Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): HUSKEE 12 HP WONT SHIFT, engine model type, shift linkage

Question
HUSKEE LAWN TRACTOR MODEL 40703X60D  WITH 5 FORWARD AND 1 REVERSE WILL NOT SHIFT....CURRENTLY STUCK BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND, AND FEELS LIKE IT IS IN NO GEAR AT ALL(VERY SLOPPY)...THERE IS A SHAFT ON TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION BUT IT DOESNT SEEM TO BE TURNING...MOWER WAS A FRIEND OF MINES AND APPARENTLY JUST STOPPED SHIFTING...WITH REAR END JACKED UP..REAR WHEELS SPIN FREELY....SEEMS LIKE "LINKAGE" ON TRANS SHIFT SHAFT ISNT TIGHT(PRETTY SLOPPY) IS THERE A WAY TO SHIFT THAT BYPASSES SHIFT LINKAGE/SHIFT LEVER? FOR TROUBLESHOOTING PURPOSES?  AND DOES IT SEEM LOGICAL THAT TRYING TO TIGHTEN THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE LINKAGE/LEVER TO THE TRANS SHIFT SHAFT WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM...OBVIOUSLY I HAVENT DUG IN TOO DEEP YET, BUT I DONT WANT TO PUT MUCH MONEY INTO REPAIRING IT (IN CASE OF TRANS REBUILD, ETC.)  ALSO IS THERE A PLACE I CAN GET AN EXPLODED VIEW OF THE MOWER/TRANSMISSION /LINKAGE DRAWINGS?  THIS WILL HELP WHEN I GET ON WITH TROUBLESHOOTING FURTHER...ALSO DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH/BRAKE DOESNT SEEM TO MAKE MUCH OF A DIFFERENCE IN THE SHIFT HANDLE MOVEMENT...ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED...I WORK ON CAR MOTORS AND HOME REPAIRS BUT SMALL ENGINES ARE NOT MY SPECIALTY....FOR REFERENCE THIS IS A TRACTOR SUPPLY MOWER..SKU 44-20163..THANKS---------DAVE

Answer
 Hello Dave:

 Husky is an MTD Product. I will need the Serial Numbers Off of the Mower to Find a Diagram of this Mower. Whenever you need Parts for this Mower, always have the Model Numbers and Serial Numbers of the Mower. If you Require Parts or Diagram for the Engine, use the Engine Model, Type and Code Numbers. Thanks.

 Respectfully

 John