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

Hey all,

New to the list.  I have an MTD/YardMachines 31ae6fff700 that won't come out of gear and free roll.  Seems to be locked up!  Tried adjusting drive cable, but no good.  Plus it seems to be a little tight!.  All pulleys seem to be moving freely, but like the axle is locked up!  Any suggestions!  Runs fine, just won't free roll.

Also does anyone have a manual.  I think someone on here said they got mtd to email them a service manual for free?

Thanks,
shawn

Need the serial number to know the year of manufacture. If it is a 2005 model there is a gear set on the friction wheel shaft that the bearing is dry & needs to be lubed. You might be able to oil it & work it back & forth until the oil works it's way in. But removal of the shaft & proper lubing is in order.

Does it have the finger-trigger free-wheeling?  If so, one of the planetary gearsets on the axle may be locked up.  I had this happen to my Mtd (Craftsman) blower when it was 3 years old, gearset was locked up tight and corroded, although other one was like new.  New gearset is over $300 from Sears or online, but if you're relatively handy, you can get the offending parts/pieces for around $50 and fix it yourself.

Owners and parts manual.  Probably a 2004, no triggers.  This is a basic MTD friction disk drive. 
http://manuals.mtdproducts.com/mtd/GetFile.do?filename=769-01275b.pdf

   The problem could be a few things but the easiest thing to do for quick results is tip the machine on it's bucket and open up the bottom cover.  Turn the wheels with your hands and watch what happens with shaft the wheels are on.   There may be a nest jaming the gears.  Whatever it is it should be obvious.