Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): CRAFTSMAN SLOW MOVING, craftsman riding mower, hp kohler

Question
I HAVE A CRAFTSMAN RIDING MOWER WITH 22 HP KOHLER AND 46 INCH DECK. THE MODEL NUMBER IS 917273121. THE TRANS AXEL MODEL NUMBER IS 218-3010. IT WILL GO GOOD IN REVERESE BUT IT WILL GO SOMEWHAT SLOW WITH IT ALL THE WAY FORWARD. YOU CAN STILL MOW WITH IT BUT IT SHOULD BE GOING FASTER WITH IT ALL THE WAY FORWARD. I WAS GOING TO CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL IN TRANSMISSION AND GO FROM THERE. THE BLEED PROCEDURES WILL THEY WORK EVEN IF YOU HAVE MOWED WITH IT? WILL IT BLEED ITSELF BY JUST MOWING WITH IT? WHAT IS THE OIL TYPE I SHOULD USE?

Answer
First check the by pass valve.  The valve you pull to push the tractor.  This has to be closed.. Then check to be sure you have full travel on the linkage.  If none of these you have an internal problem. (please turn off all caps, it's to hard to read)