42" 15.5 hp mtd yard machine will only move in 7th gear.

[Swampy1972]

I have a 15.5 hp 42" cut mtd yard machine. The engine runs great. I was cutting grass in third gear when it just slowed to a complete stop. It would not move in any gear but 7th. I have changed the rear drive belt and the spring on the tension pull. I've also jacked it up and turned the transaxle pully by hand and the wheels turn fine. I'm not sure of the linkages and how all of the springs. If anyone has had this problem please help.

 

[Fish]

Did you put on the oem style belt? regular v-belts will not work correctly.

 

[Carscw]

You need to replace both front and back belts. Just does not work if you replace just one.
And you MUST use MTD belts.

Put the transaxle in neutral with engine running and clutch / brake out. Go thru all the gears from low to high then back to low one at a time. Do this a couple times then it should work for a while.

 

[Swampy1972]

Yes I put on the OEM belts. Last year while cutting I noticed that all speeds worked fine except for fifth gear. When in fifth it would slow to a stop but all others worked fine. The only gear that works is seventh. I did not change the belt from the motor to the variable speed clutch. It looked to be in good condition. I will try going through the gears. I did notice that while in other gears I can pop the clutch/ brake and it will move a foot or so.

You need to replace both front and back belts. Just does not work if you replace just one.
And you MUST use MTD belts.

Put the transaxle in neutral with engine running and clutch / brake out. Go thru all the gears from low to high then back to low one at a time. Do this a couple times then it should work for a while.

 

[Fish]

Your variable speed pulley could be sticking, give it a good squirt of wd-40 in the sheaves, the excess will cook off quickly. Also, when you move through the gears, don't use the pedal.