Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have a Craftsman Lawn Tractor, Kohler Command 14 hp. 5 speed forward 1 reverse. Is it ok to shift to a higher gear while you are riding the mower? Example: 1st to 2nd to 3rd. And then downshift. Or should you come to a complete stop before doing any shifting?..Just wondering?..Thanks..

model # is 917.257552 no manual

 Tradesman,

Welcome to the Forum!!

I don't have the anwser, but someone on this forum will.

Just give it a little time and someone will chirp in!

                                                                     Fred

Shifting on a Lawn Tractor is simular to shifting on a car. You can shift into any gear at any time. You just have to learn how to use the clutch is all. Meaning, never pop the clutch out. Let it slowly out and your fine. The only thing that would happened if you went from gear 5, suddenly to gear 2 or 3 is that all the sudden the tractor would shift to that speed quickly.

Tradesman,

Those are not shift on the go transmissions. Yes, you have a clutch but when you push it in you basically stop. So, push the clutch in and then shift it.

I'm assuming this is new since you are asking this question?

Ok thanks for the tip I will do so.

Now if you had a Snapper you could go from 1st to 5th and it would just speed up no stopping. They call it shift on the fly its almost like a hydro almost.