Self-propelled mower won't freely roll forward when engine off 

You should tell people that if that washer comes off there are two little notches that need to be lined up or when you tighten the wheel back on the washer shatters like mine did. I notched a metal washer and fixed it. Thanks for the video though it helped a lot

My problem exactly. I don't think I would have found this specific issue without knowing this mechanism showcased in this video. Now both wheels work!

From day 1 I could never push the mower forward with the mower not running and always had to lift my RWD so only the front wheels were on the ground. I figured my next lawn mower would be a front wheel drive so I could pivot on the rear wheels to maneuver when not running. Your video description explained my problem exactly. After taking a look I found both gears were put on backwards and I never had power assist to begin with. What thru me off is that when I put a block under the lawn mower the rear wheels did spin in the right direction but no power to drive the mower as I could stop the wheels from rolling with my toe. I had replaced the transmission figuring that was the problem but the old problem continued. What an easy fix to a long term problem. My old transmission was most likely in good condition. Thank you for posting the video.

Great video. My Toro model 20017 has been running strong for 17 years. The rear wheel retaining clip and washer on my mower sheared off recently making only one wheel spin. Your video really helped me out especially how the gear works in the opposite direction you think it should.

Thanks for the vid. Good info. On my Toro, dust cover had to go on before the pinion gear. It’s an older model that I restored, 20005. Thanks again.

Thanks I changed the transmission on my mower and couldn’t get the wheels to “lock” in the fwd rotation. After watching your video I discovered the replacement tranny/axle did not have the spring for the key way. Removed springs from old axle and installed. My 13 year old toro runs like new again! Thanks again!

AWESOME vid!! Mine wouldn't roll forward and after watching your video, my 2004 Toro runs great!! Thanks!!!

Grease attracts dirt like a magnet on this system and causes even more problems. It's best to use a dry lubricant if possible after cleaning up the parts and making sure that key is not getting stuck because of rust. I pull the spring out and clean that as well. A drop of light oil helps keep that working.

Thanks i gotta buy you a beer!

Just the fix i was looking for. Much thanks.

Good video, stays on point very helpful.

My Toro's front wheels are the ones with power. And it's a front wheel that locks-up when pushed forward. The self-propelled mode and going backwards is no problem but pushing it forward is difficult when a wheel is locked up..

I think it's the same problem with front drive. Ill check this out this weekend ❤❤

Thank you so much!!!

Great job. Thanks..

That’s for the video. Dose anyone know which way the axle supposed to turn when engaged?

I have a front drive toro. The drive shaft has holes in the end for shooting grease into the spring and key slot. I just found out about this

Very helpful thank you

You have the right idea there but there should be a coating of grease on all those parts after a good cleaning. I fix mowers like this all the time and see the same condition over and over. Once every two years should prevent wear and make it trouble free.

Very helpful

I have a lawn-boy the transmission is driving me nuts. Off to the garage to get busy, thanks.

Thanks 🙏

Good video, thanks for the help. That drive gear can go on the axle either way so make sure it's turning counterclockwise before bolting on the wheel. (Don't ask me how I know...d'oh)

I did that on my toro recycle front wheel and it didn’t work, still lock wen I go forward whit the engine off

I agree with others.. Keyway, sprockets and axle could have used good ole wheel bearing grease for longer lube life.

You still have mower?

Im having similar problem with my FWD toro..... Front wheel will not roll when engine is not running ... I have to lift front wheels off the ground to move it

Can you tell me what is the model of that mower ...?

Same one I got

Thx for the video, Ill see if it helps my Toro

Why not show how to take off the c clamp on the wheel would’ve been helpful

I would have lube it with graphite powder.

Very Good!... 34🐄🦉🏴‍☠✝

Even though I know this guy has the correct solution/knowhow just listening to him talk makes me feel like he has no idea what he's talking about and that he's just making it up as he goes. 😂

So you are telling me that when I want to pull backwards to line up for the next row of mowing, Im just dragging around dead weight? Scuffing and skidding? Then to hell with self propel. Hello Ego battery.

OMG it's painful listening to you.