Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): rer transaxle malfunction, input shaft, needle bearings

Question
QUESTION: I have a Murray(96) rer model 30550E (10 hp tech 30 in) Spicer 4450-3 transaxle mower.  The mower will not move.  ckd shift linkage-belt ok.  Removed and opened the transaxle and I can't find any problem.  I shift the unit while open and the axles turn. I don't want to reinstall because I could not find any problem.Do you have any suggestions? Things I should ck.  I purchased the unit w/b/t for $100.00 and it is in good condition, but I can't afford the price of new transaxle. Please help.  Rex

ANSWER: Are you sure the shift keys are broke.  Broken shift keys is the most common issue with these transaxles but I have also found worn input shaft gears.

Take a close look at the shift keys and inspect the input shaft and gears for wear.

Let me know what you find.

Eric

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QUESTION: Thoroughly cleaned transaxle, ck'd clutch keys ok.  There is a small a  amount of wear on the input pinion (13 tooth#.There is no wear on the input shaft. The needle bearings are in good shape. With all the grease removed the keys are visible. ck'd good.  The large gear#39t-18t)that meshes with the input gear is not worn.I have examined all the gears on the nonaxle side and ck'd ok.As I look at the transaxle diagram I cannot understand what went wrong with this tran. If the input gear or shaft was worn there would been a noise or the unit would lunge or jump. When you put it in gear nothing happened, no noise, the engine didn't load up.Tommorrow I will clean all of the grease off the components on the axle side. I will ck all components, if ok, I will replace the input pinion (13T) and replace grease and reinstall. I would appreciate any suggestions.  Thank you,Rex

Answer
The input gears I've found that were bad were visibily wore, broke teeth.  You should be able to re-assemble the transaxle on the bench and turn the input shaft by hand and you should see one axle turn.  After you see which axle turns you can hold that axle by hand and the other axle should turn as you continue to spin the input shaft.

No metal parts in any of the grease?

Eric