question about my troy-built push mower

[lspencer001]

Hello all. I have a troy-built self propelled push mower. I bought it used because I needed a mower quick since my old one died. I have never had self propelled before. the mower runs great and mows good. my question is when I have the self propelled engaged it goes forward just fine but as soon as I let go of the lever the front wheels will lock up. I do not know if they are supposed to be free wheeling when not engaged or lock like that. when I pull the mower backwards I release the lever and push down on the handle to raise the front of the mower and pull it back then drop it back down and go forward again. I know this is probably a stupid question but I would like to know since I have never had self propelled before. the model # is: 12A-566N711 and the serial # is: 1D294K00212 thanks.

 

[Rivets]

Your unit should free wheel when you release the handle. Remove the top cover a see if it is packed with grass, not allowing the tranny to release.

 

[lspencer001]

thanks. just went out and took the cover off. there was grass in there but not a lot. I cleaned all the grass out and lifted the front up and tried to turn wheels by hand they they were still hard to turn.

 

[ILENGINE]

Grass can also get packed inside the drive wheels where the gears are and make them hard to turn. I did one last week that wouldn't drive and plastic wheel bushing was seized to the axle. So may not be a bad idea to pull the wheels and take a look.

 

[lspencer001]

ok. I was thinking about pulling the wheels off. I need to order new ones anyway. the tread is shot on them. the owners manual showed a bunch of small washers and nuts and what not so I am kinda afraid that if I get them off I won't get them back together again.

 

[lspencer001]

ok I just took the wheels off. the right wheel was clean and the cog and wheel now spin very easy like the should. I greased everything good. the left wheel was so plugged up with dirt. there was just barely enough space for the cog to catch. I cleaned that wheel out the best I could and got most of the dirt out. that wheel spins easier now but I noticed that when you spin the wheel the left shaft spins also. it also does not spin as freely as the right side does.