Craftsman 917.288525, rear wheels won't roll?

[dart451]

Hmm, working on a Crafstman tractor. Starts fine, transmission seems to work fine but I cannot seem to push it manually in neutral with the tranny wire pulled out and locked in the rear. The rear wheels seem to be locked. I checked the linkage of the wire to the tranny and it's moving the tab properly. Any thoughts on the matter gentlemen?

[KE4AVB]

Raise both rear wheel off the ground and try turning them. If they do then it is likely the brake is not releasing fully.

[dart451]

Thank you KE4AVB...I'll give that a try this morning. Do you mean if they also don't turn when the wheels are raised, it might be a brake not releasing?

[KE4AVB]

If off the ground the wheel should spin just in opposite directions of each other due spider gears. Still could a hydro bypass problem but I seen most for the brakes to stick and hydro can over power them and move just like a manual transaxle can though it can be a strain to do so.