Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Troy Bilt LTX-1842 Riding Mower, variable speed pulley, spindle assembly

Question
Hi.  Here are the symptoms:  1-Very difficult to shift from Fwd to reverse unless I shut the engine off.  2-Mower deck slows way way down if I lower it to the lowest level even if sitting on concrete with no load on it.  3-Mower moves even when my foot is off the gas pedal (when it is hot it is hard to hold in place even with the brakes!)  4-Main (lower) drive belt from engine rubs on engine pulley and ends up smoking and burning up.  The belt has been changed three times and the variable speed pulley has been replaced twice.  It will work fine for two or three mowings then start giving trouble again eventually stopping completely.  The belt tension seems to be fine.  What could possibly be causing this problem?  A bad pulley or belt tension?  By the way, the belt was replaced with an MTD OEM replacement.  Can anyone help?  Thanks a bunch!  Ken

Answer
 Hello Ken:

 Sorry for the Delay. 1- The Shifting Problem May be that the Linkage Isn't Releasing the Tension Enough and there is a Slight Pull from the Engine on the Belt and this Causes the Hard to Shift Transaxle Problem. 2- What is the Lowest Level? Is it Cutting Below 2". If the Deck Lift is Out of Adjustment, it will Allow the Deck to be Lowered to Low and the Deck Drive Belt will Slip on the Pulley. Check the Idlers and Quill/Mandrel Assemblies for Bad/Binding Bearings. 3- This is Part of the Hard to Shift the Transaxle Problem. The Clutch/Brake Linkage Isn't Releasing the Motion Drive Belt Enough. 4- This is the Deck Drive Belt. Check the Quill/Mandrel (Spindle Assembly) for Bad/Binding Bearings. Check the Idler Pulleys for Bad/Binding Bearings. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Addy http://www.buymtdonline.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/BuyMTDOnline/index.jsp and Click the Launch Illustrated Search Engine. Then Select the OEM(Troy-Bilt) and Enter the Model Numbers LTX1842 and Click Go. Then Double Click on the Model in the Search Results Area. This will Open a New Window from which you can View this Mower. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John