My Craftsman 21 HP, riding mower, Model 917.271631, is very hard to shift. Is there anyway that I can do, short of loading it up and taking it to a repair shop? I have the manual and have yet to determine the remedy. Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.

Richard, [email protected]

Hi,
I am about to ask something that will sound unusual. Did you adjust the brake recently? Like just before this started happening? I will explain; if the brake is adjusted and happens to grip before the belt has tension released, it stops the gears with pressure against each other that must be defeated to shift. Loosening the adjustment a bit would be called for in that case.
There is no adjustment, per se, on the clutching system; it can have parts where out and do the same thing.
Peace,
Clarke