Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): mower, craftsman lawn mower, keystart

Question
I have bought a reconditioned Craftsman lawn mower and never received a manual.  

I am single female and have brought the lawn mower recently to Sear's repair shop for repairs secondary to problems with keystart which has plagued it from the time I bought it.  This is no longer an issue.

I was mowing my lawn this afternoon and when I was attempting to push the mower while the engine was off on a concrete area, the front wheels were not moving.  Subsequently, while I was mowing the back lawn,  I realized that the gear was not working and the front wheels kept rolling even when I tried to released the gear by letting go of the start lever.  The hand gear handle also is loose and not working.

Hope you can help me out without me having to go to the hassle of bringing it back to Sears.

Thank you,

Sharon

Answer
Hi Sharon,

It sounds like the drive control cable has broken.  You will need to trace the cable to the drive unit and remove the cover to check the connection.  Also look at the lever end to make sure it is attached there.

Let me know what you find.
Michael