Help with john deer lawnmower?

Question

I was using my john deer self propelled mower when I hit into this metal tubing on the side of my house. Now when I try to start the mower, it's louder and the whole thing shakes. the blades seems ok and so does everything else. Besides the obvious of taking it to a dealer to be fixed any one else know what it may be and if I can fix it at home?

Answer 1

The blade or the shaft is bent.  If the flywheel key (shear key) was damaged as previously suggested the engine would not even start, since it would be out of time.  And the mower will run without the blade!  It has absolutely nothing to do with the timing.  Take it off and if the vibration is still there  when you start the machine you have a bent crankshaft.  A bent blade or a bad shear key can be fixed by a do-it-yourself-er but a bent crankshaft is definitely a take it to the shop scenario.

Answer 2

a lawn mower will NOT run with the blade off!!  you probably broke the brake away key!! its supposed to do that to keep from ruining the engine,,, or the blade may have moved on the shaft, it has to be in the right position for timing.... remove the blade and re-install it correctly,,,, if it still does not work right you will have to take the top off and remove the flywheel,,, that is where the key is,,, replace and re-assemble!!!11

Answer 3

The blade is most likely not ok and is out of balance.  You could remove the blade and start the mover to see if it still shakes.  If it still shakes without the blade then get $ ready.

Answer 4

take blade off and reattach-might have jarred it ********-or you spun the shaft and shear key is moved causing pulley to be off centered