[bigdaddybenz]

Hi guys!!!

I have a MINT Craftsman 917.257470, 12 HP, 39" deck lawn tractor.

When I shift it into REVERSE, nothing happens.....There are no grinding noises, no vibrations, nothing, but it simply will not respond.

ALL other forward speeds work flawlessly.

I find this odd because being a former Mercedes Benz Master Technician, my mechanical apptitude tells me that when a transaxles FAILS, all gear range should be affected.

Mind you, just based upon what I've read, it seems that these models are notorious for internal shifter problems, often as a result of operators attempting to shift gears while the tractor is in motion.....btw, this is a belt driven transaxle.

My question is: has anyone experienced ONLY losing REVERSE???

Is this a common problem with this model???


Thanks in advance

 

[Brad]

I have never personally heard of this, but there's a first time for everything. I wonder if the linkage could be adjusted and fix your problem?

 

[bigdaddybenz]

Thanks for the reply, Brad.

Did some research, this unit has a Forte-Dana 4360 transaxle

Transmission won't move in certain gears.
• Teeth are cleaned off of input/output gears. This happens when you "dump the clutch" when taking off. Also, changing gears without completely clutching will damage the gears.

From the above I suspect that I'll be disassembling and replacing parts.

Will follow up with pictures and results.....might even make a video of the process

 

[JohnBob]

18 HP 42" Mower

Hi guys,

I have model 917.272751 - 18 HP 42" deck with a similar problem. No reverse but 4th thru 6th are OK. No grinding noise but very hard to move gear shift. I got lazy when I went to start up and moved the tractor without depressing the clutch! I have tried to adjust the linkage without success. How does one determine what internal parts are needed and what their costs might be? I mowed my lawn last without using the reverse so I could continue that unless I lose forward as well.

 

[JohnBob]

18 HP 42" Mower

I found my manual. The transaxle is very complicated but it looks like a lot of fun to repair. I think I'll wait until the tractor doesn't move.

 

[Grrrrr609]

I had a Craftsman with the same issue. By the time I got it all sorted out I was gonna have to replace the whole transmission. Ended up trading two craftsman tractors for a truck with a bad transmission, which turned into a lawn ornament because i never had time to work on it. Oh well, gave the truck away. Less junk means more yard to mow on my John Deere.

 

[bwdbrn1]

Will follow up with pictures and results.....might even make a video of the process

We'll look forward to your follow up. Pictures and videos are always appreciated.