Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Riding mower, sears craftsman, tension spring

Question
I have a 3 year old Craftsman LT 1000 17.5 IC Intek riding mower and I'm having trouble when moving the shifter to forward or reverse. The shifter is fine, the engine runs great but the mower barley moves. It feels like a trany problem. It has the Hydrostatic type ??? What would cause this ? I thought I might be low on trany fluid ? If so, where do you fill it. I can't find a check stick or filler tube ? Help, the grass is tall :-)

Answer
Hello Brad:

The Shift Lever is Good and the Engine is Good, then it Sounds like the Motion Drive Belt is Slipping. Check the Motion Drive Belt. It is Highly Unusal for this Transmission to have an Internal Problem this Early. This is a Consumer Non Serviceable Hydro. Check the Tension Spring for the Motion Drive Also. I have a Similar Mower and the Belt Does Not Make a Sound when Slipping. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Sears/Craftsman Numbers Should Look Similar to XXX.xxxxxx. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John