Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman riding mower, drive lever, variable drive

Question
QUESTION: I left the transmission disengaged over winter now it wont go into gear. I checked the belt and when you push down on the clutch/brake pedal it goes loose. what's causing this? Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: John...

Try moving the transmission lever back and forth a few times without the engine running.  There is a detent ball and spring inside the transmission that may be stuck.

You didn't take your tires off by chance did you?  Did you remember to put the key back in the axle when you put your tire on?  

Let me know what kind of transmission you have?  If you have a hydrostatic be sure your relief valve is in the normal position.  IS it a 4 speed??  A Variable drive?

Does any of this help?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Did'nt take the tires off. I just left the rod that disengages the transmission pull out. Transmission worked fine before I put it up for the winter. The transmission is model no. 314-0510 hydro gear transaxle. Relief valve? It's probably a variable drive. It's sounds like what you suggested that the detent ball and spring is stuck, I hope. Thank you very much for your help.

ANSWER: That is a hydrostatic transmission. Push the rod in all the way.  Pull it in and out a few times.  When its pushed in Start your tractor and work your drive lever from forward to reverse several times with your foot off the brake/clutch.  This should resolve the problem.  It may growl a little bit, this is normal.
Please followup and let me know.

Thanks...

David

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: David, I tried what you said to do, but all that happens is the belt squeals. I've tried tapping on the bottom on the transmission(lightly) still nothing.

Answer
John:

The "squealing" you indicate sounds like a pulley that is not turning. Even though the pulley is not turning the belt will be "pulled through" causing this squealing you describe it will DESTROY the belt in a very short time, so try to find the cause. Check and make sure that all the pulleys are free.  

Also make sure that the DRIVE BELT... the belt that goes from the engine to the transmission has not slipped off the pulley on either the engine or transmission end.  Sometimes the drive belt can come off the pulley and fall down between the two pulleys and it can be difficult to see.

At this point I am thinking its a belt/linkage problem and not a transmission problem.  Hydro Gear makes good product.  Lets keep working at it.  Send me the model number of your tractor so I can get a look at the IPL if this doesn't work.

One more thing....You don't have your parking brake on do you?