this tractor runs fine but at the end of last season it started to jerk like it was only engaging part of the time (going up hills were particularly challenging). I'm not really sure were to start. I've checked all of the belts and linkage and all seems fine. at this point it won't move in any gear. This is a craftsman lt 1000 M#917.271652 w/ a 6 spd manual transmission. any info would be great?

dan, May 2007

Transmission won't engage

Jack, May 2012

My neighbor just gave me one for free. After looking it over I decided to take off the drawbar in the back and take a look. What I found was a very loose pulley.Next I removed the pulley very carefully NOTE there is a small half moon key on the shaft that the pulley rides on. After removing the pulley it was clear what the problem was. There looks like a special washer that goes on first followed by a snap ring than put half moon key on pulley shaft,than put on pulley carefully. Next go to owners manual to see what you need to secure the top of pulley. Not having a manual myself but have ordered one should be running soon. This may help you may not, But always remember if you take your time taking equipment apart you"ll do fine getting it back together at a fraction of the cost. GOOD LUCK

LAWN RANGER, May 2008

I'm having the same problem with a year old LT1000. Seems like this is a problem with this tractor.

Ted, May 2007

Dan,
Take a look at this Forum:
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/tractor/msg0811030016790.html

Looks like the Sears LT1000 is kind of cheap, I'm going to try to fix mine or geat Sears to take a look at it.
good luck, this will likely be my last Sears tractor....
Andrew

Andrew, May 2007

I have the same model and mine also "slips" when going up hill or with any resistance. I'm pretty sure this is the transmission as I can hear it making a whinning noise which is not coming from the belts. I'll let you know if I find any solutions as I search the Interent

Andrew, May 2007