Craftsman T2200 (Model #917.250811)

My craftsman riding mower will not go into gear. It just stopped one day no signs of damage or warning. The lever will not go into reverse, but you if play with it long enough it will go into forward. The mower will drive forward for a minute then just stop no loss of power or anything. I had a mechanic come out, he 1st thought it was the transmission until he saw my lever will not go into reverse. He put on my work order “Either trans linkage or transaxle work needed will not go into gear”, but he does not do that type of work.. I am not mechanically inclined and cant seem to find help on anywhere on the linkage or transaxle. Any help would be great.

https://www.searspartsdirect.com/mo...man-917250811-front-engine-lawn-tractor-parts

look in your yellow pages for lawn mower mechanic, lawn tractor mechanic, small gas engine mechanic, etc. you may have a nice neighbor that is mechanically inclined that may help you.
you may fix them a nice meal as a tradeoff.