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

I have a Toro 824XL Power Throw, 8 hp tecumseh, 5 forward & 2 reverse speeds,  it runs fine , but when I put it in 1st gear and depress the drive handle it goes backwards, very slowly, the same thing occurs in 2nd & 3rd gear. It will start to go forward when in 4th & 5th gear, reverse 1 & 2 seem to work fine ?? Any sugestions, could it be the drive belt? 

 Thanks Biffr1

Trouts....I just wanted to get back to you and let you know that your diagnosis was spot on. The linkage on my machine needed to be adjusted, just as you reccomended. Once I took it apart and followed the shift sequence it all came togeher. Just like your sugested, the drive wheel was not contacting the friction disc at the right point. Once it was adjusted the 5 forward gears all worked fine . I also changed out the belts while it was apart, just in case. Thanks again for your help.

Biffr1

biffr1, Glad to hear it worked out. The 824XL's were a great model.