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HomeRepair HelpCraftsman RepairCraftsman Lawn mower blades won't engage Repair
Craftsman Lawn mower blades won't engage
If your Craftsman lawn mower blades won't engage, the problem is usually in the PTO clutch or the PTO switch. On many riding mowers, the PTO clutch uses an energized solenoid to grab the drive belt and spin the mower blade, so if the clutch is not getting power, the solenoid has failed, or the clutch is simply worn out, the blades will not turn. The next likely cause is a bad PTO switch, which sends power to the clutch. If the switch fails, the clutch cannot engage and you end up with riding mower blades not engaging or a mower PTO clutch not working. A multimeter continuity test can help confirm whether the PTO switch is bad, but the PTO clutch itself is not repairable and must be replaced if defective. If you are dealing with a Craftsman lawn mower blades won't engage problem, RepairClinic.com makes it easier to match the right PTO clutch, PTO switch, drive belt, or mower blade to your machine. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part that fits your specific Craftsman lawn mower.
01 - Craftsman 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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02 - Craftsman PTO Switch
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't the blades engage on my Craftsman lawn mower?
How do I test a Craftsman mower PTO switch problem?
How do I know if the PTO clutch is bad on my Craftsman riding mower?
Can a wiring or electrical problem keep my Craftsman mower blades from engaging?
How do I find the right PTO switch or PTO clutch for my Craftsman lawn mower?
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