Well, for the locking wheel problem, could just be a ball joint that is getting loose letting the wheel over-center. That could be a very cheep fix at about $10/balljoint. I don't have a lot of experience with the tranny, but make sure the cooling fan is in-tact and the top of the trans is clean of debris. Also, you could try a fluid change as described on this and other message boards. You could also see if it is simply the belt getting loose. If it has never been replaced that would be a good place to start. In total you may spend a day and less than $100 to have a perfectly good tractor again. Good luck.

Credit reporting agency contera.com lists American Yard Products as an existing entity, and shows the same address as Husqvarna (172 Old Elloree Rd, Orangeburg SC 29115). Dun & Bradstreet does not list American Yard Products (or AYP). Does it or doesn't it aside, here's an accurate timeline of the company(ies) that is a newspaper report from about 4 years ago: Electrolux now Husqvarna (Times and Democrat, The (Orangeburg, SC) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Jun. 15--Orangeburg's largest employer, Electrolux Home Products, will officially see its name change to Husqvarna Home Products Inc. today. The name change is part of a company spin-off of its outdoor products subsidiary, Husqvarna AB, after fourth-quarter 2005 company net income fell by 37 percent. Beyond the company name change, there will be no significant impact on the 2,200-employee base at the Orangeburg plant, said Gregg Robinson, Orangeburg County Development Commission executive director. "They are constantly an impact on our community," Robinson said, noting the OCDC is always ready to work with Husqvarna to "add to the overall process" in order to ensure the company is a success. "They are this region's BMW." Electrolux decided to sell its outdoor products business and to focus on its indoor line of household appliances i The Orangeburg plant's name change is nothing new. The company began in the Orangeburg area in the early 1970s under the name of Roper Corp. In 1989, shortly after Roper was purchased by General Electric Co., the outdoor products unit was acquired by AB Electrolux and named American Yard Products. In 1997, by uniting three sister companies, American Yard Products, Frigidaire Co. and Poulan/Weed Eater, Frigidaire Home Products was formed. The year 2000 saw the plant undergo another name change when the Electrolux Group, the world's largest producer of products for kitchen, cleaning and outdoor use, signed an agreement to reacquire the trademark and company name Electrolux from Electrolux LLC, an American direct sales floor care products company. Beyond outdoor products, Electrolux is the world's leading producer of powered appliances for the kitchen such as refrigerators, washing machines, cookers and vacuum cleaners. Husqvarnas consumer products in North America are made at three other U.S. plants. There are two in Arkansas for portable equipment and one in Georgia for lawn mowers. The U.S. headquarters for Husqvarna is in Augusta, Ga.; its home office is in Jonkoping, Sweden. Husqvarna now owns the lawn and garden division of Electrolux with the US AYP (American Yard Products) name also using FHP model numbers for Frigidare Mowers. They manufacture tractors under several brand names such as Husqvarna, Craftsman and Poulan, Puolan Pro, Weedeater and Wizard for the now defunct Western Auto chain'

reply by theodocus struck me as coming from the desk of the ad agency of MTD. No mention of the actual operation that involves rolling over uneven terrain and jarring action from bumps and uneven spots and the fragile fabricated axles that bend and crack easily. Oh, there is also the bushings used in place of ball bearings: bushing use requires higher horsepower to move the newer units. The Deere has points and condenser; cost $5.00 and 9.00 respectively and the sears is a solid state igntion. Newer technology is wonderful as long as it is coupled with quality assemblage in a product. I have a 1968 Sears GARDEN tractor with a 12HP Tecumseh Heavy duty cast iron engine with ball bearings and cut with a 42 inch deck and also have a 1976 John Deere GARDEN tractor with a cast iron 10 HP engine with ball bearings and cut with a 42" deck and use both alternately for mowing two acres and for tilling and moving earth, etc.. Each has cast iron axles and mutli-speed hi-lo transmissions and EACH is used for plowing, snowblowing, tilling earth, hauling 1100 lb loads in attached large carts. EACH will run circles around the new 20 plus HP light LAWN tractors made today. Spend 5,000.00 and you will have a comparable heavy duty GARDEN tractor. By the way, good luck on getting even 10 years of use with the new wonders.

On the lower right hand side of the carb is a hex head plug, remove it, be aware that gas and perhaps water/crap will run out so take safety precautions. Under the plug is the main metering jet, you may be able to "tag wire" it, blow compressed air, might cure problem. IF you remove the top of the carb, the gasket must come off with the top. Take great care to not damage this gasket as you will not likely be able to find a replacement outside a full carb overhaul kit. Clean carb bowl and tag wire the openings especially the brass on in top of lower body. Walt Conner