Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Ariens Mower with Transaxle Problems, input shaft, mechanical engineer

Question
I got a problem with my Ariens YT11. The Transaxle is a Foote 4000-8 with 3 gears and a high/low gear selection.
First it did not want into reverse and now it does not work at all. It seems like it is not going into gears properly. When I took the belt off the input shaft could be turned by hand when in gear and seems to be not engaging. Also the high/low lever came off out of the transmission. I'm not sure if that could be the issue. I never worked on riding mower transmissions. Is this a easy task or should I invest in a new mower? Any advice what could be wrong and how to fix it?

Answer
Hello Steven:

I am a Mechanical Engineer and to me All Mechanical Work Seems Simple. I Suggest you Look at the Breakdown of the Transaxle and Determine for yourself if you Wish to Attempt this Repair. To Me the Hardest Part of this Repair is Removing the Transaxle from the Mower. LOL. You can View a Breakdown of the Transaxle at this Site Addy; http://www.m-and-d.com/dana_foote_parts.html and Scroll Down to the View Dana/Foote Parts Diagram Window. Now Scroll in this Window to your Model Transaxle. From your Description, it Sounds like the Problem is Internal. The Shifter Never Should have Come Out of the Transaxle Housing. If After Looking at the Breakdown, you Decide to Continue with the Repair; I can Answer Any Questions you May have Using the Breakdown as a Reference. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John