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Hi, i was gifted an old craftsman mower, the mower starts but when i try to shift foward or reverse it makes a grinding type noise and then shuts off automatically. Also the mower doesn't move freely when in neutral. appreciate any help

Hydro Gear 310-0650 series.

This Hydro Gear may have a stuck brake assembly. Due to the design it is not easy to get to to free it up either as would require disassembly of the transaxle if parts needed replacing.

The friction discs are where the feeler gauge is being used in this image.

In this image you can see the discs. The two pins that can rust and stick are marked in red. Also shows how they are exposed to the elements.

Jack the rear clear of the ground .
Run the mower F & R
If the wheels turn in opposite directions then the brake is jambed on .
Very simple test to do