What do I need to do to make my Tro-Bilt Series 26J Mini-Rider "pushable"?

[wnlewis]

I have a Troy Built Series 26J Mini-Rider lawn tractor. right now I'm working on the carburetor. But while it won't run, I need to be able to push it around by hand.

What do I need to do to get it into "neutral"?

Right now, the brakes are off, and it is supposedly in "neutral".

However, when I push it, and it goes in a forward direction, or I push it backwards, the powered tires turn opposite directions and just slide (actually, they turn in opposite directions until I get done moving the tractor).

It helps that the tractor is on soft ground. I don't think that I could move it in this condition on concrete.

Anyone have a good answer, other than, "You are not supposed to move it by hand"?

Thanks for your input and help.

 

[ILENGINE]

The brake may be off but is it stuck in the on position. Post full model number so we can see what transmission configuration that you have.

 

[wnlewis]

The brake may be off but is it stuck in the on position. Post full model number so we can see what transmission configuration that you have.

Model: 13CC26JD011. DOM: 05/2014. S/N: 1E274B20024.

 

[ILENGINE]

Variable drive setup. Could be a seized transmission but I have only seen one in 23 years. Most likely scenario is the disc brake is stuck in the on position preventing it from rolling. Could also be stuck in gear but that is about as rare as the seized transaxle theory.

I would start by reaching underneath and moving the parking brake lever to see if it moved freely in both directions. If you move the lever and hear and feel a click that means it was stuck.

 

[wnlewis]

Thanks for the advice.

I will try what you suggested and let you know.

 

[wnlewis]

Variable drive setup. Could be a seized transmission but I have only seen one in 23 years. Most likely scenario is the disc brake is stuck in the on position preventing it from rolling. Could also be stuck in gear but that is about as rare as the seized transaxle theory.

I would start by reaching underneath and moving the parking brake lever to see if it moved freely in both directions. If you move the lever and hear and feel a click that means it was stuck.

The brake lever will not move and does not click.

The brake pedal is stuck about 80% forward and will not go backwards.

There is enough play to let the pedal go all the way forward, which closes the circuit and lets the engine try to start.

Variable drive setup. Could be a seized transmission but I have only seen one in 23 years. Most likely scenario is the disc brake is stuck in the on position preventing it from rolling. Could also be stuck in gear but that is about as rare as the seized transaxle theory.

I would start by reaching underneath and moving the parking brake lever to see if it moved freely in both directions. If you move the lever and hear and feel a click that means it was stuck.

Variable drive setup. Could be a seized transmission but I have only seen one in 23 years. Most likely scenario is the disc brake is stuck in the on position preventing it from rolling. Could also be stuck in gear but that is about as rare as the seized transaxle theory.

I would start by reaching underneath and moving the parking brake lever to see if it moved freely in both directions. If you move the lever and hear and feel a click that means it was stuck.

I jacked up the back of the lawn tractor. I can spin the rear wheels without problem when they are off the ground: one rotates one direction, the other rotates the opposite direction.

 

[ILENGINE]

Definitely sound like the brake is stuck. Normally you can move the brake lever on the transmission and it will release with a click. Can't really tell from the parts diagrams, but I would think that the brake lever on the disc brake should be facing toward the rear. May need to disassembly the brake assembly to figure out what is going on.

the one wheel forward and one wheel reverse is normal due to an open differential.

 

[wnlewis]

After looking at the part's diagram, it appears that the brake is on the idler(?) so the wheels can spin in opposite directions if they are lifted off the ground.

So, back to seeing if the brake lever is locked up. I didn't think it was. But I think I was looking in the wrong place.

 

[wnlewis]

Definitely sound like the brake is stuck. Normally you can move the brake lever on the transmission and it will release with a click. Can't really tell from the parts diagrams, but I would think that the brake lever on the disc brake should be facing toward the rear. May need to disassembly the brake assembly to figure out what is going on.

the one wheel forward and one wheel reverse is normal due to an open differential.

I agree.

So it's time to get out the wrenches and sockets.

 

[ILENGINE]

Looks like that transaxle mounts backwards compared to most riders. The brake should be on the left side behind the axle. About a 3 inch disc brake and the brake lever should look like a flat piece of metal with a twist in the bottom with a single threaded stud through it with an adjustment nut.