Check Sears for a sleeve hitch. The Sears garden tractor is made by Husqvarna. Just be sure that your machine is a genuine GARDEN tractor, and not a "LGT" or lawn tractor. See link below - be sure to read the reviews. I do not have personal experience with this hitch. Believe it is made by Agri-Fab. Here is a link that might be useful: Sleeve hitch

HALLELUIA, HALLELUIA!!! The Angels are singing and this old man is smiling! Many thanks to you mownie. I changed the fluid in the transaxle and replaced the crankshaft pulley, the ground drive belt and the transaxle pulley and the tractor now pulls like a champ. I did not use a fully synthetic fluid ($8.49 per quart is too rich for my blood) but did use a synthetic blend. Auto Zone had a special for 5 quarts and you get a free oil filter. I also changed the fluid in my other hydrostatic drive mower. I think the real culprit was the crankshaft pulley. The interior of the pulley was worn so round that the belt was only touching on the innermost surface. Thanks again mownie you are a true expert. I hope I don't ever have to go through this again. I think I could change-out a transaxle in my sleep!

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.

My experience with this MTD variable speed drive is that the drives don't slip until the belts are real bad or you have a loose mount. It is best to replace both belts at once, but as the rear belt wears much more quickly, you typically can just change that belt. If the front belt is noticeably worn or is chunking, then it gets replaced obviously. If the front belt gets replaced, for sure do the rear or you may have a low speed issue. You absolutely have to use the OEM belts. The linkage was set up properly when it was new and should not typically need adjustment unless it has been fiddled with or damage occurred. The adjustment is an adjustable end like a tie rod where you pull the pin, unlock the jam nut to make the adjustment. Look for binding linkages and that the transaxle mounts front and rear are secure. The VS pulley should both turn freely and the center sheave should move up and down freely as well.