Any thoughts on my problem appreciated

I just repaired a tire - I mention that just in case it provides a clue - jacking up the transmission on the left side rear to make the change. Now that is the same side as the transmission lock mechanism. With that all done, and four wheels back on the ground I started it up and the tractor wouldnt move

What I noticed is that the transmission lock was somewhat loose on the release (lower) bar, and a spring - 1/16 " x ~10" had come loose. Is it right that the transmission lock lever only moves half way along the guide strip - "forwards" - in the direction of the front of the tractor ? I cant recall how it sat when I used it before.

While the handle happily goes into the release setting and back out again, I cant find any info on the rotating spindle that the locking bar connects to down into the transmission housing as it seems to be rotating ~90degrees - then hitting against a vertical support for the forward/reverse mechanism stops any further rotation. The spindle locking pin is in place and I can see it rotating inside its 'sleeve'.

I have checked some other things - fluid level ok, drive belt ok and turning in neutral - and maybe I missed this initially - the tractor does attempt to move when placed in forward gear and manages ~1-2" of movement on the ground before it pauses. Slightly less distance in reverse.

 

If you have taken off a wheel and now it won't move you have lost or left out the Key that goes in the keyway on the axle. It is about 3 inches long and is 1/4" wide. Put the key in and it will move under it's power.

 

Yep, the key fell out. Find the key and put it back in and you'll be golden.

 

Just something I really didnt notice - I guess when I took the wheel off it dropped out and off under the car at the back of the garage - which is where it was still !

All fixed and ready to weed 'n feed now
Thanks again !

 

That is really cool, glad all is well.