I have a Troy-Bilt Pony, 17.5hp, 8-Speed, 42" Lawn Tractor. At start of the season, started mowing and after approx. 45 minutes, the mower just stopped moving. I disengaged the blades, tried to change speed, direction, and every time I released the clutch/brake pedal, the engine pulley would start burning the engine belt. I can't tell if it's a problem with the transmission or the speed control pulleys. I took the mower apart to inspect pulleys, belts, springs, transmission lever and found nothing wrong (save for light damage and burn marks on the belt), shot some lubricant (silicone) into all moving parts and joints, the bolt going into the transmission that changes gear, and the bottom of the bearing cup on the speed control. I put it back together and it worked again... for about 30 minutes and then stopped moving again.:mad: I can do the work myself if I knew what was the problem piece, but I can't do that with the engine off, and I can't test it when it's taken apart... or can I. Please help! Thanks!

The problem is the belt that drives the transmission which in turn also drives the wheels If that is not the problem there is a number on the manual that u can and should most likely call and ask if they know what the problem is.there is a way to take the body off but make sure that you unscrew the panel with the switches, nobs, and levers is proped up when body istaken off