skip to main content

Craftsman riding lawn mower will not go anywhere

10 years ago

I have a Craftsman riding lawn mower with a Briggs and Stratton engine Model # 917.270531. At the end of last summer it was running fine. I am close to getting my mower running through the help of this forum but now my problem is that my mower will not go anywhere, I put it in gear but every gear seems just like it is in Neutral. The things I had done prior to this most recent problem are; installed a new magneto, Prior to finding out that was the problem, I had just put in a new solenoid, and taken the rear tire off to have it fixed. i started wondering if either one of those things had something to do with my newest problem (mower going nowhere). I got online and saw a forum that mentioned the same problem I was having and said that the problem may be that the "key" may not have been put back correctly or at all when replacing the tire. My problem is that I have never seen a "key". I am not even sure if this actually applies to my model. When I checked the list of parts online, I found a part listed as the 'axle hub key'. Can anyone tell me if this sounds like what is at the root of my problem.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

rcbe
10 years ago
good chance that key indeed is part of the solution. It goes in two slots at the same time, one on the axle shaft and the other in the mating wheel hub.. thus making the two turn as if one.
Most likely when you removed that wheel and hub assy to get the tire fixed that square key key quietly fell out at some point and got lost, as it were. re-install the correct key and you should be back in business.
Good luck - let us know results.
mownie
10 years ago
Have a helper sit on the seat and put the tractor in gear and try to drive while you observe the end of each axle shaft at the wheel.
If you see one of the axle shafts spinning inside the wheel hub, the one that is spinning is missing its axle key.
The key is shaped like a small bar of metal maybe 1/4" square and about 2" long.
Concentrate on the "key issue" and forget about the magneto.
The only thing you have done that is related to your described symptoms would be the axle key.
Look all around where you removed the wheel to see if you can find the key.
If you transported the wheel in the trunk of a car or the bed of a pick up truck..........go back and see if it fell out in transit.
If it fell out where the tire was fixed there may be a slim chance that the person found it and is saving it for you.
There is also a chance I might win at Powerball.
Related Discussions
Craftsman LT1000 Riding Lawn Mower will not start
Q
Comments (1)
Yes, i would take the battery to an automotive store and have it charged and tested. Or replace it. Depending on storage conditions, likely it will need carb service, and certainly other maintenance. If you aren't very mechanical, you may just want to bite the bullet and have it repaired.
...See More
Craftsman LT2000 Riding lawn mower engine won't crank
Q
Comments (5)
Thanks for the response. It's definitely a Briggs engine. Or let me put it this way, there's a big 'ol Briggs and Stratton stamp on it. The model # is 31G77. I believe that's right. Good point. Getting a voltage reading is not a true indicator of whether or not the battery is good. It wasn't smoking, only when it conked out. It was laboring, laboring, laboring, then it conked out and threw out a puff of smoke. The reason why I'm GUESSING the engine is a little sieged is because when I turn the key, it appears I have good power going toward the cranking process (you can hear and feel that jolt of energy), yet the engine "stops" it. It's almost as though there's a heavy break on the engine. When I try and spin the engine from the top by hand, it won't budge. Then again, I have no idea if you normally can spin it by hand because I've never tried to do that! Sorry for being such a newbie. From the little research that I've seen taking the spark plug out and putting penetrating oil down it, waiting an hour then trying to manually move the pistons by hand as a *possible* solution. Again, this is assuming I'm right and the engine's seized.
...See More
craftsman ride lawn mower
Q
Comments (1)
Post the Sear 917.xxxxxx number so we have some kind of idea what type tractor and engine it is.
...See More
Craftsman riding mower faster
Q
Comments (24)
Simply bypass the governor by rigging a foot pedal directly to the carburetor throttle butterfly. Add a return spring. The advantage of this is that when you fly off the thing, it will return to idle. Since the maximum governed rpm of the engine is around 3600, and you might get it to spin 7000, you will only get a doubling of ground speed. To really get going, you will need to change the ratios between engine and wheels. Bigger pulley on the engine, or smaller on the transmission. Speaking of governors, I'm from Oregon, and ours is a nut. On the topic of cops, there was an old farmer that got his license yanked, so he drove his tractor to work everyday until the suspension was over. Suspension and steering wise, the gokarts we ran as kids were not any more sophisticated than the typical garden tractor. 20-30 isn't that fast. Get the toe right so it will track okay. Get as much slop out of the system as you can. Have fun. There are too many nannies these days. That said, the survivors are either lucky, or think about and resolve potential problems before they get bit. I try to not depend on luck. tom
...See More

Related Stories

SAVING WATER Houzz Call: Are You Letting Go of Your Lawn?

By Annie Thornton

Many facing a drought are swapping turf for less thirsty plantings. If you’re one of them, we’d like to hear about it

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Get Along With Less Lawn — Ideas to Save Water and Effort

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Ditch the mower and lower your water bill while creating a feast for the eyes with diverse plantings and gathering places

FRONT YARD IDEAS Before and After: Front Lawn to Prairie Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

How they did it: Homeowners create a plan, stick to it and keep the neighbors (and wildlife) in mind

BEFORE AND AFTERS See 6 Yards Transformed by Losing Their Lawns

By Annie Thornton

Wondering whether a turf lawn is the best use of your outdoor space? These homeowners did, and they found creative alternatives

GROUND COVERS Give Your Lawn a Taste of the Wild

Consider the joys of an irregularly trimmed meadow lawn: It’s ecofriendly, visually interesting and still good for romping

MOST POPULAR Meet a Lawn Alternative That Works Wonders

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Carex can replace turfgrass in any spot, is low maintenance and adjusts easily. Add its good looks and you’ve got a ground cover winner

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Your Yard: Are You Ready to Lose the Lawn?

By Erin Lang Norris

Save time and water with good-looking alternatives to turf grass

COLOR Going Bold With Just Enough Color

By Bagnato Architecture & Interiors

Using color with restraint inside and outside can be far more effective than a less subtle approach

MIDCENTURY HOMES Go Mad for 7 Midcentury Modern Homes

By Mitchell Parker

Clean lines, simple design, indoor-outdoor connection — these throwback homes have it all

GARDENING GUIDES How to Plant a New Lawn From Sod

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Take the quick-start route to turf with sod; these installation guidelines will help ensure a healthy and long-lasting lawn

Sponsored