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I bought a used Craftsman T 1200 247203720 and I'm having a hard time getting it to shift from forward to reverse. Once I get it into reverse, it works fine. I'm guessing it's an issue with the transmission linkage adjustment but, I don't want to mess with it until I talk to someone.

First thing I would check is the drive belt and tensioner. More often than not I find a worn belt and/or tensioner that won’t pivot properly will cause this problem.

Hello T.,

I suggest you remove the deck and then get the frontend high up in the air so you can observe the pedal linkage and shifter operations. There is likely excess debris that is affecting the proper movement of the components.

Question

Does this only happen when the engine is running or does do it all the time running or not?

Rivets said:

First thing I would check is the drive belt and tensioner. More often than not I find a worn belt and/or tensioner that won’t pivot properly will cause this problem.

Click to expand...

I haven't had a chance to check the belt yet but if that ends up being the issue I'll most likely have a local shop take a look at it. I'm able to take the deck off myself but, I don't really have a space suitable for doing that kind of repair. I was hoping it was a linkage adjustment.

StarTech said:

Question

Does this only happen when the engine is running or does do it all the time running or not?

Click to expand...

It happens when it's running and yesterday when I tried to move it and it was stuck in forward. I'm sure if I start it up I'll be able to get it in neutral. When it's running I'm able to get it in reverse but, it's a chore.

T.H. Hill said:

I haven't had a chance to check the belt yet but if that ends up being the issue I'll most likely have a local shop take a look at it. I'm able to take the deck off myself but, I don't really have a space suitable for doing that kind of repair. I was hoping it was a linkage adjustment.

Click to expand...

soooooo on to my next installment of the process to fix this thing. After failed attempts to get the back wheel off, I started to look forward to where the clutch/ brake linkage connects to the peddle. As soon as I got this thing I noticed the clutch peddle was really far forward and difficult to reach. I'm 5'8" so I'm sure Craftsman (or whoever makes these things) intended for someone my height could use these and not someone 6'2". So I started thinking maybe there is an adjustment up front and no need to mess with the rear wheel at this time. I found two bolts under the clutch peddle and it looked like I could make an adjustment from there. I loosened the two bolts and tried to maneuver the plate behind the bolts as best I could (of course I have no idea what I'm doing) I started the mower, put it in gear and rode around the yard and I'm able the shift a bit better but, I don't have either a main brake or an emergency brake. I feel like I'm getting closer to solving the problem... I just need to get over the hump. Looking at where the clutch comes up from under the frame It seems to me that it should be closer to my feet.

Rivets said:

First thing I would check is the drive belt and tensioner. More often than not I find a worn belt and/or tensioner that won’t pivot properly will cause this problem.

Click to expand...

soooooo on to my next installment of the process to fix this thing. After failed attempts to get the back wheel off, I started to look forward to where the clutch/ brake linkage connects to the peddle. As soon as I got this thing I noticed the clutch peddle was really far forward and difficult to reach. I'm 5'8" so I'm sure Craftsman (or whoever makes these things) intended for someone my height could use these and not someone 6'2". So I started thinking maybe there is an adjustment up front and no need to mess with the rear wheel at this time. I found two bolts under the clutch peddle and it looked like I could make an adjustment from there. I loosened the two bolts and tried to maneuver the plate behind the bolts as best I could (of course I have no idea what I'm doing) I started the mower, put it in gear and rode around the yard and I'm able the shift a bit better but, I don't have either a main brake or an emergency brake. I feel like I'm getting closer to solving the problem... I just need to get over the hump. Looking at where the clutch comes up from under the frame It seems to me that it should be closer to my feet.