A mower motor bogs down when the blades are engaged due to increased load on the engine. This extra load can result from dull blades, tall or thick grass, or an obstruction under the deck, making it harder for the motor to maintain speed. Additionally, insufficient power or a weak engine can struggle to handle the demand, leading to a decrease in performance. Proper maintenance, including sharpening blades and ensuring the engine is in good condition, can help mitigate this issue.
Normally you will start to hear a loud grumbling sound from underneath the mower when the blades are engaged. With the mower shut off, release the tension from the belt for the blades. Raise the deck so you can grab the blades from the bottom. You should not be able to rock the blades from side to side or up and down. If you can then you probably have a bad spindle. You can do this for wach of the spindles to check them all.
belt to tight, gummed up drive pulleys, dry gearbox, weak or ancient motor.
The seat safety switch is not working properly correctly. If the safety does not sense that there is anyone on the seat then it will shut down the mower. This keeps the mower from running over someone if they would happen to fall off while mowing. Or if the safety is working you may have bad bearings on your deck and that will also stall your motor, or something jammed in the blades.
Assuming the blades are rotating but not cutting grass, the blades may be very dull or they were replaced upside down when removed for sharpening.
To change the mower blades on a John Deere LT1050, first, ensure the engine is off and the key is removed for safety. Tilt the mower onto its side or raise it securely, then use a socket wrench to remove the blade bolts, turning them counterclockwise. Carefully take off the old blades and replace them with new ones, ensuring the blades are oriented correctly with the sharp edge facing down. Finally, tighten the bolts securely before returning the mower to its upright position.
if you are sitting in the seat and looking down at the deck the blades will or should be turning clockwise, although in this position you cannot actually see the blades. pay attention when installing the blades not to turn them upside down. the cutting edge should be turninh clockwise on all blades.
I have a 2003 Cub Cadet 1525. This model is designed to shut off the cutting deck when the tractor is put into reverse. Not sure what model you have but my guess is that it's just a safety precation like the Cub.
A ride mower may slow down the blades due to several factors, including a dull or damaged blade, which can hinder cutting efficiency. Additionally, a clogged deck with grass or debris can impede blade movement. Mechanical issues, such as a malfunctioning spindle or drive belt, may also cause the blades to slow down. Lastly, insufficient engine power or fuel issues can lead to decreased blade speed.
Make sure that the engine is running at full speed, or the blades may choke the engine down. Also check the blades (with the engine stopped) to see if something is causing them not to rotate. The Cub may also have safety switches, if one goes bad then the motor could die as a safety feature( it thinks you fell off, the parking brake isn't engaged, etc..) Different Cubs have different safety switch configurations.
I would suggest running down to your local auto parts store and picking up a timing light. Once your ready to time the blades, jack up the mower, start it, and engage the PTO. Now crawl under the mower deck and shine the light up there.
Maybe you should tighten the drive belt or it could be the PTO clutch is slipping.
Firstly, to sharpen the mower blade, remove it from the lawnmower and get any rust off with steel wool. Clamp the blade down and run along it a file. For badly damaged blades, it would be best to take it to a professional.