Why am I able to manually push my riding mower while it is in any gear. It rolls freely. It has a peerless transaxle--model 206-545C. The vehicle always jerked while in low gear. Lately it will not shift to go. All belts, linkages, pulleys are operable and tight. I have it jacked up with the wheels off and the transmission is visible after detaching the rear shield. I am able to start the engine, watch the pulley turn properly. I can manually turn the axle with my hand while the shift lever is in gear. I believe that this can only be done while the unit is in neutral. This all started when I became stuck and I tried rocking the unit back and forth and shifting from gear to gear.
What have I screwed up and how can I possibly fix it?

Nick Belfiore, July 2006

You more than likely broke one or more gears inside the transaxle. It either needs to be rebuilt or you need a new one.

hands, May 2007

I found the answer for anybody else with this problem....when I took the tire and rim off I did not replace the "axle key" in the slotted groove provided on the axle. If this key is not replaced all functions involving shifting will stop...a friendly local mechanic informed me and I am answering my own question form. Go figure.

same, July 2006