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

Old 7HP Ariens shifter always goes from N into R just fine, and will always go into forward speed 1 but sometimes has a lot of resistance or gets stuck before going to 2, 3 and 4.  Once it's in the faster speed settings it advances and retreats just fine - it's like there's a bump in the road shifting sometimes and only upwards between speeds 1 and 2.

The hexagonal shaft with the rubber wheel is lubed, the joints on the shift rod wiggle just fine, the shifter handle slides on it's housing just fine; what could be causing it to bind?

Just to add to jrtrebor's comment. There will be wear in the first connection under the shifter where it makes the first connection to the rod that goes down to the frame area. Look closely at that connection for a rounded out condition.  If it is worn, and you plan to keep the machine just replace that connection;  either the shifter and or the rod going down.