Newly installed transmission won't engage into gear

Hey guys-
I have a 90's model scag belt driven walk behind mower, SW-36 13ka to be exact. Anyhow I bought a brand new transmission for the mower (because the old one was popping in every gear except 5). I installed the new transmission but have been having some issues with it. This is a Peerless 700-070 transmission
- Transmission does not engage into gear unless Im on level ground. My driveway is on a steep hill and my transmission will not engage. The knee bar goes into the gear I want it to, but the mower acts like its still in neutral.
- Also, while in neutral, the engine shuts off if I let go of the top handles (without the blades on).This has normally only happened when I have the blades running.
Both of these issues just started occurring after I installed the new transmission.

Not sure if any of you guys have had a similar issue like this before or know what could have caused this--whether I messed up the installation or if its a bad tranny.

Thanks for the help!

Since whether the mower is on level ground or not has an effect, I would check for a slipping belt.

See pages 10-12 of this Manual ...


www.barrettsmallengine.com/manual/tecumsehpeerlessmanual.pdf

And if the belt is not slipping, missing drive keys

If the engine shuts down with the brake off and you are on the seat, I would check to see if you have the safety switch on the tranny is hooked up correctly.

Jed are you still with us on here ????? I have a friend that owned a Scag dealership and he still works on them ..... I can call him and give your info if you still have issues.....

Wow that tranny costed you some bux.... I have what we nicknamed the ship anchor in my yard and it's a Pro Line Stand behind with the pedestals mounted on it.... It's a commercial unit and the tranny for that is 450 bux......

Let us know if you still here ..........