1996 Lawn Tractor will not move when Hydro is in neutral and brake off.

[mwhitnell]

I have a 23HP Kohler Command 1996 Craftsman mower. I can't move the tractor when hydro is in neutral. Brake off....what should I check? All spindle and idle sheaves are good, no bad frozen bearings.

 

[bertsmobile1]

The brakes get full of crud and corrode locked on
Lift the rear of the mower
If the wheels will turn in opposite directions the brake is locked on
Undo the 2 nuts/bolts either side of the caliper and remove it for cleaning.
BE careful because there are little shims that go behind the brake pad that fall out .

 

[HughDaHand]

Have you engaged the hydro bypass? It's usually on the draw plate

 

[mwhitnell]

Ok, the wheels rotate in opposite direction when I lift the rear end. Here is a photo of the brake looking from below at front to back. I attached a parts breakdown also. I see two 1/4-20 bolts that bolt the caliper on. There may be room for a wrench to loosen the bolts, or do I remove the transaxle? I guess I am sort of confused....a normal car rear axle will allow one wheel to rotate in one direction while the other rotates in the opposite. I pushed on the brake pedal and notice that the caliper locks the axle so it will not turn, so the caliper is working.

 

[mwhitnell]

Have you engaged the hydro bypass? It's usually on the draw plate

There is a brake lock lever, that is not engaged...I jacked the rear end up and rear wheels turn in opposite direction; when the brake pedal in pushed both wheels will not turn.

 

[mwhitnell]

Sorry about this, taking up your time...there is a free wheel lever at the back to pull to release the axle. Thanks again.

 

[mwhitnell]

There is a brake lock lever, that is not engaged...I jacked the rear end up and rear wheels turn in opposite direction; when the brake pedal in pushed both wheels will not turn.

Found it. Thanks