Transmission problem on LT180

[Mike Buckley]

I need some advice. I have a JDLT180 lawn tractor with a Tuff Torq automatic hydrostatic transmission. Recently while taking off the rear tire and putting a new one on I had to move it and I pulled out the free-wheeling lever. I started the engine and let it run for a while due to the cold---forgetting to push the free-wheeling lever back in. Now, my tractor won't move. Of course then I checked the manual and saw the big warning about not starting the tractor with the lever pulled out.

Is my tranny cooked or is it reparable? Thanks for any advice.

I should add that when I have the free wheel lever pushed all the way in I can still push the tractor by hand. So it's like the lever isn't engaging inside the transaxle.

 

[Yellowfever440]

Usually when you push the brake in it re engages the free wheel lever. So I would push the brake down as far as you can with out break or bending anything then try it again

 

[BATTY54]

Are you sure the axel key is in there? They can sometimes fall out while replacing the wheel on the axel and it will act the same as you describe.

 

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks for both responses! I'll check both after work today.

 

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks BATTY54. I'm embarrassed but grateful. I think I left the axle keys in the rims when new tires were put on the rims at the shop and I don't have them. Stupid!!! A few bucks for the keys is way better than a transmission repair, though. At least some stupid mistakes are cheap and easy to fix!

 

[BATTY54]

Glad to help at least it is a cheap easy fix