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Regarding a Craftsman 917.288570.

This lawn tractor has recently started to move slowly on flat ground, forward or reverse.

Any ideas where to start looking for the problem ?

Could it be a worn drive belt ?

Yes or transaxle going out.

Belt part number is 130969

BlazNT,

Thanks for the quick reply.

What would be the visual signs of transaxle failure ?

What do you think of the Kevlar drive belts ?

If belt does not fix it then I would think the drive is going out. Kevlar is for breaking very few belts break they wear. Unless you can get one very close to the same price I think they are too pricey.

BlazNT,

I've ordered a new drive belt.

Amazon.com : 130969 Replacement belt made with Kevlar. For Craftsman, Poulan, Husqvarna, Wizard, more. : Lawn Mower Belts : Patio, Lawn & Garden

It's the first drive belt replacement for this lawn tractor, so it's probably due for change out.

On the backside of the trans is a lever you pull out so you can push the mower when it is not running. Make sure nothing has wedged up in there and pulling that lever partly out, it will make the trans pull slow.

Fish,

Checked the lever and it was pushed in all the way.

The drive belt is over 3 years old.

It wouldn't be a surprise if that turned out to be the problem.

The replacement belt is allowing the tractor to move, but it's still having difficulty driving over minor hills.

How can you tell if the pulleys are worn ?

Does a worn pulley cause the belt not to be gripped ? As if the pulley is so polished that it's unable to grip the belt ?

Before you go out and replace very good pulleys try checking the oil level in the transaxle.

I have the exact same tractor. I bought it in 2011, and have had the exact same problem 3 times. Replacing the belt fixes, but not for long. Purging doesn't help, either. I last replaced the belt on July 26 this year, it is already slipping as of Sep 6. Also puzzling: the belt when removed looks perfectly fine. What usually starts the problem is putting a load on the tractor - yesterday, I was pulling a dethatcher while mowing. By the time I got to the end of my half acre, it was slipping badly on the slightest inclines. I had to stop and re-start several times, which seemed to work, but still very low power. Extremely disappointing for a 24hp engine!

Chuck, regarding your last comment: the transaxle on my tractor is sealed as far as I can tell (hard to tell because it's directly under the gas tank).

Does anybody make a small lawn tractor with direct or chain drive? If so, I'm going to be in the market soon!

CRAFTSMAN Tractor Parts | Model 917288570 | SearsPartsDirect Parts, wiring diagram, & manual for your tractor.

CRAFTSMAN Tractor Ground drive Parts | Model 917288570 | SearsPartsDirect Absolutely yes I would replace all idlers, it will make a difference. Bearings are probably shot as well as pulleys. Also, use jack stands, pull both rear wheels and apply antiseize compound to axle shafts.