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I went to start the grass for this season and had a flat tyre, sorted it out then the mower starts but remains in freewheel? would a missing axel key keep it in freewheel. its not the rod for freewheel as checked that first. I can't see an axel key, but would have fought that would lock wheels and not remain in freewheel mode, any help and advice appreciated . a mower guy took one look and said I expect its transmission and need a new one, but I rode it into the garage ok before the flat tyre.

Yes a missing axle key will not let it pull. Yes it does have an axle key.

Thanks for this information. I'll order them and hopefully it will solve my issues. appreciate you taking the time to respond.

neilnitro said:

I went to start the grass for this season and had a flat tyre, sorted it out then the mower starts but remains in freewheel? would a missing axel key keep it in freewheel. its not the rod for freewheel as checked that first. I can't see an axel key, but would have fought that would lock wheels and not remain in freewheel mode, any help and advice appreciated . a mower guy took one look and said I expect its transmission and need a new one, but I rode it into the garage ok before the flat tyre.

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The “mower guy” is a bit premature in his diagnosis. Very rarely do transaxles go out on riding mowers if operated under normal circumstances.

Tiger Small Engine said:

The “mower guy” is a bit premature in his diagnosis. Very rarely do transaxles go out on riding mowers if operated under normal circumstances.

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sounds like someone wanted to make a quick buck... or hundreds

If you took the wheel off to fix the puncture it does seem like the key has dropped out of the keyway. Forgetting the key while removing the wheel happens a lot.
There will be a groove in the shaft for the key and similarity a groove in the wheel hub. The key connects the shaft to the wheel. When you engage the drive without the key the transaxle shaft will turn but the wheel will not - it will freewheel.
Normally, when your drive is in neutral (or not engaged) the transaxle allows the wheels to freewheel. The key is needed when you're in drive.
A new key is only a few pennies. A new transaxle will cost you hundreds!