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petelg

no reverse on Ariens rideing mower

petelg
9 years ago

Hi. I have a 2013, 42" cut, Automatic Ariens rideing mower...Model A21A42. My 89 year old fater has been trying to help cut grass..I don't know what actally what he did to it but it will not go into reverse. I jacked it up but couldn't see anything visible..I unhooked the linkage from the shifter to see if I could shift it by hand. I could and hooked the linkage back up. but still didn't want to go into reverse..I giggles and played with the shifter and eventually got the wheels to go into reverse...Although it seemed to be sluggish and turn slower..Could something be stregthed from him not shifting properly?...Any help would be appreciated...Pete

Comments (7)

  • tomplum
    9 years ago

    Possible that the hydro arm itself had gotten bent and it isn't travelling far enough rearward? I would check that the tow valve is in the proper position too. Does this model have a cruse control tab on the dash?

  • petelg
    Original Author
    9 years ago

    Thanks for getting back to me...Now I have a couple of stupid questions...I'm not the best mechanic in the world...just like trying to fix things myself...Sometimes I'm sucessful and sometimes...not...lol. Anyway...I need a diagram or something...What is the "hydro arm" and the "tow valve"..That sounds reasonable though...No.. no cruse control..Thanks again for helping me...Pete. If you have any information on a parts list diagran for this transmission I'd appreciate it..My e-mail is rebel18@rocketmail.com if thats easier to send to...Thanks....Pete

  • HU-520099457
    3 years ago

    Sounds about right ...

    keep own in the dark & feed him a bunch of sh.... jargon to put him off !!

  • HU-520099457
    3 years ago

    Poor guy ... Only 6 years ago and still in the dark !!!

    things made so hard too troubleshoot without $$$ or just buy more Chinese trouble & hope for the best

  • PRO
    w3somrat
    3 years ago

    Reasons a Riding Lawn Mower Won't Go Forward or Reverse

    Riding lawn mowers provide a means for homeowners to efficiently and evenly cut large tracks of lawn without all the backbreaking labor. These machines have many similar components to automobiles, and as such can encounter similar problems that may impact performance and the ability to drive forward or in reverse. Regular maintenance of your riding mower is required to keep it running in top shape.



    Battery/Carburetor Problems

    A dead or failing battery may keep your riding mower from moving in any direction. A weak battery may have enough power to start the mower but not enough to drive it. As a result, a lawn mower may start successfully but shut down once power demand on the engine increases. In riding mowers that use carburetors, gasoline to air mixtures can become too lean or too rich if the component is damaged, resulting in stall outs and engine damage when attempting to drive the mower forward or reverse it.

    Clogged Fuel/Air Filters

    Air and fuel filters for riding mowers can become clogged and negatively impact performance. A blocked fuel filter can keep gasoline from flowing to your mower's engine in adequate supply, resulting in a lawn mower that isn't drivable. Damaged or clogged air filters also can prevent your lawn mower from going forward or in reverse simply because the engine will overheat quickly. Your mower's engine may become permanently damaged if these filters are not regularly changed.

    Transmission Failure

    Problems with your mower's transmission can lead to an inability to shift gears, which may prevent your riding mower from driving forward or in reverse. The mower could also become stuck in one gear due to transmission failure or damage. Leaks in the fluid reservoir or any transmission lines can also cause shifting problems. The problem can cascade to engine components, such as sticking valves and pistons, if not adequately repaired.

  • Kenneth Baker
    3 years ago

    Same here

  • Marcus Simmon
    last year

    I adjusted the tension on the transaxle drive belt. That's the small belt on the transmission