Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro Wheel Horse Transmission, clutch adjustment, wheel horse


Question
I have a toro wheel horse model 71184.  Its getting stuck in gears and wont
engage/disengage very easily.  Ive looked at all the mechanisms below and
everything seems to be working as it should.  The transaxle pully is still
moving with the clutch down, could this be part of the problem?  Is there
some sort of brake that is supposed to stop it so I can switch gears?  Or is
there some type of gear meshing device in the trans that is broken?  
Sometimes the clutch wont disengage all the way and the mower will
continue to try and move but the clutch brake slows it down and kills the
motor.  I cant find anything to allow the clutch to disengage more than it
does, is there some adjustment?

Answer
There is an adjustment to tension the belt which acts as the clutch adjustment.

Good observation on the pulley not moving!  If the pulley is moving or has tension on it the transmission will be difficult to shift.

Something with the ilder arm, the part that moves when you depress the clutch pedel, may be binding or causing the problem.  Check the idler pulley as well.  To adjust belt tension, loosen the idler pulley nut and slide the pulley along the idler arm.

Have you recently replaced the belt?  Have you checked the trans, engine and engine stack pulley mounting/retaining bolts to ensure they are tight?

Let me know.
Eric