Craftsman self propelled mower wheels lock up when trying to pull back

[paulmealy]

I own a Craftsman push mower, model 917.371812. When I first purchased this mower, it would pull backwards easily when I trimmed around trees. Now, when I try to pull the mower back, the rear wheels lock up. This makes trimming very difficult. Any assistance you can give will be helpful.

 

[shiftsuper175607]

I own a Craftsman push mower, model 917.371812. When I first purchased this mower, it would pull backwards easily when I trimmed around trees. Now, when I try to pull the mower back, the rear wheels lock up. This makes trimming very difficult. Any assistance you can give will be helpful.

the drive wheels have some kind of Pawls that engage the gears in the wheel to make it move forward. When you pull it back they should release. Whichever wheels are your drive wheels you could take them off and try to clean them and lubricate them.

That is what my Honda drive wheels are like.