My mother has a 2001 Crafstman riding mower...The mower will change gears, if you beat the gear shifter with a hammer. We just replaced a broken gear shifter, but it doesn't help. It has a maintenace free transmission....can we fix this or do we HAVE to replace it?

Kimberly, May 2006

I had the same frustrating problem on mine. If you can get the manual for your mower it should have instructions. Mine gives the following instructions.
Make sure transaxle is in neutral. Loosen 2 locknuts on tie rod.
Turn center rod till gearshift lever falls into neutral lock gate on fender console.
Tighten nuts.

If you like I can e-mail the pics form my manual. My e-mail is
akoornneef@gmail.com

Andy, May 2006