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

Subject: MTD 8.5 hp tecumseh, 26"  Model 31AE6GLF722

We're anticipating another significant snow fall here in the Boston area tomorrow.  I went out to gas up and check out the snow throwers to ensure they'd be ready.  I attempted to move the MTD and she wouldn't roll . ..  felt like it's stuck in gear even though there is no neutral.  The machine is twelve months old, only been used a couple of times.

I did start the machine.  There is no drive motion even when the drive lever is depressed.

I've got the main access cover off the bottom.  Can't see anything out of order but am not familiar with these machines.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Hi, I although it's been three years, did you ever get a resolution to this issue? I've had the same problem, but today is the first time the machine hasn't been able to move after being started and put into gear.

You must have something rusted, or jammed . Take your cover off , flip your unit on its housing and try and turn the wheels by hand. Look at your chain or drive gear . your friction disk should NOT be touching your friction disc. If it is look for why?

Sometimes my old MTD can have trouble shifting speeds (almost feels frozen at times) if the grease on the shifting mechanism or the shafts that the friction wheel slides on is dried out or missing. Sorry if I don't have any pictures, but if you flip the machine up onto the bucket & remove the service panel you can see the affected parts as you move the speed selector handle. No insult intended, but as you are lubing things up, just be sure not to get any grease or oil on the friction plate or the rubber friction wheel.

Cheers