Westwood 1012h ride mower

SOURCE: MTD PRO RIDING MOWER/LAWN TRACTOR 18 HP ENGINE HYDROSTATIC DRIVE

In the back of the mower...probably under the seat, there should be a lever to release the transmission, or it is on the back plate. As far as the noise when trying to move drive the mower, the brake in the back, next to the transmission is jammed, use a 1/2 inch wrench to loosen it maybe 1/4 turn and this should unlock the brakes

SOURCE: I have a Stanley 17.5 hp 42

Sounds like its slipping..
Have you checked the hydro fluid ?
Are there any leaks ?
Could be an adjustment in the pedal..
Look at all the pedal linkage and you might find some adjustment there..
Or - maybe a moving part is waring out in the linkage..

Hope this helps !!
rate me good ;o)

SOURCE: Hydrostatic transmission doesn't turn drive wheels anymore

It sounds like the oil in transaxle is degraded.The transaxle is supposed to be a sealed unit requiring no service but over time the oil will get dirty enough to cause problems like you are describing.Remove the back hitch plate and look at the transaxle it will have a rubber vent hose or a 1/4 Allen wrench fitting on top. You will need to purchase a battery suction bulb from sears automotive and use it to remove as much oil from transaxle as possible. Warm the transaxle up first by running it around,then suction the oil out.Refill with a good synthetic motor oil 15w-50 or 20w-50 like Amsoil or Mobil 1.Do not use transmission fluid or hydraulic fluid. When adding the new oil back fill it to within 1.5 in from the top,be sure to allow this amount of air space in top of transaxle for expansion.

Testimonial: "This procedure was worth trying, but did not solve my problem. I suspect that there is some other reason my transmission does not drive the wheels."

SOURCE: replace transmission belt on my 42" MTD Mower

You can download a manual here:

http://manuals.mtdproducts.com/mtd/public/list.jsp

You will need the model & serial numbers.

SOURCE: Husqvarna, GTH2454T Hydrostatic power loss.

If it's like mine the transmission is sealed and cannot be serviced. A local repair shop told me most likely the problem isn't with the transmission but rather the engine pulley is worn. He said if sand or debris gets between the belt and the pulley which has a definite "V" shape to it that it will wear down to a "U" shape. Now mine has a foot clutch on the left side so he had me pull back on the pedal which manually tightens the belt. I did this and it works like a champ. This winter I'll change the pulley.