Problems On My John Deere STX30

[55Belairman]

Hi all, I was given a John Deere STX#) a couple years ago, with the intention of making it into a go cart. Well, it was in such good shape, I just couldn't cut it up. I went through the whole mower, and got it running. It really does a good job of cutting my lawn. A couple Sundays ago, I was cutting my back yard, and needed to put it into reverse. The selector handle didn't feel the same as it had always felt. It seemed to have dropped to it's lowest position. Usually, I have to push it down, to make another selection. I moved it to the reverse position, but the tractor wouldn't move backwards. I then, moved it to a low forward position, and it moved forward. I tried the reverse again several times, but it wouldn't move back at all. Finally, it wouldn't even go forward. I shut off the engine, and then it wouldn't start. It just make a faint noise. (The battery is new, and is fully charged.) I then tried to push the mower, but it seemed stuck in one of the gears. I moved the lever to the reverse position, and it freed up, and I was able to push it. While I was inspecting it, I found a spring, that wasn't attached to anything on one end. (see photo) Does anyone have an idea where this spring goes. A photo of one that is connected on both ends would be very helpful. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[beenthere]

Welcome to TBN

Photo is good but is too close up to know just what part of this machine you/we are looking at.

Would suggest, since you are into this machine so far, that you get the service tech manual to assist in the future.

Have you been to JD parts and located that spring and its part number ?

For example, there is a spring that shows up in a schematic from JD parts that is key #17 in jdparts (choice of 4).

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/26675/referrer/navigation/pgId/972627

 

[55Belairman]

Welcome to TBN

Photo is good but is too close up to know just what part of this machine you/we are looking at.

Would suggest, since you are into this machine so far, that you get the service tech manual to assist in the future.

Have you been to JD parts and located that spring and its part number ?

For example, there is a spring that shows up in a schematic from JD parts that is key #17 in jdparts (choice of 4).

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/26675/referrer/navigation/pgId/972627

I am sorry beenthere, the photo is the tray that the battery sits on, under the seat. The spring I am wondering about is at the bottom of the photo. Part of the transmission selector lever is seen just below the round coiled part of the spring. Thank you for responding. I have considered buy the manual you referred to, but I first wanted to try a couple of these forums for help.

 

[Richard001]

I don't know what the purpose of that spring, but I think the problem of your tractor not moving is because the tranny is shot.

However, that does not explain why the engine will not start.

Richard

 

[55Belairman]

I hope that is not the case Richard001. I believe that something got misaligned, and the starter doesn't know that the selector is in neutral. I think I will try to start it with the selector in the reverse position.. Thank you for your responce.