out, the lawn mower blades will not engage. The PTO clutch is not repairable—if the clutch is defective, you must replace it.
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The PTO switch provides power to the PTO clutch. If the switch is defective, it may not supply power to the PTO clutch. As a result, the clutch won’t engage, and the lawn mower blades won’t rotate. To determine if the switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the PTO switch is defective, replace it.