tgordon1982 1 #1 Posted May 1, 2021 Bought a barn kept commando 8 for the nice price of $100!! Looks good for its age and runs good too. Just a few questions though as it does need a little TLC from sitting for all these years. First is the battery keeps dying after I charge it. I would think that the battery is just shot there isn't anything that keeps the battery charged on these right? The second would be the mower deck. First off is the blades need to be replaced they measure about 17.5" so I assume that it is a 36" deck? Also the blades spin even when I dont have the deck engaged, there is a noticeable difference between when I engage the belt as far as cutting but even when disengaged they still spin is this normal? Also any belt diagrams would be helpful. Love this site you guys are the best! Thanks for any info 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,164 #2 Posted May 1, 2021 Commando has a starter generator. There should be a red dash light that should glow if it isn't charging. Most likely the battery is shot if it came with a barn find. The deck blades spinning is probably from the friction of the pto belt dragging on the engine pulley. I've had more than 1 do this. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tgordon1982 1 #3 Posted May 1, 2021 What do you recommend to help the friction problem and there is only one belt running from the engine pulley to the mower deck and looks like there should be two does that matter? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,164 #4 Posted May 1, 2021 1 belt and there isn't anything you can really do but make some kind of brake to overcome the friction of the belt on the engine pulley Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 11,389 #5 Posted May 2, 2021 @tgordon1982 Can you post a picture of your PTO set up? May be able to help more if we can see what you're dealing with. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
