Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): craftsman LT1000 riding mower transmision, craftsman lt1000, manual shift

Question
transmision will not shift gears . It is a manual 6 speed. It was running great and then it started getting hard to shift . Now it is only going into 1st and neutral but you really have to fight it to get it to shift .When I push on the lever it does not move the shift parts that are near to the rear right tire .the clutch seems to work ok as far as I can tell .I don't want to start tearing into it without a clue what to look for . I was a machinist for a long time and have rebuilt two engines and restored a VW top to bottom , front to back , but have never had to tear into a trans before . Any idea what the problem might be ? IT is a 16.5 hp lt1000 ,6 speed ,manual shift craftsman

Answer
Hi Greg,

Sorry, I have never gotten into a tractors' transmission.  If it were mine, I would double check the clutch to make sure it is disengageing and check the shifter to make sure it is moving what it is supposed to.  If all looks good, then the only thing left to do is remove and disassemble the transmission.

Let me know how you make out.

Good Luck,
Michael