[samjg1]

I have a Toro 20331 self propelled mower, and it gradually has lost traction to the point where the front wheels will not propel the mower. If I raise the front the wheels turn, but once they are on the ground they stop.
I've replaced the belt and it hasn't resolved the issue.
Also replaced the spark plug and air filter.
Is there a way to adjust the tension on the belt? Or is this an issue with the speed adjustment (someone told me that the mower doesn't sound like it's running fast enough).
If so, how can I adjust the speed? I always run it with the handle fully engaged.

thanks

 

[Canarywood1]

Sounds like your drive system needs an adjustment.

 

[SPS-1]

Does it happen to anybody else, that you type out a reply to a post, and when you hit "Submit Reply", my reply disappears? Arg !!

Anyways, similar happened to me. Different model number, but it sure looks the same. Almost as if the cable had stretched. So at the front, where the cable attaches to a spring and the spring attaches to the steel deck ---- I drilled a new hole for the spring to mount to, a little further away. Worked fine.

 

[SPS-1]

If so, how can I adjust the speed? I always run it with the handle fully engaged.

I remember when I bought mine, the sales literature said variable speed, so I asked the guy "how to I change the speed?".

Salesman said "Change the speed ? , you can't change the speed".

I said "it says here that this mower is variable speed"

He said "Oh, well, uh, just don't pull the engage handle as much"

You don't have a variable speed drive. Slipping the belt on the pulley will just wear out the belt faster.

 

[47_47]

Did you put an OE belt on? Usually when belts slip they are too narrow and ride too low in the pulley.

 

[samjg1]

Did you put an OE belt on? Usually when belts slip they are too narrow and ride too low in the pulley.

I believe it was a Briggs & Stratton belt.

 

[47_47]

I would still check the belt. Engine off and have a helper engage the traction lever and look where the belt sits in the pulley. Notice the gap between the belt and the bottom of the pulley. If the belt is too narrow, it will bottom out and it will slip under a load.

Did you have the problem before you changed the belt?

I had a similar problem with an old craftsman snow blower auger. Original belt was worn and first replacement belt was too narrow and the auger slipped.

 

[samjg1]

I would still check the belt. Engine off and have a helper engage the traction lever and look where the belt sits in the pulley. Notice the gap between the belt and the bottom of the pulley. If the belt is too narrow, it will bottom out and it will slip under a load.

Did you have the problem before you changed the belt?

I had a similar problem with an old craftsman snow blower auger. Original belt was worn and first replacement belt was too narrow and the auger slipped.

I did have the problem before I changed the belt.
Your suggestion makes sense. I will try it. If the belt isn't making tight enough contact with the pulleys there would definitely be a loss of traction.

 

[samjg1]

I found the solution right there in the owners manual (duh!).
Thanks for the suggestions.