Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): ground drive on a Craftsman lawn tractor, transaxle craftsman

Question
I have a Craftsman model number 917.273461 lawn tractor. It has an automatic tranmission. The ground drive is no longer working properly. It won't drive forward or reverse. Also, I can push the tractor even with the freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position. Is there something I should consider other than replacing the transmission? In other words, could it be something less serious?

Answer
It sounds like you have a bypass valve problem.  The valve that's actuated by the rod that you use to freewheel the trasnsaxle is probably stuck.  That could be anything from the rod not moving the valve to the valve being rusted up.  I doubt it needs a new transaxle.  If it turns out that it's something you don't want to try and fix, and if it is internal, I wouldn't recommend trying it if you haven't been in a few, then look on the transaxle and there should be a sticker identifying the manufacturer, probably Hydro-Gear.  Then go to their website and search for a local shop that services them.

http://www.hydro-gear.com/