Craftsman mower (not riding) starts fine, blade turns and self-propel turns - but wheels seem to be locked. What can I do??

Kathleen, September 2004

I have a Craftsman 5.5HP 21" Multi-cut push mower, not self propelled. The right front wheel is sticking. I bought a replacement part and when you tighten up the nut that holds on the wheel, it becomes locked just kike the original was doing. It will not turn after about 5 minutes of mowing. Just started after about 10 years of use. Does not make sense to me.

Barry, July 2015

Take the wheels off and check the metal gears on the shaft that drive the wheels. They should turn in one direction and not the other, turn them by hand. If they don't that is your problem. The have to be removed and cleaned and lubed.Then start your mower and check to see if they turn when they are engaged.

JOHN, September 2004