Riding Mower Won’t Move Forward or Reverse (Why + 3 Solutions)

Riding mowers typically make life easier, but they can be a pain from time to time.

For example, maybe your mower won’t move forward or reverse without rhyme or reason. Well, not one that you’re aware of anyway.

So before you take it to the shop, let’s look at the three common causes that may be preventing your riding mower from moving forward or in reverse.

Why Won’t My Riding Mower Go Forward or Reverse? (The Short Answer)

The drive system is the first place to inspect when your mower won’t move forward or reverse. You’ll probably find a problem in the belt, hydrostatic, or friction plate drives.

3 Reasons for a Riding Mower that Won’t Move Forward or Reverse

Here I’ll cover how you can diagnose the drive system’s belt, a potentially disengaged hydrostatic drive, and what could be a worn-down friction plate.

These are all common causes of this issue.

Inspecting the Drive Belt

First, switch off the lawn mower and apply the brake. Then, if you have a drive system with an idler, place the mower in drive. This will put the belt under tension.

With the drive engaged, you can jump off the lawn mower and look at the belt.

The belt should be nice and tight; not too tight but definitely not baggy. If you find you have a slack belt, you’ll need to know the cause.

It could be a problem with the belt itself, the pulleys, or the idler. Therefore, inspect these 3 parts to ensure they function correctly and aren’t damaged.

The most common issue is that the belt has worn out and has stretched.

Checking The Hydrostatic Drive is Engaged

Unknown to some, you can disengage the drive system of a hydrostatic drive. But, if this happens and isn’t reengaged, it will not work when you want to use the lawn mower.

So, look at the lawn mower’s rear or under the seat, locate the disengage lever, and ensure it’s engaged.

Checking the Friction Wheel is in Contact with the Friction Plate

With the lawn mower in drive, the friction wheel and the friction plate should be in firm contact with one another.

If you can spin the friction wheel freely, you know it has worn down and needs replacement.

How to Fix a Riding Mower that Won’t Go Forward or Reverse

Now that you have found why your riding mower won’t go forward or reverse, let’s dig into what you’ll need to get it moving again.

Replacing a Drive Belt

Tools & Parts Required

• Socket Wrench
• Spring Puller
• New Belt

If you discover that the belt is slack, you must replace it. Start by applying the brakes and disconnecting the battery. Then lower the deck as low as it will go.

You’ll need to locate the clutch alignment bracket and use a socket wrench to remove the bolts.

The final obstruction is the clutch power connector. Disconnect the connector and tuck it out of the way.

If the drive belt is loose, then you may be able to lift it over the pulleys. If not, then you’ll need to remove the tensioner spring.

The best way to remove a large spring is with a spring puller. It makes light work and keeps your fingers in the clear. Alternatively, you can use a big set of pliers or grips.

Pull the spring off the tensioner and put it to one side. With the tension out of the drive belt, you’ll be able to remove it.

Now grab your new belt and place it over the pulleys. Next, move the tensioner into place, which will help hold the belt in position. Then, take your spring puller and reinstall the tension spring.

Be careful with your fingers when handling the spring. Once completed, you will have a new drive belt installed. All that remains is to reattach the clutch power and clutch locator bracket.

Replacing a Friction Wheel

Tools & Parts Required.

• Socket Wrench
• Sharp Knife
• Replacement Friction Wheel & Lining

To remove a friction wheel, you’ll first need to remove the mounting nuts using your wrench. Then, lift off the friction wheel.

If your wheel spins while removing the nuts, you may want to try using a second wrench on a second nut simultaneously. You will find this helps stop the wheel from turning.

Grab your replacement wheel and check that there is an internal plastic lining. Sometimes these can be shipped without the internal lining installed or in the wrong length.

If you have to install the lining yourself, ensure that both ends of the lining are touching when you place it inside the wheel. If you need to cut it to length, cut it so that it’s a snug fit and the ends touch.

Finally, take the lawn mower out of drive and reinstall the friction wheel onto the bolts. You can check it’s correctly installed by putting the mower back in drive and ensuring the wheel has firm contact with the friction plate.

Engaging a Hydrostatic Drive

Once you have located the disengage lever, you must check its location. It should be labeled on the lawn mower.

Next, give it a firm pull. If it doesn’t move, give it a push. Once the lever is in the correct position, the hydrostatic drive will be reengaged and ready to drive.

A Few Worthy Mentions When Your Riding Mower Won’t Move Forward or Reverse

If your riding mower won’t move forward or reverse, check to see what the wheels are doing. If they are spinning, you could just be stuck or have a flat tire.

On the other hand, it could be something simple, like forgetting to release your break. Trust me. You wouldn’t be the first.

Alternatively, you could be caught up in something like an old tree stump or a garden hose. Even a large stick in the pulleys and belt will stop your riding mower from moving forward or reverse.