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Helpful ReplyHot!Craftsman tractor won't roll

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Dawgn86
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2024/04/02 19:43:10 (permalink)
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Craftsman tractor won't roll

Good afternoon,

I have been gifted a Craftsman lawn tractor from my in-laws and need to get it home to service, etc. Looks like a 2014 year model that hasn't ran in 4-5 years. This model has the hydrostatic transmission.

Craftsman T3000 / Model 917.203900 / Serial # 021714A00317. The tractor will not manually roll. I have pulled the release pin in the back out and locked into position and made sure the parking brake was released. Tires are low; not completely flat. I need this tractor to roll to get it out of their shed and onto my trailer.

Any suggestions on what to check?

Thanks
SRTsFZ6
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Re: Craftsman tractor won't roll 2024/04/03 19:18:24 (permalink)
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The parts diagram:
 
https://www.partselect.com/Models/917203900/Manufacturer/200/
 
To get you home so you can dig deeper, Pull the rear wheels off. 
Then remove the KEYWAY on each rear wheel and re-install wheel, (perhaps with some grease)
as the rear wheels will now turn..
 
Once home, check the parking brake pad, they tend to bind when sitting for a long time and just
in general everything referencing the parts diagram...
 
 
...

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Scott
SRTsFZ6
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Re: Craftsman tractor won't roll 2024/04/03 19:19:07 (permalink)
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The parts diagram:
 
https://www.partselect.com/Models/917203900/Manufacturer/200/
 
To get you home so you can dig deeper, pull the rear wheels off. 
Then remove the KEYWAY on each rear wheel and re-install wheel, (perhaps with some grease)
as the rear wheels will now turn W/o being "connected" to the transmission..
 
Once home, check the parking brake pad, they tend to bind when sitting for a long time and just
in general everything referencing the parts diagram...
post edited by SRTsFZ6 - 2024/04/03 19:20:10

Scott
Dawgn86
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Re: Craftsman tractor won't roll 2024/04/04 09:28:57 (permalink)
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Thank you for the tip; probably the easiest way to do that by myself is to take out the wheel key so it will roll.
 
I don't think this transaxle has an external parking brake, but will keep checking.
SRTsFZ6
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Re: Craftsman tractor won't roll 2024/04/04 10:07:26 (permalink)

Scott
Dawgn86
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Re: Craftsman tractor won't roll 2024/04/13 20:13:24 (permalink)
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So I went and got the lawn tractor today. Was able to get in in freewheel and rolled onto my trailer.
I checked plugs, oil level, etc, I took off the shroud and blew out about ten pounds of mice nest and dirt.
 
I hooked a jump pack to it and it started up after a few seconds. I drove it around the yard some and it stalled and sputtered some after jumping it back off. I have the batter on charge now.
 
The deck belt is a tangled mess. I will take the deck off tomorrow and  be sure the belt is routed correctly.
 
It does have the CVT transmission. I have blow it off as much as i can get to as the fuel tank is directly under the seat. Is there a way to really get to the transmission without dropping it out of the tractor?
 
Thanks
SRTsFZ6
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Re: Craftsman tractor won't roll 2024/04/14 14:36:47 (permalink)
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Looks like the unit is bolted to the frame:
https://www.partselect.com/Models/917203900/Manufacturer/200/Sections/Ground-Drive/?ModelID=7657660&ModelNum=917203900&mfgModelNum=&ManufactureID=200&Selected=66B277A9B1562E2B48F7BCDBED0173BFC81C8733&Position=5&mfg=Craftsman&Type=Lawn%20Tractor&Mark=5
 
I'd jack it up and blow out with compressed air all the crap.  
 
Remove the deck so you can check spindles, idlers, etc. 
With all the rodents, I'd check the wiring harness's very closely for 
damage.  
 
Being you drove it a bit, I gather the trans is working alright, just the engine needing some love?
 
.

Scott
Dawgn86
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Re: Craftsman tractor won't roll 2024/04/15 08:16:02 (permalink)
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This weekend, I drained the old gas and put in fresh. Changed fuel filter, air filter and plugs. I took the carb off and cleaned it. I blew pounds of mouse nest, dirt, etc off of the engine, behind the carb, etc. The engine is running like a top now! I put the deck belt back on correctly and the blades engaged nicely. The deck hanger was missing a clip which caused the deck to swing back and forth, but fixed that. I cut suprisingly well. It does have a screeching / whining noise shifting into reverse.
 
I did take a half hour and blow compressed air over the transmission again blowing out pounds of dirt, straw chunks.
I have two axle seals ordered and a blade clutch cable ordered. Going to pull off the deck and go over all the pulleys and blade mandrels and clean further back on the transmission.
 
It will go into free wheel mode now about half the time when i pull out the lever. I sprayed some WD-40 on the action.
Dawgn86
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Re: Craftsman tractor won't roll 2024/04/18 09:28:19 (permalink)
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Latest update:
 
i put in two axle seals, leveled the deck. Yesterday while mowing, the variable speed transmission belt broke either by old age or binding on something. I have one ordered.
 
Question is, do you have to take out the transmission assembly to put this belt on? My gas tank is right under the seat and taking the fenders off looks to be a big job.
 
Thanks
SRTsFZ6
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Re: Craftsman tractor won't roll 2024/04/18 14:29:18 (permalink)
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yes part #2...that belt broke
SRTsFZ6
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Re: Craftsman tractor won't roll 2024/04/18 17:28:19 (permalink)
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I don't know off hand (never did one) however as it's a "wear item" I'd suspect you could replace it W/O pulling the transmission.  
 
Obviously the belt guard / guide has to come off.  
 
Start by seeing if there's room to access from the top, again, I'd guess there would be.
Keep pulling parts off (use the parts diagram for reference), till you have clear access.
 
Take your time, take pic's, etc.  It got put there, you can replace it...
 
You may want (with the deck off in any case), see if it's easier to 
jack up the machine and lower the rear end..  
 
There may be a You Tube on it, or similar, checking that may help...
 
.
 

Scott
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Re: Craftsman tractor won't roll 2024/04/19 12:22:33 (permalink)
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Thanks 
 
Big issue is the fuel tank is located directly under the seat; if it would come out easily, it would be simple. That way looks like taking off the fenders and a bunch of other stuff.
 
I think i'm going to take my time, drop the transmission and go from there.
 
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Re: Craftsman tractor won't roll 2024/04/19 14:47:40 (permalink)
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Please post back how it goes...
 
.

Scott
Dawgn86
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Re: Craftsman tractor won't roll 2024/04/21 18:10:56 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby SRTsFZ6 2024/04/22 07:50:00
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well after looking it over, i did take one of the back plates off, and was able to pull my fuel tank out that way, giving me access to transmission. Did a lot of cleaning with compressed air and was able to change the variable drive belt(from Amazon). Got it all back together and did some test driving. Working pretty good; thought i smelled rubber burning but that went away ( it may have been from new spray paint on exhaust). It makes a slight squeal sound when barely creeping along, but it goes away if you touch the brake / clutch pedal. I'm sure there is an adjustment for it.
 
not a bad job to do; took maybe 1.5 hrs. Assuming this holds up, I have a blade clutch cable coming to replace along with a few other small things. 
post edited by Dawgn86 - 2024/04/22 11:24:49
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