I have a 42" Murray riding mower, recently I had to replace a tire ( I don't think this has anything to do with my problem ) so I jacked it up, and the wheels wouldn't turn - it was in gear. I put it in neutral.. and the rear wheels spun just fine. Tire replaced, cranked it up... and put it in gear - it does nothing - does not move.

The drive belt IS in place. Not broken or off the pullies... the break DOES remove tension form the belt... But if you put it in gear, it does not move, BUT you can push it as IF it were in neutral... as a matter of fact, if you put the 'parking break' on (by depressing the break and pulling the pin to hold the pedal down. It will still roll freely. Whether IN gear or IN neutral.

The linkage from the shift lever IS moving the rod that goes into the gear box... so it appears as though everything mechanical is working up to the gearbox. But it was running FINE before I had to change the tire. It is NOT related - I just mention it because the tire went flat AS I was in gear... I backed it up to get in place... the gearbox WAS working and then - without any warning - nothing...

Im not mr. fit-it, but I'll try some medium difficult tinkering... any help??