QuestionAfter going into a big dip in the yard, my riding mower will no longer move (forward or reverse) when in gear. I opened up the plate below the gear shift and saw that the variable speed ("drive"?) belts were worn --- one severely. So, I replaced the one in worse shape (the lower one that connects to the engine).
However, it still will not move. Not sure where to go from here. It is a MTD Yard Machine, Model # 13AH660F000, Serial # 1E260B80088.
Can you help me diagnose this problem?
Also, I could not figure out how to get the upper belt (turns the rear wheels).
AnswerThese are not easy belts to change. Both belts have to be in pretty good shape for the variable speed to work so if the belts are routed properly and around their respective pulleys, you may need to change the smaller belt. To replace it, you'll need to drop the variable speed pulley and feed the smaller belt back. You can remove the battery and pop the tray out and gain some access to the transaxle pulley. It's quite a tight job so expect to get scratched up.
The other somewhat common problem is the pulley on the transaxle or the pulley adapter stripping out. When you have the belt off you'll be able to see if the pulley will drive the transaxle or if it just spins on the shaft. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, PK.
