59
CHAPTER 7 FLYWHEEL BRAKE SYSTEMS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Tecumseh’s brake systems provide two methods of meeting compliance standards which has become a federal law
as of June 30, 1982. There are two additional methods used by equipment manufacturers that also meet compliance
standards and they are as follows:
1. Use of the blade brake clutch in conjunction with either a top or side mounted recoil starter or 12 volt electric
starter. The blade stops within three seconds after the operator lets go of the blade control bail at the operator
position and the engine continues to run. Starter rope handle is either on the engine or on the equipment handle.
2. Use of a recoil starter (top or side mounted) with the rope handle on the engine as opposed to within 24 inches
(60.9 cm) of the operator position. This method is acceptable if the mower deck passes the 360 degree foot probe
test. A specified foot probe must not contact the blade when applied completely around the entire blade housing.
This alternative can be used with engine mounted brake systems and typical bail controls. The blade stops within
three seconds after the operator lets go of the engine/blade control bail at the operator position.
Tecumseh’s Flywheel Brake system provides consumer safety by stopping the engine and blade within three seconds
after the operator releases the engine/blade control bail at the handle of the lawnmower. These systems are available
on both recoil and electric start models. The engine stopping time is affected by the engine R.P.M. Consult microfiche
card #30, the Plus 1 or Parts Smart Look-Up system, or Service Bulletin #107 to determine the correct engine RPM
or blade tip speed.
OPERATION
BOTTOM SURFACE SYSTEM
In the stop position with the handle mounted engine / blade control released, the torsion spring rotates the brake lever
forcing the brake pad against the underside of the flywheel, actuates the ignition kill switch and on electric start
models, opens the starter interlock switch (diag. 1).
In order to restart the engine, the handle mounted engine / blade control must be applied. This action pulls the brake
pad away from the flywheel, opens the ignition kill switch and on electric start models, closes the starter interlock
switch. This will allow the engine to be started by energizing the starter with a starter switch (diag. 2).
BRAKE
RELEASED
BRAKE
APPLIED
2
1
INTER-LOCK
SWITCH OPEN
IGNITION
SHORTED
IGNITION
OPEN
INTER-LOCK
SWITCH CLOSED