2nd owner so I must fix myself. Its a model 834. I have already replaced the belt nothing changed. The wheels turn when I lift it off the ground but do not pull when the mower is put back down. Please help – I am pretty handy and can fix most things.
Bilt 5.5hp Self Propelled Mower

Experienced gardeners share their insights in answering this question :
Do you have the complete model number from the data tag on the mower frame? there are two typical systems for these machines, both require the belt to be tight and not slipping at the crank shaft, and the pulley on the trans-axle to not be slipping on its shaft, the older style trans axle uses a belt tensioner system to tighten the belt and turn the pulley, i.e. if the pulley turns then the axle should too. this can be checked by hand with the axle and belt removed. the second system is a clutch style axle that has a constantly tight belt and uses a small cable controlled lever on the transmission housing to engage a drive clutch inside the transaxle, if moving the lever forward doesn’t cause the axle to turn as the pulley and shaft are turning the clutch mechanism is usually toast. with both of these systems one should also note whether the axle is turning inside the wheels when they are on the ground, the over running clutch sprags inside the drive gears could be stuck causing the wheels to turn without resistance applied, but stall when in contact with the ground.while inspecting the trans axle note any wobble or free play in the axles or input shaft, this will indicate a worn case or bearing, resulting in a slipping gear in the trans axle.

How to Identify and Fix Common Gardening Problems ?

We provide a variety of viewpoints on how to identify and fix common gardening problems. Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced gardeners :

The traction control cable might be broken or misadjusted. Check the traction control cable to determine if it moves freely. If the control cable does not move freely, try squirting a small amount of oil into the end of the cable to lubricate it. If lubricating the traction control cable is not effective, replace it.
The self-propel system on a Troy-Bilt lawnmower is relatively simple. It uses a small transmission connected to a pulley, which in turn connects to a pulley on the engine`s driveshaft. It uses a small Kevlar belt to connect the two pulleys together. The biggest issue with the self-propel system is belt slippage.
Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn`t work, you might need a new fuel filter.
Grinding gears, starting and stopping during operation, and the wheels not rotating with the pulley are common signs that your mower`s transmission is breaking down.
So can you push a self-propelled lawnmower? You can push a self-propelled lawnmower, it won`t damage the transmission in any way. However, it may be difficult to do so, self propelled mowers are a little heavier than a regular push mower.
Can Self-Propelled Mowers Be Used As A Push Mower? Yes. You can totally turn your self-propelled lawn mower into a push machine. There are times when users prefer the extra exercise of a push device, or they want to move freely with the mower in the garden.
Why Is Your Lawn Mower Pull Cord Hard To Pull? Your lawn mower pull cord hard to pull is because of the way you pull the cord, the area where your mower is located when you are trying to start it, because it has a blade obstruction, or because of a starter mechanism-related issue.
How Long Do Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Last? A self-propelled mower should last eight years or more, depending on how often it`s used. (Most manufacturers rate their mowers for a set number of service hours.) There`s no significant difference in the service life of a self-propelled mower versus a standard push model.
This FLEX power base is a 208cc OHV, all-season 4-cycle engine. The rugged Latch `n LockTM system has endured the Troy-Bilt test of quality, with hundreds of hours of accelerated use and is fully integrated with a self-propelled transmission for easy operation.
A Dirty Carburetor Can Cause a Lawnmower To Start Then Die

By far, the most common issue that causes a stalled motor is a dirty carburetor. The carburetor on your engine is the thing that draws in air and mixes it with the fuel. Contrary to what the movies might make you think, gasoline itself is not very flammable.

Fuel. Most small engine problems are fuel related, so that`s the first thing to check.
Touch the metal shaft of a screwdriver to both of the large terminals at the same time. If the engine turns over and starts, the solenoid is bad and should be replaced. If the starter motor does not run, the motor itself is probably defective.
How Long Do Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Last? A self-propelled mower should last eight years or more, depending on how often it`s used. (Most manufacturers rate their mowers for a set number of service hours.) There`s no significant difference in the service life of a self-propelled mower versus a standard push model.
How Long Do Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Last? A self-propelled mower should last eight years or more, depending on how often it`s used. (Most manufacturers rate their mowers for a set number of service hours.) There`s no significant difference in the service life of a self-propelled mower versus a standard push model.
So can you push a self-propelled lawnmower? You can push a self-propelled lawnmower, it won`t damage the transmission in any way. However, it may be difficult to do so, self propelled mowers are a little heavier than a regular push mower.

Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Troy-built 21″ mower – self propel problem. From my research it seems like a manufacturer problem that was availiable thru a claim but I am the 2nd owner so I must fix myself. Its a model 834. I have already replaced the belt nothing changed. The wheels turn when I lift it off the ground but do not pull when the mower is put back down. Please help – I am pretty handy and can fix most things.
ANSWER : Do you have the complete model number from the data tag on the mower frame? there are two typical systems for these machines, both require the belt to be tight and not slipping at the crank shaft, and the pulley on the trans-axle to not be slipping on its shaft, the older style trans axle uses a belt tensioner system to tighten the belt and turn the pulley, i.e. if the pulley turns then the axle should too. this can be checked by hand with the axle and belt removed. the second system is a clutch style axle that has a constantly tight belt and uses a small cable controlled lever on the transmission housing to engage a drive clutch inside the transaxle, if moving the lever forward doesn’t cause the axle to turn as the pulley and shaft are turning the clutch mechanism is usually toast. with both of these systems one should also note whether the axle is turning inside the wheels when they are on the ground, the over running clutch sprags inside the drive gears could be stuck causing the wheels to turn without resistance applied, but stall when in contact with the ground.while inspecting the trans axle note any wobble or free play in the axles or input shaft, this will indicate a worn case or bearing, resulting in a slipping gear in the trans axle.

My Self-propelled push lawn mower is no longer “self-propelled” while the wheels are on the ground. When not on the ground, the wheels engage but VERY slow.
ANSWER : Try putting new bail one it and see what that dose
9 out of 10 that’s what is

The self propelled just quit working. The front wheels don’t turn by t hemselves anymore. The mower has benn used about 15 times. It is a troybuilt self-propelled 21″ push mower.
ANSWER : Drive cable or drive belt could have broken

How do I take the top off of the mower to replace the pull cord? it looks like it is riveted in place. What kind of a tool do I use for that?
ANSWER : Here is my Tip on this subject that should help:www.fixya.com/support/r10031613-replace_pull_rope_lawn_push_mowerGood Luck!Jim

I have a zero turn Yard Man 42 inch mower, it stops running when I am mowing ,it acts like a safty switch, when it stops the mower starts up again.
ANSWER : It could be a problem in your seat safety switch. You can enter your model number here: www.mtdparts.com and see a schematic.

How to replace the handle lever? – Toro Lawn Boy Self Propelled CARB Walk Power Mower
ANSWER : The handle just sits in a hole you should be able to pop it out fairly easy.

Drive wheels wobble – Mtd Yard – Man 160cc, 21" Self – Propelled Lawn Mower
ANSWER : Lowes or home depot have replacement ones

Self propelled feature stopped functining. I previously replaced the wheels after the gears had worn down. Now I can’t get any response to engaging the self-propelled cable.
ANSWER : Have you checked the drive belt? There should be a belt running from the main shaft (above blade) out to the wheel drive. You didn’t list model number but I’m assuming it’s front wheel drive. There should be a cover over this belt so it might be hard to see from underneath. Also there should be a cover on top going to the drive transmission. If the belt is OK, check to be sure lever is moving the transmission lever.