Wheels aren't engaging

[jimcahoe]

I have a LTX1000 Craftsman mower. The right rear wheel fell off. When I reinstalled the mower no longer engages. I understand there is a square key that probably fell out. If that's the problem is the mower only driven by the right rear wheel?

 

[ILENGINE]

Yes and No. you have an open differential which allows one wheel to slow down when making turns without scuffing the grass. With the key missing the wheel with the least resistance in turning will receive all the power and in your case will cause the axle to spin inside of the rim without the key transferring no power to the other wheel.

 

[Honest Abe]

Yes and No. you have an open differential which allows one wheel to slow down when making turns without scuffing the grass. With the key missing the wheel with the least resistance in turning will receive all the power and in your case will cause the axle to spin inside of the rim without the key transferring no power to the other wheel.

aren't both the rear wheels "Bolt-on" style with 3 bolts.... ???

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[ILENGINE]

aren't both the rear wheels "Bolt-on" style with 3 bolts.... ???

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I am thinking it is this model not the LT-1000 you listed https://www.manualslib.com/manual/496554/Craftsman-917-272460.html?page=38#manual

 

[StarTech]

This is why we ask until we are blue in the face for model numbers from the serial number tags.

 

[Cusser]

I have a LTX1000 Craftsman mower. The right rear wheel fell off. When I reinstalled the mower no longer engages. I understand there is a square key that probably fell out. If that's the problem is the mower only driven by the right rear wheel?

Yes, there's a square key that you need. Because of the differential, a free spinning wheel will prevent movement of the other wheel. I have LT1000 myself.