[BeerHunter]

This just started happening. It used to give a noticeable jerk and a bit of a belt squeal when the PTO first engaged now it seems to slowly come up to revolutions. When I start mowing , the blades seem to slow down (noticed by the sound and distance the cuttings are discharged) until they almost stop. If I stop then the blades seem to come up to full speed again.

The belts don't squeal or over heat so I doubt it's the spindles or blades binding and the belts seem to be in good shape (no cracks etc.). Tension when the PTO is engaged seems good too.

The tractor itself runs fine.

I'm thinking PTO but that's only a guess. The thing only has slightly over 50 hours on it and this is the second PTO (the first was defective when I bought it new 6 years ago and was replaced under warranty).

I can't seem to find any detailed information/instructions/diagrams on how to access the PTO and/or test/replace it or even what other problems may be causing this to happen.

The local dealer closed it's doors and the nearest dealer is about 50-60 miles away. As I have no trailer to haul it , I'm figuring all together (PTO , freight to haul, shop labour etc) a $700 - $800 repair bill which IMO is just about all the thing is worth so I'd have to try and do it myself.

Any help , suggestions , ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Txs