Model #PRO-1000 VITAMASTER cycle

The drive belt or the transaxle could cause the mower to not drive the mower.

Drive the mower until it loses drive and with the engine running, the deck disengaged, and the parking brake set, lower the deck to the lowest setting and look at the pulley on the transaxle. If the belt is turning the transaxle pulley, the problem is in the transaxle.

Check the fan blade on top of the transaxle for damage or blockage. If the transaxle gets too hot, it will stop driving.

Check the transaxle for oil leakage. If the transaxle gets low on oil it will cause loss of drive. Check at the end of each axle for signs of oil.

To check the oil level in the transaxle, remove the left rear tire. On the top of the transaxle housing near the rear is a pipe plug. Remove the plug and with the engine turned off measure from the top of the housing to the top of the oil. The distance should be between 1 1/4- 1 1/2 inches.

If you need to add oil to the transaxle use 20W50 motor oil.

Thank you for your question.

I am sorry you are having a problem with the tractor. I recommend checking the brake arm springs first. Both of the brakes have spring that should pull the brakes into the mandrel pulleys to stop them. If the springs are fine, check to make sure the idler is fully disengaging. When the blades are disengaged, the idler should move all the way forward. If it is not moving all the way, there is still tension on the belt. To correct this problem I recommend soaking the idler pivot with WD-40. Then work it by hand until the idler moves freely. Once it is free check the operation of the tractor.

Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Here is a link to order any parts you need. Sears Parts Direct .

If you do not feel confident repairing this problem yourself, then you can have it repaired at your home by a Sears technician. Here is a link for the website: Sears Home Services .

Thank you for using Manage my life.

Mark T.

As long as the blades stop when you disengage the blades, I do not see where that will cause a problem with the operation of the tractor. To keep from getting worse I recommend spraying down the idler pivot bolt with WD-40 before you store the tractor for the winter. This will keep the pivot from rusting. Please let me know if you need further assistance. Thank you for using Manage my life. Mark T.

Thank you for your question.

Your Tractor uses an Operator Presence (seat) switch that will cause engine to stall if blades are engaged or the brake is released without anyone on the seat. If ample amount of weight is not kept on the seat during operation or the operator is leaning forward the tractor will stall because the Operator Presence (seat) switch senses that the operator is not completely on the seat.

To check Operator Presence (seat) switch:

1. Lift seat.
2. Locate wires that connect to Operator Presence (seat) switch under the seat.
3. Disconnect and clean any debris in the switch connector. Use an ohmmeter to check the switch. When the switch is not pushed, the reading should be 0 ohms (closed). When pushed it should read ol ( open load )
4. Make sure the connector is fully seated on the seat switch. The connector is a special connector that will short the two wires if it is not fully seated.

I hope this is helpful.

Please click on the following link to order the parts you need. Sears Parts Direct

If you do not feel confident repairing this problem yourself, then you can have it repaired at your home by a Sears technician. Here is a link for the website: Sears Home Services .

Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Thank you for using Mange my life.

Mark T.