Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): mtd transmission trouble, old man winter, snow thrower

Question
Hi Marc,

I purchased a used MTD (Mastercraft) riding mower in the spring and used it reliably all summer.  Now that old man winter has hit I hooked up the snow thrower and used it once.  However, I just took it out again and after a few minutes I could not get it into forward.  I backed it into the garage and thinking it was sticking due to the cold (it's -23degC) I put a heat lamp under it.  But that didn't help, and now I can't get it into reverse.

The clutch is working, disengaging the pulley.  And the shift lever is actuating the rod going into the tranny.

I've looked at a few websites and have not seen any mention of the transmissions.  The tranny model # is 618-0003.  Is there anything else I'm missing?  If I have to take the tranny out what is the proper procedure?  Any help will be much appreciated.  

Regards,

Keith

Answer
First check if you can get it into any gears with the engine not running.  If it will go, this indicates the brake assembly  on the outside of the transmission is misadjusted or seized.  The internal shafts have to be stopped to allow the transmission to shift properly.  If you still cannot get it to go into a gear or the brake is not the issue, the transmission may indeed have an internal problem.  Removing the transmission on one of these riders is fairly straightforward and will require a thorough visual examination to determine the mounting points and connected linkages.  Then you may want to contact a dealer to either obtain a parts diagram or have them fix the transmission while you have it out.  Hope this helps.