Craftsman Lawn Tractor can't reverse
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: USA
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Craftsman lawn tractor (model 917.274041) shift lever won't go back beyond the neutral position. This gradually got worse until now it won't reverse at all. It acts like the lever is hitting something solid. I tried adjusting the lever position to full back but then it tries to jump forward as soon as I start to release the brake with the lever in full reverse position.
#2
This model has a hydrostatic drive tranny in it. Look under the mower at the side of the transmission on the right side. You will see where the fwd/rev shifter is. Work the shifter and see the piece that rotates up and down on the side of the tranny. Clean this area, it often clogs with grass and dirt and causes your problem. You may also need to spray and lubricate it. Debris cakes up in the slot and jams the piece from turning it's full rotation.