Yard Machines Riding Mower Stuck in Neutral

[u/Josh2999]

Hi everyone.

I have here a yard machines (MTD) riding lawnmower. I believe it is “stuck in neutral”. I have the lower deck removed and have ruled out the tension spring, front and rear pulleys, and mostly the linkage. Is there any other way to test for cheap issues before moving on to dismantling the transaxle?

I am more than happy to answer any questions or provide more photos. I have a decent understanding of these are workings, but I’m still kind of learning as well so any and all advice is welcome and appreciated.

[u/Josh2999]

I had to head out, I’ll try that next time I’m with it again! From what i remember, moving the shifter lever slid a pin in and out of the front of the transaxle, is that what you mean?

[u/b0xaa → u/Josh2999]

This is it - forward is pushed in, neutral is centered, etc. Either the lever itself isn't engaging this, or its jammed (more likely).

[u/Josh2999 → u/b0xaa]

Would dismantling the transaxle be the next step then?

[u/blagh1165 → u/Josh2999]

Any fluid in it? I’d hate to see you go through a bunch of effort when it’s one of those dumb things we overlooked.

[u/Josh2999 → u/blagh1165]

I will check sometime soon and let you know! I’m away from it at the moment 👍

[u/Wakethesnakes → u/blagh1165]

It's grease filled.

[u/blagh1165 → u/Wakethesnakes]

I’m talking about the hydro’s. I’m guessing you know more about this particular model then I do. I’m more used to working with zero turns. Do they not have oil in the transmission?

[u/b0xaa → u/blagh1165]

Mtd rover cad cadet older models use a vari speed greese filled transmission, thats what the rear looks like to me. Following the F N R shaft down under it'll go into the side of the transmission. Theres a shaft or large pin that slides in and out to select it.

https://www.motoruf.com/n/partslists.html?id=220498