OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions On Ride On Mowers Questions on Rover Ride On Mower Rover Rancher 1755 -rives on Though Brake Applied

Hi All
I have a old Rover Rancher 1755 model 5 speed,that was given to me ages ago and managed to get going runs really well.

Decided to change transaxle drive belt as the old one was well worn.

Upon doing this though,the mower still drives even though the brake is applied.

I have tried adjusting the brake,and in neutral,i can apply brake and all seems fine wont move,

As soon as i start the mower and put in gear, the brake has very little or no affect in either fwd or reverse.(ive only nearly driven through the shed wall 3 times..lol)

I adjusted the clutch mech and the belt seems to be free of the pulley when i apply brake, im guessing this is how it should work.

The belt i used came with the mower it was new and was marked A-83 im wondering if it is incorrect?

Or if any one can give me a idea what to try next

Many thanks

The symptoms describe what would happen if you hadn't backed off the clutch adjustment far enough for the clutch to actually free. Bear in mind that you have a new belt (which is relatively stiff) and an idler pulley clutch system that doesn't free very well at the best of times. If more slack in that pullrod stops it from creeping, then more slack is what you need. The brake is not there to hold the mower against pull from a tight clutch adjustment: it is there to keep the mower from rolling downhill.

Thank you for your reply Grumpy
I will try backing off the pullrod adjustment more,i have a manual,and it stated it should have 3 mm of play at the pivot block
Maybe i have read it incorrectly will have a look tonight

Many thanks
Tducks

You may find that less play is required after the belt has been run for a while - they usually become a bit more flexible with use.