I have a 10 year old Craftsman Garden Tractor (model 917.272960) I just got it out for the start of this year's mowing season & now I have a problem. It starts up, but does not go into gear. It cannot go forward or backward. Can you offer guidance as to what to look at? I have done all my own maintenance on the tractor. I know it fairly well.

Make sure the transaxle disengagement lever is not in the neutral position. On most lawn tractors, this lever is a stiff wire -- sometimes with a loop on the end -- that sticks out of a slot above and to the right of the trailer hitch bracket on the rear panel, below the seat. Most tractors move under their own power when the wire is all the way in, and can be rolled around without the engine running when the wire is pulled out.

happens unless you check blades for turning before starting up for the season.. also garage the mower during off season.

does it run a little better with the choke on part of the way? did you leave gas in it from last season?gas is only good for about 30 days in a small engine

I would take the bowl off the bottom of the carb.. Probably you have clogged up holes that let the gas into the bowl.Or either the needle is stuck up not allowing the gas to flow...That's why pouring gas in carbs would let it run for s few seconds....Also try fresh gas..Gas doesn't have led in it anymore..It don't last year from year...After grass season is over..Buy some from Lowe's or home depot..Pour it into your tank and let the motor run to get it done into the carburetor...Then the next year it will start

ck starter seniold probley bad

does it turn over slow or fast if it turns slowly thats the problem so it could be battery or starter they have to have a good amount of rpms to burn fuel right when starting if not it floods out the engine with gas hope this helps thanks wade

It will either be the stator that needs changing or the carb needs to be pulled off and cleaned

what is happening tom is the blades are cutting more than the deck can discharge (spit out) try changing the mowing deck to a higher setting & try that if that works then that is the problem also try cleaning out the top & botton of deck there could be alot of old grass caught under there causing some of it aslo if i can further help e-mail me wade at [email protected]

the battery probably got over charge & shorted the cells the tractor should charge the battery as it runs if it was equiped with electric start the battery charger more than likely over charged it killing the battery

The carb jets are partially clogged and needs to be cleaned.