Craftsman tractor not moving in gear

K

Keljan11

Member
Hey all,
Have a Craftsman lawn tractor not moving when shifted into gear. Ran good last year before we parked it for the winter.
Model : 944 600 701
Wa parked in my unheated hay shed for the winter. Started up okay, (but needs a new battery), went to back it out, no go, tried forwards with the same result. Went to push it out but left it in reverse, it did roll but took some effort. Brake was off
Could it be transmission??
 
sgkent said:
check for mouse damage or nesting around the belts. See if the pulley on the transmission is spinning.
Click to expand...
The only belt is for the mower deck. (I believe the rear end is hydrostatic). I'm going to raise it up off the tires tomorrow to see if they will turn without weight on them
 
Keljan11 said:
Hey all,
Have a Craftsman lawn tractor not moving when shifted into gear. Ran good last year before we parked it for the winter.
Model : 944 600 701
Wa parked in my unheated hay shed for the winter. Started up okay, (but needs a new battery), went to back it out, no go, tried forwards with the same result. Went to push it out but left it in reverse, it did roll but took some effort. Brake was off
Could it be transmission??
Click to expand...
Hello K.,

I suspect the main transmission drivebelt under the operator floor jumped off or broke from age; or the idler/ tensioner pulley has failed and the belt jumped. The deck needs to be removed and then the front end raised up about 2 feet (or higher) to get a good look at all of the drive operations.

The belt and both tensioner and idler pulley need to be replaced. Don't go cheap unless you need the practice. Just putting a jumped belt bac on is possible, but not a permanent fix.

The strange thing that happens with belts and metal pullies is rust forms on the pullies when sitting, especially if there is a lot of humidity. This rust actually "glues" the belt to the pullies. When the engine is started the belt is stuck and it typically breaks or jumps off the pullies.

If this is the case, go online and watch some videos about how to change the belt. Craftsman, Husqvarna and Cub Cadet mowers are built on similar chassis with like drive systems. T-Bone after hours and Teryl Fixes All are good sources for "how to" mower repair videos.

I usually purchase parts through Jack's small engine or eBay. I've never had much luck with Amazon.
 
Keljan11 said:
The only belt is for the mower deck. (I believe the rear end is hydrostatic). I'm going to raise it up off the tires tomorrow to see if they will turn without weight on them
Click to expand...
Sorry but there is a drive belt unless it is completely missing. And the transaxle a geared version not hydrostatic provided you gave the right model number. Item 57 is the drive belt.


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Auto Doc's said:
Hello K.,

I suspect the main transmission drivebelt under the operator floor jumped off or broke from age; or the idler/ tensioner pulley has failed and the belt jumped. The deck needs to be removed and then the front end raised up about 2 feet (or higher) to get a good look at all of the drive operations.

The belt and both tensioner and idler pulley need to be replaced. Don't go cheap unless you need the practice. Just putting a jumped belt bac on is possible, but not a permanent fix.

The strange thing that happens with belts and metal pullies is rust forms on the pullies when sitting, especially if there is a lot of humidity. This rust actually "glues" the belt to the pullies. When the engine is started the belt is stuck and it typically breaks or jumps off the pullies.

If this is the case, go online and watch some videos about how to change the belt. Craftsman, Husqvarna and Cub Cadet mowers are built on similar chassis with like drive systems. T-Bone after hours and Teryl Fixes All are good sources for "how to" mower repair videos.

I usually purchase parts through Jack's small engine or eBay. I've never had much luck with Amazon.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the info. Was going to raise it up today anyways, (except thinking I should raise up the back). Will lift the front instead to check it out. Thank you, will pass on what I find out
 
StarTech said:
Sorry but there is a drive belt unless it is completely missing. And the transaxle a geared version not hydrostatic provided you gave the right model number. Item 57 is the drive belt.


View attachment 72969
Click to expand...
Thank you. I saw the belt in owners manual, but didn't see it or another pulley when I first looked (although it was a fast look). Will raise it up today to see what's going on and report my finding
 
Auto Doc's said:
Hello K.,

I suspect the main transmission drivebelt under the operator floor jumped off or broke from age; or the idler/ tensioner pulley has failed and the belt jumped. The deck needs to be removed and then the front end raised up about 2 feet (or higher) to get a good look at all of the drive operations.

The belt and both tensioner and idler pulley need to be replaced. Don't go cheap unless you need the practice. Just putting a jumped belt bac on is possible, but not a permanent fix.

The strange thing that happens with belts and metal pullies is rust forms on the pullies when sitting, especially if there is a lot of humidity. This rust actually "glues" the belt to the pullies. When the engine is started the belt is stuck and it typically breaks or jumps off the pullies.

If this is the case, go online and watch some videos about how to change the belt. Craftsman, Husqvarna and Cub Cadet mowers are built on similar chassis with like drive systems. T-Bone after hours and Teryl Fixes All are good sources for "how to" mower repair videos.

I usually purchase parts through Jack's small engine or eBay. I've never had much luck with Amazon.
Click to expand...
Thanx for all your info. I did see the belt in the owners manual after I had taken a fast look underneath it. I didn't see the drive belt or even the pulley, but it was a quick look. Will raise the front today to see what's going on and will report my findings. Thanx again
 
StarTech said:
Sorry but there is a drive belt unless it is completely missing. And the transaxle a geared version not hydrostatic provided you gave the right model number. Item 57 is the drive belt.


View attachment 72969
Click to expand...
Hi. Well, everyone on here has been a great help. You (all) were right on the money. Jacked it up about 11/2 feet and was able to see the motor pulley and belt. Belt looked to be in reasonable condition so am putting it back on, lubing the adjuster pulley, etc. Will remove the deck as its a tight fit between it and the tractor.
Thanx again
 
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