Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tranny, gold model, c gold

Question
My 15HP craftsman I/C gold Model # 917252512 with 6 speed transmission Model # 4360-79 is unable to shift. I loaned it to a friend for 1 weeek and got a call that the shifter is stuck.It is extremly hard to shift to reverse and 1 rst gear. What should it be ? I think He does not know how to drive the mower and broke it and not tell me a whole story. the mower has been under my driving for 10 yrs with no issue before  let him borrow

Answer
I am just guessing here, but I think if you were to think about it,
it has been getting harder to shift lately, like the last year or two
more so in the spring.

If you took the tranny apart, you will likely find a bu ttload of rust around the shifting mechanism.

 Very natural, the only cure is disassembly and cleaning, the
timing of the friend is likely just poor timing.

I get a lot of similar backround stories, the kneejerk reaction is
to suspect foul play.

Let me know what you find.