my sears lawn tractor won't stop like it used to.

Joseph P. April 26, 2011

Having tractor that is not working properly can be an inconvenience and I know how important it is to keep the grass nice and trimmed. While you are waiting for an expert answer, I suggest you add to the thread of this question and be more specific about what is wrong with your tractor. Is the tractor not braking properly or will not turn off properly? I did manage to find a link that will provide you with some troubleshooting tips. I hope my link is useful.

Kerry April 26, 2011

thanks, Joseph; The brakes are substantially more spongey because my tractor apparently was made/sold in 2000 or so. It does stop when the brake pedal is applied, but not wihtin the 6 feet the Owners Manual states. the Manual also states to tighten up the brakes by adjusting a certain linkage to a certain distance, and tightening down the jam nut to hold it. that has been done, and the brakes are still spongey. The manual says to, now, take it to the Sears repair shop, which I'm not gonna do cuz I don't even live in the same town. The exploded views of the appropriate brake parts shows some parts beyond the adjusted linkage, but because of the exploded view, it is not obvious what is the actual brake, nor how it works; my guess is the actual brake is a bar that rubs against the back of the drive belt. Not high tech but effective, if that is actually how it works. I don't really care how it all happens as long as I can find someone who can tell me what to do next. It MAY be as easy as replacing the drive belt, BUT, that is not explained in the owners manual. The link you gave me may be a similar tractor, but that link says there are not adjustments on that one; my owners manual shows how to adjust the brakes, but not what the repair shop will do. OR if someoine had a copy of the specific REPAIR manual, that would help. Amazon books sez (actually a reviewer) sez all those repair manuals are out of print and not available. And, none of the links shown there, produced the correct copy (for download) ......more than you all wanted to know.

Wade_ EXPERT April 27, 2011

I have attached the document to adjust your brakes. The picture may not be exactly like your transmission but it is close enough to where it should make sense.

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