There’s nothing quite as frustrating as hopping on your Craftsman riding mower, turning the key, hearing the engine roar to life, and then… nothing happens when you try to put it in gear. You press the pedal or move the lever, but the mower refuses to budge. Before you resign yourself to an expensive service call or a long afternoon of pushing a heavy machine, take a deep breath. Many of the reasons why a Craftsman riding lawn mower will not go into gear are surprisingly simple to diagnose and fix yourself, often without any special tools.
This common issue can stem from a variety of places, but the good news is that most of them are safety-related or involve simple mechanical linkages. Your mower is designed with your safety as the top priority, and many of its systems are interconnected to prevent accidental movement. By following a logical troubleshooting path, you can often identify the culprit behind your stationary mower and get back to your lawn care routine in no time. Let’s walk through the most common causes and their easy fixes.
Start with the Safety Switches
Craftsman mowers are equipped with several safety switches that act as gatekeepers. If any one of them isn’t satisfied, the mower will not engage its transmission. This is the most common place to begin your investigation.
The brake pedal switch is a frequent offender. The mower is designed to only start or go into gear when the brake is fully depressed. If the switch is out of adjustment, loose, or has failed, it won’t send the correct signal. Try rocking the brake pedal with your hand while you try to shift. If it engages, the switch likely needs adjustment or replacement.
Next, check the clutch/brake pedal itself. Ensure it is fully returning to its upright position when you take your foot off. If it’s even slightly engaged, it can prevent the mower from moving. Lubricate the pivot points if the pedal feels sticky or slow to return.
Don’t forget the seat safety switch. This switch ensures the operator is seated before the mower will move or the blades will engage. If the switch is faulty or the connection is loose, the mower thinks no one is there and will refuse to go into gear. Make sure you are sitting firmly in the seat and that the switch under the seat is being properly depressed. You can often locate it and check its connections visually.
Checking the Drive Belt and Pulleys
If all the safety switches check out, the next area to inspect is the drive system. On a riding mower, a single belt typically transfers power from the engine to the transmission. If this belt is broken, stretched, or worn out, it can’t do its job.
With the engine off and the parking brake securely set, take a look at the drive belt. It should be routed around several pulleys. Look for obvious signs of damage like cracks, fraying, or glazing (a shiny, hardened appearance). A belt that is off its pulleys will, of course, render the mower immobile. Also, check the tension of the belt. If it’s too loose, it will slip instead of turning the transmission pulley. Many mowers have an idler pulley with a spring that provides tension; ensure this spring is intact and functioning.
While you’re there, give the pulleys a spin by hand (with the engine off!). They should turn freely without wobbling or making grinding noises. A seized pulley will stop the entire system.
Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower Will Not Go Into Gear: Easy Fixes for the Linkage
Your Craftsman mower uses a series of rods or cables to connect the gear shift lever or drive pedal to the transmission. Over time, these linkages can become bent, loose, or disconnected.
Trace the path from your shift lever or pedal all the way back to the transmission. Look for any loose nuts, bolts, or cotter pins that may have fallen out. A common issue is a simple clevis pin that has worked its way loose and fallen off. If you find a disconnected rod, reconnecting it is often a quick fix.
Also, check for binding. Have a helper slowly move the shift lever or press the drive pedal while you watch the linkage. The movement should be smooth and direct. If a rod is bent or a pivot point is rusty and seized, it won’t transfer the motion correctly. A little lubricant on pivot points can work wonders for a sticky linkage.
When the Problem is the Transmission Itself
While less common, the issue could be internal to the transmission or transaxle. Before assuming the worst, there are two simple things to check first.
First, verify the transmission fluid level. Some Craftsman models, especially those with a hydrostatic transmission, require periodic fluid checks and changes. Locate the transmission dipstick or fill plug (consult your owner’s manual for its location), and check the fluid level. If it’s low, top it up with the type of fluid specified in your manual. Old, contaminated fluid can also cause performance issues, so a fluid change might be in order if it’s been several years.
Second, if your mower has a “release valve” or “freewheel lever” on the transmission, make sure it is in the normal operating position. This lever is used to disengage the transmission for pushing the mower by hand and will prevent it from moving under its own power if it’s accidentally left engaged.
Getting Back on Track
Dealing with a Craftsman riding mower that won’t go into gear can feel like a major setback, but as you’ve seen, the solution is often straightforward. By methodically checking the safety switches, inspecting the drive belt, and ensuring all linkages are connected and moving freely, you can solve the vast majority of these problems. Starting with these simple, no-cost checks can save you time and money, getting you and your mower back to doing what you do best—keeping your lawn looking great.