Freak event, now it won't go forward or reverse

wickedvix · May 27, 2014

Having spent over an hour getting the deck back onto my 2008 tractor 42", near zero turn I got back into mowing. Seriously - I HATE the deck.

15 minutes later, the tractor stops (engine still running, blades still turning). It won't go forward or reverse. Turned off and inspected to see if somehow I'd got stuck on something. Nope, not that I could see..

Pulled the tab/levers to "push" mode so I could push it a bit to see if there was something... and then re-tried (having re-set the tabs to "drive"). Engine started, but still no forward/reverse.
Powered off and again pushed with the tabs in "push" mode and then a squirrel dropped out of the back right at my feet! He took a final gasp and passed away while I was still staring in shock. We have no trees for some distance, and haven't seen but a single squirrel one time in the 5 years I've lived there

Anyway, I got the tractor back to the garage, and I can see from tufts of fur where the little fella went, but can't figure out what he might have bent, broken or unhooked. It doesn't seem like he went through under the mower deck, but above it.. I can see fur around one of the fans under the seat and a couple of other spots. What can I check to see what happened and fix it?

I'm sorry I don't have the exact model with me (I'll come back later and add if needed)... it's a 42" regular L&G tractor model purchased in early 2009, hydrostatic transmission.. one of the last (if not the last) that had a nearly zero turning radius but on a regular tractor not one of the 'riding mowers'. I think it's an LTZ1042 but could be wrong.

Thanks!

Vickie

Soundguy · May 27, 2014

i'd be looking for unplugged or snatched wired / wireing connectors / safety switches... or more rarely.. a belt off a sheave..

rcbe · May 27, 2014

Vickie - your tractor is most likely an i1042. Squirrel prolly took out belt/pulleys/fans for drive trannies...
But, look under the folding seat for a ID decal - get the FULL technical model number and serial number. Go to the website "http://manuals.mtdproducts.com/mtd/Public.do" , enter those numbers, d/l the service manual for that machine. Check out the section covering hydrostatic ground drive - should give you all the detail for getting things back right if you are the shadetree mechanic type. If not, time to take it to a qualified shop

murphy1244 · May 27, 2014

Check your tranny belt

wickedvix · May 27, 2014

I'm pretty mechanical and I have tools and a brain that has for 40+ years been good at telling me it's more than I can handle

I'll go to their site and hope it doesn't mean removing that *#$%@#% mower deck.. though I *think* I've now developed a 'cheat' to get it hooked up faster, it's still a royal pain.

wickedvix · May 27, 2014

OK, I entered the model/serial number and there's no "real" service manual.. there's stuff like how to add gasoline and how to check the oil, but as for "real" service... nada. The only thing of use was the parts manual.
So, up on the lift she went and THEN I realized I had no choice but to remove the dreaded mower deck. With no forward motion, pushing the dang thing onto the lift is a job in itself. Anyways... found the problem right away - the belt that's called a "v" belt the drives the transmission has come off one side (the right hand side under the fan). Only problem now is.... how to put it back on? I tried putting the parking brake on, thinking that might disconnect the drive belt enough to slip it over (perhaps... maybe... long shot), but no. Any super tips that don't involve a complete disassembly of the thing? Or... is that the only option and if so... which/what do I do to make it work? Thanks guys for the help... separated from my man last year and don't have any help with this stuff

Soundguy · May 27, 2014

try to walk it on. most vbelts will do that..

lilranch2001 · May 27, 2014

First off, I hate squirrels, I prefer to call em tree rats
I cannot leave my truck parked outside for fear of them having a meal on my wiring
I swear GM made the insulation out of walnuts.

Im sure there is a gentleman in your area that can come give you some assistance.

I am sure most of use would like to help a damsel in distress, if we were closer

CobyRupert · May 27, 2014

lilranch2001 said:
I swear GM made the insulation out of walnuts.

:laughing: :thumbsup:

wickedvix · May 27, 2014

lilranch2001 said:
First off, I hate squirrels, I prefer to call em tree rats
I cannot leave my truck parked outside for fear of them having a meal on my wiring
I swear GM made the insulation out of walnuts.

Im sure there is a gentleman in your area that can come give you some assistance.

I am sure most of use would like to help a damsel in distress, if we were closer

LOL... thanks for a much needed giggle