When I try to engage the cutting mechanism, the lever will not push down fully into the "engaged" position and when you try the cutting platform makes a dreadful screeching noise followed by blue smoke! It was fine when I put it away last year... I have tried to look underneath but can see nothing caught in the blades or belt system. I would be most grateful for any advice on what I can do myself or failing that a recommended mower repairer in the Essex area whose charges are fair. In desparation!

Ros, April 2007

You should have a manual with the machine that shows you how to take the cutter deck off. Do this and you will learn a lot about the mower workings. The problem you are referring to sounds like a belt problem but they are all covered in the service manual that came with your S1300.

Robin Arbuthnot, August 2007

Could be that one of the deck hubs has seized up over the winter, check by hand without the engine running each blade hub to make sure it turns freely

Steve

www.Mowers-in-Essex.co.uk, April 2007