Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): shifting gears, riding lawn mower, shifting gears

Question
QUESTION: Our Craftsman Lt 1000 Riding lawn mower won't shift into diffrent ranges including neutral and reverse. It acts like it is jamed up, sometimes we can jam into the third gear. Do you have any ideas what could be wrong or know of a manual that could help us service it? Thank You

ANSWER: Hello Brian:

From your Description, it Sounds like the Shifter Clutch Keys Inside the Transaxle Are Worn. When the Clutch Keys Become Worn this is a Common Problem. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The LT1000 is the Series Model Number. I Require the XXX.XXXXXX Sears Model Numbers. Thanks.

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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

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

QUESTION: Hello John,
The model number on our Craftsman mower is 917.271652. Thank you for getting back to us.

Thank you,
Brian

Answer
Hello Again Brian:

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. Select your Model (4360-140) for Viewing. The Clutch Key are Breakdown #22. When these or the Shaft Breakdown # 24 Become Worn the Transaxle Responds as you Described. You can Purchase a Service Manual for the Transaxle from the Site Addy I Provided. Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers (917.271652) in the Upper Left Search Box and Click Go. Then Visually Verify the Equipment and Click Continue. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John