Craftsman YTS3000

[DonaldF]

I have a Craftsman YTS 3000 which is about 15 yrs old and starts and ran fine up until last week. The tractor starts fine but will not go forward or reverse. I'm familiar with engaging and disengaging the transmission from the rear (for pushing when engine is not running) and the emergency brake is off.
When I start the tractor up and put it in forward or reverse you hear a wrenching sound but it will not move. Last week when this happened I let the tractor sit and the next day it ran fine. Well last night the same happened so I let it sit. I tried again today to no avail! It smells like something is burning.
I haven't located a dipstick or bolt to remove to see if there is any transmission fluid in the tractor..... ANY SUGGESTIONS???

 

[mjw357]

Not familiar with the machine, but have you stuck your head underneath to check for a broken drive belt?

 

[DonaldF]

yes, drive belt is ok? thanks!

 

[bp fick]

Sounds an awful lot like the hydro drive unit has worked it's last day.

 

[Dave M7040]

I looked at on line owner's manual.
In troubleshooting section under "no drive," in addition to broken belt it mentions axle key missing or broken.

The axle key is a rectangular section of steel, perhaps 3/16" x 3/16" x 2" which slides between the axle and rear wheel hub to lock the axle to the wheel hub thus propelling the tractor.

Do you have the manual?

If not go to this site and select "open manual in new window."

Craftsman YT 3 Owners Manual

This key could be sheared off or have fallen out. The axle would turn but the wheel would have no drive.

No drive on one wheel means no drive on both rear wheels.

you would find info on hydro lub checking etc as well.

Dave M7040

 

[Oldtractorfixer]

I would recheck that belt and make sure everything is turning and lined up as it should. The smell says the belt is most likely slipping for some reason. The reason could be a seized transmission or it could be something else.

 

[bp fick]

Those hydro units on Craftsman stuff are normally non serviceable or at least never intended to be serviceable. Not unique. Dave M7040 guidance is worth checking out. I've about 12 or 13 years on my old Craftsman Yard tractor and I'm amazed the hydro is still working. The part can be swapped out, of course, but the decision is a tough one when you know the deck, engine and everything else has so many hours on it. Tough call, at least it would be for me.