Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman lt1000 Transaxle Problem, craftsman lt1000, wheel weights

Question
Hi Eric,
I have a Craftsman LT1000, model 917.272751 with Peerless 6 speed Manual Transaxle, model 206-545C. I use Craftsman wheel weights on the rear wheels and Carlisle turf saver tires on all rims.

I have a 15 degree hill which I often mow (2-4 times/month - for the past year). Tractor always ran fine until going down the hill this last time. I was going downhill in 1st gear when the tires lost traction and the mower skidded to the bottom. No drama, it just skidded down the hill slowly (about as fast as riding in 4th gear), but the tires locked during the slide. Now this has happened on occasion, but this skid lasted for about 30 yards. The motion drive belt popped off, and I reattached it, drove back up the hill and to the garage to have a look. Everything looked fine, so I drove it on level ground, but now the tractor drives slower in higher gears. When in 6th gear, it drives slower than it used to, and then slows down even more (about as fast as it used to in third gear).  The motion belt looked fine, but I replaced it anyway, but the problem is still happening. there are no noises, or smoke or smells. Also when in any gear, the tractor seems to loose power momentarily before it hooks back up and drives, then looses power again, regains it. It does this every few minutes, usually during a turn, but also on the straight. I can still go up and down the hill with no issues, and it seems to run normal in 1st and 2nd gears. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Paul

Answer
Do the brakes hold the mower in place when the parking brake is set?
Can you easily roll the mower when in neutral?  Checking to see if the brake is dragging?

Take a look at the repair manual link below:


http://isopop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Tecumseh-Peerless_Motion_Drive_Syst

If anything inside would have broke I would suspect the shifter keys but since it shifts it indicates they are not broke.  

Do you have reverse?

Eric