Hydrostatic trans / rear end locking up

[Chilly807]

We have a 2006 Craftsman 23 HP lawn tractor with a hydrostatic transmission. Every so often, several times a year it "locks up" solid and refuses to budge either ahead or reverse. After letting it sit for a few hours or overnight it will move again, and it's fine til the next time, which may be a month later, or the same day.

I can't tell if it's the transmission or the rear end, other than replacing the transmission does anyone have any ideas for a fix?

Sean

 

[RandyT]

Parking brake is sticking in the on position. Next time it does it look down around the front corners of the transmission and you will find a lever with a rod hooked to it. Try moving the lever and see if it released. You will hear a click if it was stuck and released along with a quick movement of the lever in the opposite direction that you pushed it. If that is what it is a good lube with some penetrating oil should fix you right up.