craftsman riding mower

I have a 1997 craftsman riding mower. I never had any problems with it until last year. It stopped and now it won't turn over, make any noise as if it were trying to start and the blades are stuck in a down position. I can't even put it in neutrel and move it. HELP!

 

If this mower was left outside in the weather, than you could have a ton of rust buildup. You need to get rid of all that rust on the mower if you have any. Another good thing to do is oil everything really good to free up the moving parts. We need further information to help you better. Be as spasific as you can and a guy named Cheese can help you further.

 

Hello joanmarie1!

Welcome to the small engines forum!

Did the mower just come to an abrupt halt and stall? And now it won't do anything? If so, I would suggest that the mower is stuck/jammed on or against something in the ground like a stump, property marker post or something pretty solid. You might have to get it lifted off of it. When a mower gets jammed on something like that, it locks the deck in place and the transmission is usually bound up so tight that it is hard to get into neutral. Let us know what you find...if that's not it, well help you figure it out.

 

I put the mower under my carport last year (at the end of the mowing season). It ever had a new battery. When we tried to use it this year it wouldn't turn over or anything. I looked up under where the blades are and the blades are awfully rusted. Under the hood looks fine. Still can't even push it when put in N. i hope that helps so you can help me. I really appreciate anything and everything.

 

joanmarie1.

Are you sure the deck is disengaged, the clutch/brake pedal is pushed down and some one in the seat? If any one of these things are not done it won't start. Check the connections for the seat safety switch to see if they are in place and not corroded.
If this is a hydro. it won't move in neutral unless you disengage the transmission. This is normally done by pulling a rod out at the rear of the tractor and uses a retainer to keep it out.
The brake may also be locked in the on position. If this happens it will not move. The brake is located on the right side of the transaxle just in front of the axle. If you locate the brake disk try to push the brake arm forward at the top. The brake arm should be in front of the brake disk. If you can push this arm forward the tractor should be able to move.

Roger

 

Correct. Also...the fuse could be blown, a safety switch could be bad or not making contact, the solenoid could be bad, etc... Check for power at the starter when you turn the key to start, with the blades off and the park brake on. Let us know what you find!