Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Transmission problem!, steep slopes, hydrostatic transmission

Question
Sir,
I have a Troy-Bilt LTX1842 lawn tractor with the hydrostatic transmission - while cutting the yard this morning the drive pedal suddenly went slack and the machine stopped, although the engine seemed fine. One of the belts had been "chirping" for a little while before this happened, but this is not uncommon so I didn't worry about it. The belts seem to be ok, but when I restarted it and stepped on the drive pedal, the belt locked up and smoked on the engine pulley; when I try to push while it's in gear (engine off) the rear wheels will not turn at all, but they turn fine while it's in neutral. The transmission seems to be "locked up" or something, but I've never seen anything about maintenance procedures on it. This is the 3rd year I've had this machine, and my land has some pretty steep slopes on it that I mow up & down. Could this have damaged the transmission? The casing around it seems solid - is there anything I can do with it if I try to take it apart? I've been able to push the machine in gear before, but it's like there's a brake on the rear wheels now when the transmission is engaged. Thank you!


Answer
 Hello Bob:

 You said Hydrostatic Transmission.  Im sure you meant Transaxle. the Rearend and Transmission are made together. If so then it fine. The Chirping you were Hearing Wasnt a Belt; it was and Idle Pulley. Follow the Drive Belt and Turn all the Idlers. My Suggestion is if you had 1 go Bad Replace All the Other Idlers Also. Your Under the Mower and they all have the Same Amount of Punishment. Inspect the Undercarriage for worn parts. The Belt may be Holding the Transaxle Pully keeping it from turning.  Hope this Helps.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John