I have a Craftsman front wheel self propelled mower. The front wheels no longer turn either in self-propel or in manual push mode. What can be done to fix this?

Cathy, there is a way to adjust belt tension on some models whether it is by the cable or a slotted bracket where the idler wheel is mounted, depends on make and model. If you have your manual check in it for belt adjustment. Could be stretched belt, stretched cable, worn/oil on pulley, seized tensioner, stretched/broken spring on tensioner,etc.
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Leave aside all the puffery about 3-1 and such, you described a front wheel drive (pull) walk-behind (FWD), but are asking why the rear wheels won't propel. When you push down the hand grip the front wheels should spin free. Whan you lower from wheels by releasing pressure on hand grips, turning wheels lowered to ground should propel the mower along with its unpowered rear wheels now turning be ground contact. Reminder, never, ever lift rear drive wheels of any mower off the ground while walking behind with engine running:

1. You could be struck by blade propelled object.
2. You could pull mower and spinning blade backward onto your feet.
3. You could lose balance and be pulled forward in a fall.

Contemporary FWD mowers are recognized by a black chain housing on deck top leading from engine to left front of deck. RWD propelling chains are situated underneath deck so cannot be seen from above.

Try reposting with model number. Need to see parts list so we can make decision.

Drive cable or drive belt could have broken

look on craftsmans website and see it they have the wheel or look on partstree.com and they might have it!! have fun!! :)

Is the lever pushed up where the self propelled should be engaged? Yesterday, my wheels stopped turning. I have a break in the cable that goes to the self propelled. I will have to replace the cable.

SOUND LIKE THE TRANS IS WORE OUT

if it is a belt driven drive check the belt for tension or break. or check the cable that engages the drive wheels.

Sears self propelled.......metal gear with plastic wheels.......does ANYONE else think this is ASSINNINE? Typical American cheap azz shyt.

Take off the cover up front on the self propel. Engage the self propel and make sure your cable is not broken. If that is ok then remove the wheels and inspect the molded cogs on the inside of the wheels and make sure they are not stripped out. If they are stripped go to www.sears.com and on the tool bar click on parts direct. Under model number enter yours and it will take you to a parts diagram. Get the part number for the wheels and go to local small engine parts dealer and get new. You can also do a search on the web for the wheels and maybe get them cheaper.

Good luck and let me know if this helps or you need any more help.

roundo4